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.
22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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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  • Keyvan Sheikhalishahi

    I don't usually write reviews (I never did!), but while I've participated in dozens of festivals, the Iowa Independent FF was the only one which sent the trophy in France with a cash prize. This meant a lot to me, and I was already very honored to be selected in this festival made by wonderful and passionate people.

    October 2021
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  • Paul Huenemann

    Wonderful experience with some very talented and pleasant people!

    September 2021
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  • Anna Keizer

    Could not speak more highly of this fest! The organizers were great in communicating with filmmakers and making every effort to make it inclusive for both in-person and remote participants. Thank you for a wonderful experience!!

    September 2021
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  • Joe Nyquist

    Wonderful people with a wonderful festival in a wonderful place. We very much enjoyed our time there for Tapeball’s screening.

    September 2021
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