Just like the film pioneers that came before us, the mission of the Farm to Film Fest (F2F) is to engage and entertain audiences through film and to inspire thought-provoking conversation.

Washington is the home of the historic State Theater, the longest continuously operating movie theater in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Frank Brinton, one of the earliest exhibitors of movies and magic lantern slides in the world, was a resident of the City of Washington. He and his wife, Indiana, traveled the Midwest showcasing films to captive audiences throughout the 1890's and into the 1900's. They tested the newest technology on fascinated audiences here in Washington, inspiring our love of films starting in 1897 at the still active State Theatre.

The F2F continues this rich heritage with its fourth international film festival April 18 to 19, 2026. Participants will enjoy a diverse array of film genres to choose from throughout the weekend.

Laurel Awards will be given in each of the eight categories.

Farm to Film Fest (F2F) is seeking creative, thought provoking, innovative, & entertaining independent films that must have been created & finished since January 2021. F2F accepts films that cover current issues including arts, adventure, the environment, social justice, travel, & food/agriculture responsibilities. We do not have a particular theme.

Films will be accepted on a rolling basis until January 8, 2026 or until we reach a maximum number of submissions. Film selection & awards decisions lie solely with F2F, including the right to select or reject any or all films, & will be made no later than February 10, 2026.

Our audience appreciates embedded closed captioning in all films, however it is required for any foreign language films that are submitted.

Fee waivers will be considered on a case by case basis. F2F does not pay screening fees for submitted films.

Additional rules
1). All decisions of the review committee are final, and all entries will be viewed & given equal consideration.
2). No entries and or final selections will be returned to a filmmaker.
3). F2F Will NOT pay for any screening fees for any film that was submitted for review.
4). All submitted materials must include the FilmFreeway tracking number & additional information as required
5). Press Kit materials will be sent only upon notification of Officially Selected. The Farm to Film Fest assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY of marketing & promotion if proper press kit materials are not sent after notification as deemed in the General Rules. The sole responsibility of the Filmmaker is to send all materials listed.
6). Notification date is on or around February 10, 2026.
7). If selected as an Official Selection, projects in MP4 format are to be uploaded to the designated F2F Dropbox NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 23, 2026. One (1) screening copy must be sent on a flash drive as a backup
8). Exhibition copy of the film & marketing materials are to be sent as specified once festival acceptance is announced. A letter will be sent to all those accepted with requirements & the date needed. It is the responsibility of the Filmmaker to send required materials at the time given. If films & marketing materials are not sent in time, F2F has the right to eliminate the film from the festival.
9). F2F reserves the right to select films from the entire pool of submittals.
10). Film may not have been completed before January 1, 2021.
11). All entered films grant the Farm to Film Fest a non-exclusive limited use agreement to use selected portions of films chosen for competition, & or use film promotional materials to promote the festival including the rights to utilize any excerpt from any film submitted & accepted for exhibition at F2F for promotional purposes and/or on F2F's website. Each filmmaker fully retains all rights, title & interest in their film & all intellectual property.
12). F2F does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of materials. Do not send us any original copies, master copies, or the only copy you have.
13). By agreeing to these Terms & Conditions, you certify that you hold all necessary rights for the submission of this film & have read all regulations.
14). F2F dates & guidelines subject to change without prior notice.

Thank you for submitting your best work.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rich Saal

    Everyone involved with the Farm to Film Fest could not have been more welcoming, including the residents of Washington not directly involved with the festival. This was my first film festival experience so I didn't know what to expect. It set a high standard. Thank you and congratulations to everyone involved.

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Rich, so glad you were able to attend.

  • Great little festival in a lovely historic town in Iowa. Excellent communication and organization. Interesting venues to show films all over town with very good attendance. I especially enjoyed the Directors Panel.

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Kelley, it was nice to meet you and we appreciate your positive review. We look forward to seeing more films from you.

  • Nathan Rice

    Wonderful festival - the communication was outstanding!

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you!

  • Kelly Rundle

    We enjoyed this new film festival. The filmmaker panel discussion at the reception was excellent. The staff & volunteers were kind and accommodating and made the filmmakers feel welcome. Thanks for a fun weekend of film!

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your positive review. We are so happy you were able to attend and participate in the filmmakers reception.

  • Hannah Sullivan

    Great festival with good communication!!

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you!