MIFF is intended to be a showcase of Short Films and is designed to encourage and acknowledge the creative efforts involved with respect to this genre. We are a relatively smaller festival (growing each year), so we are able to accept a large portion of entries that get submitted, while keeping our costs down through sponsorships, community support, and efficient budgeting.

A unique feature of our festival is the infamous "M&M AWARD" (Murder, Mayhem, and More). This film block will NOT be family friendly due to adult content... but that isn't always a bad thing.

We are also debuting the "Micro-Short" Category. Telling a story in under 4 minutes is no easy task, but sometimes more is indeed less.

MIFF is very supportive of local/regional artists, as evidenced by the BEST IOWA MADE AWARD. It is hoped that providing an awards venue will inspire their creativity and innovative artistic media. This event is also an effort to provide Midwest residents and visiting artists with an engaging weekend of entertainment.

If you can't make it to the festival, you will be happy to know that we award a BEST OF SHOW laurel/designation that aspires not to discriminate between films with or without filmmakers in attendance. We don't mail you a trophy, but you do get a prestigious accolade to add to your credentials, along with a captive audience of filmmakers and enthusiasts that will appreciate your efforts.

Accepted filmmakers who attend will receive passes that include free admission to all film blocks, the VIP ROOM, and the red carpet/after-parties, along with a souvenir t-shirt. The after-parties are going to be 'Inspiring', and visiting Muscatine will be a unique chance to experience the charm of a Midwest River Town. Also, consdidering you can stay the night in the same building as the festival, you will really want to consider making it an overnighter in Iowa.

Visit our website for additional information and photos: www.MuscatineFilmFest.com.

Awards & Prizes

Best Short Film - ("Grand Jury Prize" - Must be present to win)
Best Short Film ("Best of Show" - Regional/National/International Films)
Best Micro-Short Film (Under 4 Minutes)
Best Iowa Made Short Film
Best Local Film
Best Student Film
Best Sci-Fi (Experimental)
Best Comedy
Murder/Mayhem (The Infamous "M&M Award")
Viewer's Choice
Distinctive Achievement Certificates:
(Categories may include Cinematography, Music/Sound Design, Screenplay, Iowa Film Making/Acting , 1st Time Filmmaker, & Student Film Making.)

Rules & Terms

- We tend to preference short films under 20 minutes in total running time, including credits, however we will also consider longer films.
- All entries are eligible for the Viewer's Choice award.
-You only need to enter one category, but you will be considered for any relevant awards.
- Films must have been produced within 3 years of this year's event.
- "Best Local Films" are those produced by current residents of the Greater Muscatine area (35 mile radius of 52761, including the Quad Cities).
- Accepted entries will need to promptly deliver their presentation media.
- Digital HD files (1080p/720p) are the preferred format for accepted entries, made accessible via download.
- All attending award recipients will receive a trophy and/or certificate.
- We don't ship trophies to international destinations.
- We don't mail out the certificates (must be present).
- Attending filmmakers will receive 2 "VIP" passes and a swag bag with souvenir shirt.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ralph Klisiewicz

    I was very impressed with the MIFF. First , the festival is well attended by the members of the Muscatine community, as well as fellow filmmakers. The festival is well organized and the promoters even catered food for those attending the event. The final block of films is judge by a live panel which speaks to the integrity of their judging system. At the awards event, we were abel to establish some valuable connections and exchange ideas with other filmmakers. I was pleasantly surprised by the presence of a passionate filmmaking community in Muscatine, IA. The MIFF were very welcoming to us and other filmmakers and I will be submitting (and hopefully attending) future films to MIFF.

    November 2019
    Helpful
    Logo miffclappersplash
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the thoughtful review, it was great to connect a bit at the festival and I look forward to seeing future submissions and/or possibly collaborating. Chad

  • John Gigrich

    I wish I could have attended this year, but even so I'm really impressed with the festival from afar. Hopefully we'll see you next year.

    December 2018
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    Logo miffclappersplash
    Response from festival:

    thanks, and yes it would be nice to meet you after all these years of submitting to us. our new venue makes it very convenient for overnight stays.

  • Marissa Vonn

    What a fun festival! Beautiful venue, great hosts, and lots of fun films. Loved that the jury was present for screenings. It's something I've never seen before, but it was nice to put a face to a name. Thank you for hosting such a great event and hope to see you again next year!

    November 2018
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    Logo miffclappersplash
    Response from festival:

    thanks! and yes, it is unique to have on-site screenings, but it seems to add to the excitement of the night. We are making some tweaks to make the awards banquet even better this year.

  • Josh Cisewski

    A fun festival with a great location right on the Mississippi River. They were a little unorganized the day we were able to attend, with not a very large crowd for the screenings, but there was good communication, friendly people, and quality programming. It was great to be able to attend and well worth the submission fee.

    November 2018
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    Logo miffclappersplash
    Response from festival:

    thanks josh. and yes, that was our first year at that venue and after a break, so we will be more organized and improve upon the success of 2018

  • Michael White

    This is a nice little festival held in beautiful venue in a historic city. Everyone was very hospitable. it was fun and we plan to return.

    November 2018
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    Logo miffclappersplash
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for coming to Muscatine! Our festival will grow each year, so it won't be 'little' next year. Your film was indeed eligible for the Best Iowa Film, but was also honored as an upgraded 'grand jury award eligible' contestant. Only 8 films were selected to be judged by the on-site panel. As you can see, your film was nominated, so made it into the top 5... Congrats! https://muscatinefilmfest.com/2018-nominations/