In honor of our host, Distillery Labs, the opening night’s theme is “innovation.” Friday night’s filmmakers have taken on innovative approaches to telling their stories—they’ve taken risks with their script, camera work, and story structures. 

Following the films will be a memorable panel discussion with filmmakers about production experiences that didn't go quite as planned— ie. absurd behind-the-scenes stories and unexpected curveballs during shooting or editing. Reserve your spot for the opening night of the festival where you can be inspired and connect with filmmakers across the Midwest! For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/526127356933572

For tickets: Tickets309tix.com/events/big-picture-peoria-film-festival-opening-night-11-22-2024

BIG PICTURE PEORIA TURNS DOWNTOWN P-TOWN INTO TINSELTOWN AT THE PEORIA RIVERFRONT MUSEUM’S GIANT SCREEN THEATER

The 2024 Big Picture Peoria Film Festival Builds Upon Our Community’s Arts Assets
To Become A National Arts Destination

PEORIA, Ill.—On November 22nd and 23rd 2024, The Big Picture Peoria Film Festival will welcome local and regional filmmakers to Downtown Peoria. This exciting, 2-day event includes panel discussions, content and idea exchanges, and film screenings and awards for best film submissions. Nearly 30 short-format films will be featured in the Festival, which aims to celebrate the visual arts and highlight Peoria’s creative community and all our area has to offer to visitors and residents alike.

“Our Film Festival took a few years off as a result of the pandemic, and now it’s back in a BIG way at The PRM’s Giant Screen Theater,” said Doug Leunig, co-founder of Big Picture Peoria. “Our vision for the Festival goes beyond simply showing fantastic films; we want to do so much more. Things like highlighting our local talent to a larger audience, encouraging amateur filmmakers to hone their visual storytelling talent, and boosting tourism dollars by bringing visitors to our local businesses. Our Downtown has so much to offer, and we are giving residents and visitors a reason to spend more time in Downtown Peoria, with a special emphasis on exploring the Peoria Riverfront Museum.”

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The public is invited to the 2-day Big Picture Peoria Film Festival and the details are as follows:

Opening Night 

Friday, November 22, 6:30-9:00 PM

Location: Distillery Labs, 201 SW Adams, Peoria
Price: FREE

Happenings: Panel discussion and experimental film screenings. 

Snacks and beverages will be available for a limited time.

Feature Event

Saturday, November 23, 3:00-4:30 PM & 7:00-9:30 PM

Location: Peoria Riverfront Museum’s Giant Screen Theater, 222 SW Washington St, Peoria

Price: A $15 full-day pass includes both student and main event admission

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase.

Student Short-Format Film Screenings: 3:00-4:30 PM

Happenings: Creative dramas, entertaining comedies, and thought-provoking sci-fi films showcase the talents of young filmmakers who are paving our way into the future. Q&A will follow the film screenings.

Main Screenings and Awards:  7:00-9:00 PM

Happenings: Heartwarming stories, hilarious comedies, and surreal thrillers showcase the talent in the Heartland. The judges will be present for a special Q&A before the film and awards will follow.

After Party

Saturday, November 23, 9:30-11:30 PM

Location: Zion Coffee Bar, 803 SW Adams, Peoria

Price: $10 (includes ONE free signature cocktail/mocktail ticket)

Snacks are provided and beverages are available for purchase.

Happenings: Dance to music by Defkon and mingle with judges, filmmakers, and hosts after watching the award-winning films.

Tickets for all the events during the 2-day Festival are limited and can be purchased at https://309tix.com/

“The Big Picture Peoria Film Festival is another step towards making Peoria an international arts destination,” said Leunig. “We have the infrastructure, the talent, and most importantly, the desire to put our City on the map. We can do this, Peoria!”

The Big Picture Peoria Film Festival was made possible through a grant from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois and Illinois Arts Council, and by funding from the following sponsors: David Vaughan Investments (DVI), Simantel, and Zendavor Signs & Graphics.