Film fest trying to bring communities together
BELOIT — Filmgoers Unite! You have nothing to lose but the ridiculous and inexplicable divide between Janesville and Beloit.
On Wednesday night, the Beloit International Film Festival held a reveal party at Kutter Harley-Davidson in Janes-ville. At the event, organizers released the program book with the listing of films and events.
This year's festival runs from Jan. 17 to 20 and features 150 films at 10 venues.
It's the third year for the festival, but it's the first time that a reveal party has been held in Janesville.
"We're especially excited that we're having a … party in Janesville," said Rod Beaudoin, executive director of the festival. "We want the city to be involved."
Beaudoin and other community leaders from Janesville and Beloit have acknowledged that the two cities seem to be separated from each other, as though they are hundreds of miles apart instead of just down the road from each other.
Some residents from Janesville haven't been to Beloit in years and aren't aware of the changes in the downtown and the vibrant arts scene.
It works the other way, too.
"I've heard it described as a glass wall," Beaudoin said. "Well, let's shatter it."
Jackie Wood, a Janesville businesswoman who is active in the arts, said she often travels back and forth between the two communities. The question of the "great divide" between the two cities has perplexed her.
"I am absolutely tickled that they are having this party here," Wood said.
She sees it as a small step toward bridging the gap between the communities.
Several people pointed to Joanna Kutter, owner of Kutter Harley-Davidson, as a good model of a citizen with connections in several communities.
Kutter, who also is an artist, lives near Edgerton, has a business in Janesville and is strongly connected to the Beloit arts community. She has worked with the festival since its inception.
Tom McBride, a Beloit College professor and consultant on the film "Rapping with Shakespeare," acknowledged that events such as the reveal party help dissolve the division.
Practical realities, however, might help more.
"It's a symptom of the future," McBride said. "Janesville and Beloit are growing together. People's ideas about commuting have changed, too."
The festival might take another step toward bridging the gap.
"People have talked about having a film venue in Janesville," Beaudoin said. "It could take place as early as next year."
IF YOU GO
What: Beloit International Film Festival.
When: Jan. 17 to 20.
Where: 10 different venues in Beloit.
Cost: Tickets are $7 apiece, but multi-ticket, reduced price packages are available. Special events cost more.
For more information: See today's kicks section.
Jan 11, 2008 at 8:41 a.m.
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No problem.
Jan 11, 2008 at 3:07 a.m.
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Ken Hendricks helped bring this film festival to Beloit, so I think it should be The Ken Hendricks Memorial Film Festival every year from now on.......... Anybody got A problem with that? All procedes could go into funding the film festival and into the community as Ken would have done.
Jan 10, 2008 at 12:13 p.m.
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Yes, we should cooperate and expand this film fest to include Janesville.
Jan 10, 2008 at 11:43 a.m.
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As Janesville moves forward on their revitalization plan, partnering with Beloit as an extension of some of their projects would jump start some of our work. Why compete, let us work together. These are situations that some of us have been asking to happen.
Now, Beloit is reaching out and giving us this oportunity. Shame on us if we kick a gift horse in the mouth.
Jan 10, 2008 at 11:29 a.m.
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I think sfcm's comment about considering this expansion as the film fest gets bigger and becomes a more regional event is a great idea.
I would also like to second the comments from turtlecreekguy - the friends who attended in 2007 have been talking and planning since that fest ended. We are all really looking forward to it!!
Jan 10, 2008 at 11:23 a.m.
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Creating a new venue in Janesville next year is a great idea. HOWEVER, let's talk about THIS year. If you haven't attended the filmfest in the past, you are in for a real treat.
Pick up your guide book early (they are available now) and plan your attack. With some 150 films you won't be able to even scratch the surface but you will have a ball trying. Bring friends, enjoy some of our fine local restaurants, pubs and coffee shops between films and above all, be prepared for a warm and friendly welcome here in Beloit.
ENJOY!
P.S. The filmfest is still seeking volunteers and Janesville residents are welcome to apply AND you get four movie passes for doing so. Check the filmfest web site for details.
Jan 10, 2008 at 10:48 a.m.
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I also wonder about the perspective of the festival committee on separating the venues--is it a smart idea to separate festival goers at such an early stage? Maybe some years down the line would be more successful as more support accumulates in the region?
Jan 10, 2008 at 10:46 a.m.
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I definitely agree with the point that such an event is to give people a reason to go to Beloit, but not everyone is able to get there independently. Or maybe they don't have the desire because they are just not as exciting as us (tongue-in-cheek)! That's why I would support having a venue in Janesville in addition to the multiple venues in Beloit, as well as to bring some money to Janesville that may not have come otherwise. I'd jump at the chance to be involved if I were a Janesville business owner!
Jan 10, 2008 at 10:24 a.m.
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I'm planning on making the drive from Janesville as well - as are friends of mine from Madison, Kenosha and Fort Atkinson.
I didn't mean to be quite so flip with my first comment, but I become bothered by people who will only support something when it is in their back yard (You are obviously NOT in this category - I'm just making an overall point). Isn't part of the festival the chance to see another city? One that, as the article states, people may not have been to for years?
Jan 10, 2008 at 10:16 a.m.
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I am certainly planning on making the drive this year, just like my friends and I did last year for a couple of nights of the festival. And judging by the full venues, the festival seemed to be a huge success! Why not bring a film or two to Janesville?
Jan 10, 2008 at 10:08 a.m.
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Or, better yet, why don't some of the people from Janesville drive the 17 miles to Beloit and enjoy the films there? We are talking about a 20-minute drive...
Jan 10, 2008 at 9:40 a.m.
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Bring a festival venue to Janesville next year! I know plenty of people who would support it!
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