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: The Pantone Guy + Short Selections

The Pantone Guy
Feature Documentary
Director: Patrick Creadon
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

At 96 years old, Larry Herbert, known as "The Pantone Guy," is a visionary whose revolutionary idea to standardize color remains largely unrecognized. Growing up in Depression-era Brooklyn, Larry entered the print and manufacturing trade during a time when color was a chaotic and subjective experience. He channeled his unique vision into creating the Pantone Matching System-a groundbreaking invention that established a universal language for color, profoundly enhancing artistic expression and commercial production across all industries. Directed by Patrick Creadon (Wordplay, Hesburgh), this compelling documentary features an exclusive interview with Larry himself, offering an intimate glimpse into the mind behind Pantone and his enduring impact on how we perceive and use color today.

Preceded by

Triskaidekaphobe
Music Video
Director: Nick Rohr
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Life is full of terrifying peril and dazzling distractions for a lone mosquito just trying to find its place in the world. Music video for the song "Triskaidekaphobe" by Graphics.

CascadesNo Virtual Option Available
Short Narrative
Director: Brian Russell
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A couple walks towards a crossroads on the day of their 30th wedding anniversary. Marcus and Denise have been happily married for 30 years. Well, almost happily married. Can they overcome the one thing that just might tear them apart? They both love Danny, but what happens when parents have radically different takes on what it means to love an adult child? What does it mean to let go of our children?

Audio Description
Short Narrative
Director: Luke J. Salewski
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

After making a wish on his birthday, a lonely visually impaired man finds his world turned upside down by an unexpected encounter.

Water Baby
Short Narrative
Director: Pilar Boehm
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A lonely basketball influencer struggles with competition and building his brand. Ignacio's position as the "face" of his league is upended by the arrival of an alluring new draftee. Lust, fashion, and social media technology drive this exploration of obsession, stalking, and status.