For Filmmakers
Hello! We’re so glad to be including your film in the upcoming festival. Below you will find information about specifications for sending us your materials as well other resources.
Jump to the bottom for downloadable laurels, FRFF’s tech rider, check-in information, and other forms relevant to your visit.
about Winona
Winona is a beautiful little town nestled in between the Mississippi River and the bluffs. Part of what is known as the Driftless Region, the Winona area offers not only a rich arts and culture scene, but endless outdoor recreation opportunities. We hope your stay here will be inspiring, surprising and refreshing. For a comprehensive guide to Winona, including suggestions of what to do, where to eat, and more, click here for info from our friends at Visit Winona!
Your Stay Here
As a guest of FRFF, we are happy to provide lodging for all visiting filmmakers. We will work with you to find lodging that suits your needs. We are fortunate to have a dedicated volunteer base who are eager to pick you up from the airport, show you around town, and share with you their Winona insights. FRFF uses a combination of hotel stays, traditional BnBs, home rental and AirBnBs to accommodate our guests. We will consult with you ahead of time about your comfortability with the option of a shared space.
FRFF VIP Services Coordinator Hailey McKinley will be in contact with someone from your team ahead of your arrival in Winona with details about where you will be staying, who will pick you up at the airport, and special festival events that you won’t want to miss.
While you are in Winona, there will be many carpooling options to get you around town. Several of our lodging stations are within walking distance of both downtown Winona and Winona State University, where the majority of screenings & events take place. Be sure to dress warmly!
Getting Here & Getting Around
Winona is easily accessible off of several major highways, which makes driving here a breeze. If you are coming from the Twin Cities Metro, consider taking the Great River Road and enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the bluffs and river. There is also an Amtrak stop in Winona, making it a pleasant journey by rail from Chicago or Minneapolis.
For those flying in, we recommend flying to Rochester (RST) or La Crosse (LSE) if at all possible. They are both easily connected to from the Minneapolis/Saint Paul Airport (MSP). You may also want to consider flying into MSP and renting a car to drive to Winona, if you prefer to have your own transportation while in town.
Whatever airport you choose, we are happy to pick you up and deliver you to Winona!
Once you have your travel arranged, be sure to contact Hailey McKinley (VIP Services Coordinator). If you need a ride, she will connect you with a local guide who can get you to and from the airport.
Festival Events
In addition to the film screenings, FRFF hosts several events where you have the opportunity to meet with local film fans, network with other visiting filmmakers, or take advantage of Winona’s many arts, culture, and recreational opportunities. Below are some events we hope you will participate in during your time here:
Friday Night Meetup
For those who arrive in Winona before the weekend, please join us at Muddled Thyme on Friday, February 14 after the screening (about 9:00 p.m). If you arrive ahead of FRFF staff, inform the host you are with the Festival and grab a seat at the bar! FRFF will be providing pizzas from Muddled Thyme’s fantastic wood-fired oven.
Filmmaker dinner
You will receive an invitation to our annual Filmmaker Dinner. Held at one of Winona’s favorite restaurants, The Blue Heron, this is an opportunity to relax and enjoy some good food with your fellow visiting filmmakers. This is not a public event, and is limited to filmmakers and invited guests only. Be sure to check your email the week ahead of the festival for information about this dinner so you can let us know about any dietary restrictions! The dinner will take place on Saturday, February 15 at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be served buffet-style until about 7:00 p.m., so come when you can and leave when you need to!
Awards Ceremony & after party
After the final set on Saturday, February 15 (about 8:30 p.m.), meet with fellow guests, VIPs, locals and volunteers at No Name Bar. We will announce the winners of the Best of Fest Awards, Best MN Film, and Special Jury Awards. Stick around for drinks and dancing!
coffee & conversation
If you managed to get to bed at a reasonable hour on Sunday, or just love free coffee, please consider joining FRFF staff for a social - Coffee & Conversation. Winona film fans love a chance to meet and talk with you and get to know you, your work and your process. Meet us in the SLC Atrium (on the WSU campus) at 10:00 a.m. and look for any FRFF staff! We will invite you to take the mic for a few moments and introduce yourself to the audience before we disperse into small groups for some social time. As a VIP, you can get free coffee, and pastries will be available for purchase.
LAURELS
Our “Official Selection” laurels, perfect for digital use, are available on our Filmfreeway page at: https://filmfreeway.com/laurels/7028/FrozenRiverFilmFestival
For a high resolution “Official Selection” laurel suitable and sizeable for print, please click the link to the right.
Festival Tech Rider
Click the button at the right to see our Tech Rider. You will be directed to a PDF which you can download if needed.