Homestay for Filmmakers
The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is currently offering homestay housing for filmmakers.
Our homestay program includes staying with community members in thier homes, as well as Airbnbs that are provided by JDIFF. Filmmakers need to reserve early, as availability is limited. However, you must have confirmed flight information/confirmation for your request to be accepted in the homestay program.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Homestay program:
If I request a Homestay, will I have housing?
Because of the limited availability, home stay will be first come / first reserve until our spaces are gone. Homestay will only be reserved and confirmed once filmmakers have booked flights. Again, we must have booked flight details for homestay reservation. If we are not able to match you with a host, we will do our best to let you know at our earliest opportunity.
What about transportation?
We do our best keep filmmakers close to the action. If your accommodations are futher than walking distance, you will need to find your own transportation to/from the Hotel Julien. Shuttles may be availave in the AM and early evening, and upon reqeust, but only if a driver is available. All drivers for JDIFF shuttles are volunteer, so availabilty is limited. Some homestay hoses offer to drive those stay with them as well, but it is not required for the homestay host. Dubuque does have cabs, Uber, and Lyft.
We provide complimentary transportation to/from Cedar Rapids (CID) 70 miles and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) 165 miles. Advance notice required. ORD airport transportation is limited to one pick up per day (time to be designated by JDIFF), usually late afternoon. CID airport transportaion is through the day and flihts arrivals.departures will be combined for minimal trips.
How are guests matched with hosts?
Matching guests with the hosts is a personal and hands-on process. We compare your completed questionnaire with similar forms given to our hosts, to create the best matches based on needs and expectations, along with such practical matters as the number of beds required, pet allergies, and transportation. It is important to be as specific as possible when completing the survey so we can provide the best matches we possibly can on both ends!
When will you let me know if I am matched with a host?
We will create initial matches and send introductions via e-mail to both guests and hosts by March 25, 2026. This email will include the name of your Homestay host and their contact information. You will be abel to commmunicate with your homestay host directly, one initally connected.
What can I expect from my host?
Filmmakers can expect to stay in spare bedrooms, guest suites, guest cottages, or vacation rental properties. Bathrooms might be shared with other filmmakers. Most homes have your own bed/bathroom, but there may be shared bedrooms (2 beds in one bedroom), so if you do not want to share a bedroom with another filmmaker of same gender, let us know. We will do our best to accommodate your requests.
It is not the responsibility of the home host to provide meals, transportation, or entertainment during your stay, however most are happy to help. We anticipate filmmakers will spend the majority of their stay exploring the festival and all its offerings. During the event, filmmakers will have access to complimentary snacks and meals at the designated Filmmaker Lounge.
For more information, please email susie.gorrell@gmail.com