The Cedar River Film Festival celebrates and showcases films created in the American Heartland.

We’re proud of the creativity and diversity found right here in Iowa and in the states that share our borders: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

We’re currently seeking submissions from filmmakers in these seven states whose work captures the spirit, stories, and character of the American Heartland.

The Cedar River Film Festival takes place October 30 through November 1 at the Historic Oster Regent Theatre in Cedar Falls, Iowa — just a stone’s throw from (you guessed it) the Cedar River.

Hosted annually by the Cedar Falls Community Theatre, the festival brings Midwestern storytelling to the big screen in one of Iowa’s most beloved historic venues.

Awards & Prizes

Juror's Choice Award - Short
Jurror's Choice Award - Feature
Audience Award - Feature
Audience Award - Short

Rules & Terms

Your film must be made by, in, or about "The Heartland" - Iowa and its 5 neighboring states - Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Please make sure to update your submission with the Heartland connection so we don't accidentally disqualify you.

We welcome films from students, amateurs, and professional filmmakers for consideration.

Submit your digital links to greg@mycfct.org.

The Jurors of the Cedar River Film Festival will screen and select films for this year's event.

You do not have to be present for us to screen your film (but we'd love it if you were).

Submissions open April 12th.

Submissions end on August 30th.

We will notify filmmakers whose films have been accepted by September 15th, 2026.

12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jorge Robledo

    Great communication from this festival. Unfortunately I was unable to attend but the I was definitely impressed with the effort they put forward towards filmmakers. Thanks!

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for your kind words Jorge. Your film was the perfect capper for our Fright Night. Thanks forsharing and we hope you'll submit again.

  • Bowdin Bentz

    Beautiful venue in a cute area. The directors really care about the projects.

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Bowdin Thank you for sharing your kind thoughts. We loved The Blood Trade and are glad you were able to be a part of the festival.

  • Rachael Hudson

    David Dein and Greg Holt provided excellent communication and created a very welcoming environment for visiting filmmakers. The theater is super cute and historic in beautiful Cedar Falls, Iowa. You can really feel the passion from the festival curators and their appreciation to visiting filmmakers for attending the fest. Thank you from the Most Likely to Succeed team!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words. We appreciated that you took the time to come visit Cedar Falls, and we are thankful that you shared such a delightful film.

  • Meezahn Senbetta

    Though we weren't able to attend this festival in-person we truly felt connected to the Cedar River Film Fest community via amazing communication before, during and after the festival. We love a midwestern film festival and hope to be able to attend CRFF in the future!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for making an amazing film and allowing us to share it with the Cedar Falls Community. Hope you'll attend next year.

  • Joshua Fiser

    Really hospitable to the filmmakers and great programming. Also, the theater is gorgeous!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Glad you had a great time! Thanks for your amazing film, one of the highlights of the festival.