Annual Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival

BWiFF will be presenting its 15th festival at the Classic Cinemas Elk Grove XQ, located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, from April 27-May 6, 2025.

Every year, the festival exhibits over 30 films from around the globe that compete for a variety of awards that range in genre, production, performance, and audience categories. Each film selected for exhibition and competition is screened in one theater over the course of the festival. Judges experience each film for the first time along with the audience. During the festival's week-long run, filmmakers are encouraged to attend and participate in QandA's moderated by a festival judge and any potential filmmaker panels. Each accepted filmmaker will receive two (2) festival passes.

Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival continues to build a reputation for exhibiting rare and compelling independent films while bridging the gap between the film-goer and the filmmaker.

Schedule of Events:

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: An Autumn Summer + Short Selections

Feature Narrative
Director: Jared Isaac
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

In a magical lake town, one couple and four best friends spend the final month before college chasing an endless summer.

Preceded by

Get Your Line In and Pray
Short Documentary
Director: Jackson Adams
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Every January, 10,000 people descend on Brainerd, Minnesota to compete in the world's largest charitable ice fishing competition. The event impacts nearly every aspect of life in the area for days on end, but perhaps none more than the local bait shop, owned and operated by self-described "crabby old lady" Sherree Wictor. With intimate knowledge of the culture, history, and eccentric clientele the competition brings, Sheree offers her personal opinion of what makes it special - and how to win it.

The Seas Between Us
Short Narrative
Director: Faisal Lutchmedial
Country of Origin: Canada
Language: English

In the mid 1960s, a young girl who has never seen anything but rural Trinidad has her eyes opened to the world when her adventurous Auntie from India comes to visit.

Just Be Awesome
Short Narrative
Directors: Ed Kear, Cringo Williamson
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Language: English

With spiraling debts and a partner at the end of her tether, Alex, a mid 40s freelancer, desperately needs some work. A golden opportunity at an absurdly trendy agency offers a way out. But he's going to have to play their game if he wants to land the role.