Homestay for Hosts
The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is currently seeking homestay housing for visiting filmmakers, film students, and special guests. Many filmmakers will be staying at one of our sponsor hotels, but some are on small budgets and can just use a comfortable, friendly place to stay.
JDIFF is dedicated to enriching the community and bridging cultures through the education and promotion of arts through independent film. By offering free housing, we aim to uphold our efforts in fostering emerging filmmakers and ultimately bringing more filmmakers to Dubuque.
As a host family, you are an integral part of the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival and play a vital role in the ongoing success of the Festival. Housing our growing number of out-of-town filmmakers, film students, and other special guests, simply wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and hospitality of the Dubuque community.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about being a host family:
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 guests, 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!
What perks do I receive for hosting a filmmaker or special guest?
You will receive two tickets to Saturday night’s Awards Ceremony and Celebration! In addition to the tangible complimentary tickets, we hope you will have a rich experience visiting world-class filmmakers and special guests from all over the world! One aspect filmmakers love so much about JDIFF is the opportunity to stay with local residents in their homes – it truly makes the experience that much more special for our visitors. Who knows who you might meet!
I live outside of Dubuque, can I still apply to host?
We would prefer to keep filmmakers and guests close to the action. We are open to considering all lodging host applications, sometimes we do get requests from filmmakers to be placed somewhere quieter and more private, but for the most part, we’d like to provide closer options to our guests. Please feel free to complete a survey, and keep in mind that distance from town may be a deciding factor in placing someone in your home.
When will you let us know who is staying with us?
We will create initial matches and send introductions via e-mail to both guests and hosts by mid-April. This email will include the name of your guest, their contact information, and their affiliation with the festival. We ask our guests to reach out to their homestay hosts first, but please do not hesitate to get in touch with your guest(s) directly.
Sometimes there are unexpected cancellations and substitutions may occur right up until the Festival begins. We thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility!
Am I expected to feed or entertain my guests?
Although we certainly hope you will enjoy interacting with your guests, it is not your responsibility to provide meals, transportation, or entertainment during their stay. We anticipate filmmakers will spend a 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.
If I sign up to host, will my housing definitely be used?
We are so appreciative of each accommodation offers we receive but are not necessarily able to guarantee that each will result in a placement. The needs of our filmmakers and special guests vary greatly from year to year, so while we make every effort to utilize all accommodations, occasionally we are unable to do so. If we are not able to place someone in your home, we will do our best to let you know at our earliest opportunity.
HOMESTAY REQUEST/QUESTIONNAIRE (Hosts)
If you are interested in hosting filmmakers for the 2020 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you. Thank you!