2026 special EVENTS
Saturday
April 18th
Opening Film DOZIER
7:00 PM; Five Flags theater $25
An original feature film based on the Italian Red Brigades' kidnapping and liberation of NATO American General James L. Dozier.
AFTER-PARTY Dueling DJS
9:00 PM; Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar
DJ Papi and Dani Ross will be on the decks spinning the best and hottest of Euro House, Disco and 90's/00's Pop and Hip-Hop. All timeless classics!
Sunday
April 19th
Celebrate Canada day and Student Free Day
Pre film Reception supported by the Consulate General of Canada 6:30 PM, Five Flags
This is the place to review the film descriptions, film schedule, meet filmmakers, and celebrate Canada before the special screening. Food provided with a cash bar.
Celebrate Canada Special Screening
TOUS TOQUÉS (ALL STIRRED UP)
7:30 PM, Five Flags Theater, Free
In this heartwarming comedy set in a small Quebec town near the US border, a reviled customs officer convinces a famous chef to mentor her 10-year-old daughter as she prepares to compete in a prestigious local youth cooking competition.
After-Party Jada Brown and Vinny Franco with The DZ Combo
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM The Lift
Jada Brown and Vinny open with some new work influenced and rooted in 60’s Soul, and R&B music. Followed by The DZ Combo - Dubuque's own Jazz Quartet, playing original jazz music written by pianist and composer, Danny Zanger.
About Jada:
Steadily making a name for herself, Jada Brown is a captivating singer and performer hailing from the sky-blue waters of Minnesota. Harnessing a deep and soulful vocal register, she effortlessly sets herself apart from the crowd with her distinct voice. Her lyrical savviness, warm vocals, and versatile style complement her sound as she draws influence from 60s soul, neo-soul, and R&B music. Jada’s music is for laid-back lovers and introspective thinkers. On stage, her performances draw lively engagement and build connections with her audience.
About Vinny:
An Apache and Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer based in Minneapolis, Vinny Franco blends soulful vocals with versatile musicianship to create genre-bending music rooted in R&B, soul, and contemporary sounds.
About The DZ Combo:
The DZ Combo is a jazz quartet based out of Dubuque, Iowa. The group plays original jazz music written by pianist and composer, Danny Zanger. The quartet features Jeremy Jones on bass, Dan McNamara on drum set, and Benjamin Drury on trumpet. The DZ Combo formed with the goal of making jazz music more accessible to the Tri-State area. Upcoming gigs, demo recordings, and more can be found on their website: TheDZCombo.com.
monday
April 20th
World Premiere SOURCE
7:00 PM, Five Flags Theater, $20
A testament to nature’s brilliance, Bristol Bay is one of the last untamed sanctuaries where salmon thrive. SOURCE delves into the story of one of the last undeveloped strongholds for wild salmon—Bristol Bay, Alaska. Through breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling, the film follows commercial fishing skipper Nick Lee as he explores the fragile balance of this pristine ecosystem. SOURCE takes you deep inside its wild beauty, revealing how the most powerful way to preserve something is simply to let it be.
After-Party Filmmaker Meet & Mingle Jukebox Bingo
9:30 pm Holiday Inn River Rock Kitchen & Tap, Free
Tuesday
April 21st
Celebrate Dubuque Night
Iowa Premiere THE DRIFTLESS
7:15 PM, Five Flags Theater, $20
Deep river valleys, tall limestone bluffs sawing through the sky . . . thousands of years ago, this unique portion of the Midwest escaped the crushing effects of the giant Ice Age glaciers. But with its scenic beauty, this preserved primal landscape also conceals unimaginable terrors. THE DRIFTLESS is a horror film that weaves through four disturbing Midwest tales of the macabre.
After-Party Music and Movie Trivia
The Lift 180 Main St; 9:30pm; Free
Enjoy a Music and Movie Trivia at one of Dubuque’s Irish Pub. Winners get bragging rights and other surprises!
wednesday
April 22nd
World Premiere THE 100-YEAR EFFECT
7:30 PM, Five Flags Theater, $20
A scientist and a Hollywood producer team up to get the word out about rising chronic disease, declining life expectancy and the urgent need to insure the well-being of future generations. Can a film about science entertain and affect change at the same time?
Special Screening 16MM
CELLULIOD JUKEBOX: HIPPIES AND HILLBILLIES
6:30 PM Five Flags Bijou Room, $13
The ancient ones have spoken: when words fail, music speaks. Ranging from the 20s to the 70s, this collection of toe-tapping 16mm ephemera will delight and surprise. This show has everything from Jimi Hendrix to prop-gun poppin' lady lassoers to an animated psychedelic reverie to backroads banjo bops. Peek into the 20th century in a way you never have, and come away with a newfound plucky attitude or spiritual insight beyond description.
After-Party Latin Night
9:30 PM - 12:00 AM, Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar
DJ Papi comes with that Latin Heat. The classics of salsa, merengue and bachata are played alongside the timeless hits of reggaeton, and music from across Latin America. Come for the vibes, stay for the heat!
thursday
April 23rd
Runde Free Day
All general screenings are free! Still reserve tickets to ensure a seat.
Pre screening Reception
Sponsored by The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
6:00 PM Five Flags Promenade, Free
The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque invites you to come and meet filmmakers and other while sharing some food before the screening. Food provided with a cash bar.
NEWS WITH OUT A NEWS ROOM
Sponsored by The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
7:00 PM, Five Flag Theater, Free
As local newsrooms vanish, NEWS WITHOUT A NEWSROOM explores journalism’s uncertain future in the digital age. Through powerful stories and expert insights, the film examines the collapse of traditional media, the rise of misinformation, and the fight to preserve truth, trust, and accountability in an era of disruption.
After-Party Tribute Bruno to Mars
9:30 PM, The Lift
Join us for a musical evening with UK-based singer, tribute artist, Robbie Glenn, for an explosive, high-energy show with cover hits like "Uptown Funk" and "Locked Out of Heaven". Glenn is a seasoned entertainer who appeared on X Factor (European version of the American Idol)
Friday
April 24th
World Premiere FAILED STATE
7:00 PM, Five Flags Theater, $20
Two hapless writers enlist the help of a conspiracy theorist and the junior exec they got fired to extract their high concept, alt-reality TV show from a CIA/Hollywood cabal in order to avoid a shift in the global balance of power.
Special Screening 16MM
CELLULIOD JUKEBOX: HIPPIES AND HILLBILLIES
9:30 PM, Five Flags Bijou Room, $13
The ancient ones have spoken: when words fail, music speaks. Ranging from the 20s to the 70s, this collection of toe-tapping 16mm ephemera will delight and surprise. This show has everything from Jimi Hendrix to prop-gun poppin' lady lassoers to an animated psychedelic reverie to backroads banjo bops. Peek into the 20th century in a way you never have, and come away with a newfound plucky attitude or spiritual insight beyond description.
After-Party Boogie Monster
9:30 PM - 12:00 AM, Hotel Julien Dubuque Ballroom
Dubuque’s own Boogie Monster Funk band will bring you to the dance floor with their dance hits from all genres throughout the decades! Come for the heat, stay for the vibes!
saturday
April 25th
JDIFF Awards Night
Five Flags Theater; 8:30pm; Red Carpet and Doors open 7:30pm, $30
JDIFF Red Carpet and Awards Night is sponsored by The Joey B McNamer Foundation and is the biggest party of the week! Get dressed up for photos on the Red Carpet and enjoy the presentation of awards. The night is hosted by Mayor Brad Cavanagh and includes a number of musical performances.
Awards After Party
Five Flags Arena; 9:30p, included with Award night ticket
When the Awards are done, come on over to the party! Featuring music from The Breakfast Club with cash bar and food, with decor by Cathy B. Interiors.
Step into the time machine and blast off with The Breakfast Club – the electrifying rock dance band that brings the best of the 80s back to life! Every song is a chart-topping anthem, sparking epic ‘I KNOW this song!’ singalongs that’ll have the whole crowd rocking out. Let The Breakfast Club take you on a neon-lit journey through the most radical tunes of the 80s – it's going to be a totally awesome ride!
Awards After-After-Party
Holiday Inn River Rock Kitchen & Tap 11:30p
Finish the night and the week off with some Karaoke!