9 to 5 The Musical?
Join NWQ Film Expert Karla Nagy as she live blogs and tweets on Friday, Feb. 17, during Beloit International Film Festival’s 7th annual event in Beloit. Join the conversation live on Twitter by contacting @NWQuarterlymag or using the tag #BIFF12.
Friday, Feb. 17, 5 p.m.
The BIFF box office at VisitBeloit is packed with ticket buyers, info seekers and volunteers helping them all.
Alex Allen is a sophomore at Beloit College, majoring in international relations and religious studies. Her BIFF internship allows her to gain experience in dealing with international visitors.
“I won’t be doing anything with film, but because I’m going into international relations, and BIFF is an international festival, I get to meet people from all over the world,” she says.
In the months leading up to the festival, her duties have involved a lot of paper cutting and laminating.
“Now that the festival is here, I also spend time getting to know the filmmakers and making sure they feel comfortable and welcome here in Beloit,” she says.
Allen plans to study abroad during next year’s festival, but she’s enjoyed the experience and will help out again when she’s able.
“It’s been very tiring, but I’ve enjoyed it,” she says.
Friday, Feb. 17, 4 p.m.
Here’s an interview of me with Ron Beaudoin, festival director, and Charles Cunliffe, a filmmaker. Charles tells us a little about his short film, “Sated,” and about his next project, a documentary filmed in Iowa.
Friday, Feb. 17, 1:55 p.m.
I just came from Domenico’s Italian restaurant, where I saw Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America. Very good film. Behind-the-scenes with five contestants. Hopes, aspirations, adversity overcome, friendships, competition, backstabbing, trash-talk — just what you’d expect at a beauty pageant!
I also met Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2012, Beloit resident Kristin Larson, who’s a marketing specialist with Mercy Health System. I was able to video her Q&A with two of my fellow attendees, and then interview her myself about her experience.
Here’s video of Larson chatting with some festivalgoers.
Here’s video of me chatting with Kristin one-on-one:
I had no idea about this competition, or that we had an area entrant in this annual pageant. Having the opportunity to view these types of films and speak with participants is what makes BIFF such a great event.
Off to view another film at Beloit Public Library. Check in for updates!
Friday, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m.
The Filmmakers Hospitality Room for the 7th Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) is abuzz with activity. While filmmakers are interviewed live by a radio DJ, others wait for their time on-air.
Press members, VIP attendees and festival organizers come and go, as volunteers restock beverages and snacks.
Nancy Heidt has been part of the the festival since it began six years ago. She and husband Ken have coordinated volunteers for four years, and Nancy has served on the festival’s board for three.
“My husband and I decided that it was time for a change, so this year we opted to handle hospitality,” she says.
Nancy is a financial adviser at Blackhawk Bank in Beloit, and her husband is a civil engineer. What makes them give up their valuable time to volunteer during the event and serve on the board?
“It’s wonderful for the community,” Nancy says with a big smile. “It’s exciting to see so many new people come to Beloit and discover its
treasures.”
Thursday, Feb. 16
Hey everybody! I’m really stoked about tomorrow! Here’s where I’ll be:
Noon: Defining Beauty: Ms. Wheelchair America at Domenico’s
2:30 p.m.: Living River: The Ganges at Beloit Library
5 p.m.: Wisconsin Supper Clubs at Bushel & Peck’s
7:30 p.m.: Kill Me Now at La Casa Grande
Come see the films, say hi to me and tell me why you like BIFF!
Karla Nagy is a writer/editor/instructor, with a Master of Arts in Film & Literature, a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Education. All degrees were earned at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill.
Tags: beloit, beloit film festival, beloit wisconsin, biff, film, karla nagy