We are looking for creative, innovative, thought-provoking and entertaining independent films. We are especially interested in films made in Iowa and the Midwest. The festival has showcased short films, feature-length dramatic films, documentaries as well as student films. Please note, while Music Videos are accepted, they will be treated and judged as a movie.

Awards & Prizes

** $1000 prize pool **
Awards will be presented for*:
- Best Short
- Best Feature
- Best Documentary
- Best Women Filmmaker
- Best Student
- Best Local Film
- Best Iowa Made Film
- Best Foreign Film
- Best Animation

Various Critic's Choice Awards will also be awarded.

*assuming acceptable number of entries in the category.

Rules & Terms

Movies must have been created (finished post-production) since January 2019. Movies outside of this time frame may be submitted for screening consideration but may not be eligible for awards.
26 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Keaton Morris-Stan

    I didn't have the chance to attend, unfortunately, but the festival was so kind to pass along my festival passes to my relatives so they could be there in my stead. They told me it was a truly lovely event. Thank you Iowa Independent!

    September 2022
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  • Nathan Emerson

    Honored winning two awards for That Thing That Sound: steel guitar documentary. We saw several amazing films from all over the world. The hospitality was superb and everyone involved truly cared about all the selections.

    September 2022
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  • Jennifer Scott

    What a wonderful experience to be able to attend and see my feature Eyes Upon Waking shown on the big screen at this wonderful festival. All the festival directors made us feel welcome from the start and were very knowledgable. We felt like royalty and were well taken care of. I can not say enough great things about this festival, only that this is a must submit and attend. They really did find the best of the best to be shown in their festival and I encourage all filmmakers to submit and attend.

    September 2022
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  • David Busch

    This was my second time having a film in the Iowa Independent Film Festival, and like last time, it was a delight! The hosts are organized, friendly, and make everyone feel welcome. The selection of films was impressive too. A+!

    September 2022
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  • Julie Koehnen

    This is a very committed group who take film very seriously. I appreciated their enthusiasm for film and filmmakers and had a great time at the festival. I am looking forward to spending more time at this festival in the future.

    October 2021
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