Held among the spectacular rivers and bluffs of the Driftless Region in Northeastern Iowa, the Oneota Film Festival, OFF, brings compelling, innovative, and inspiring films and filmmakers to Decorah, Iowa, from around the globe. Through films that illuminate the human condition, OFF aims to engage a large and diverse audience in the critical issues of our time.

Screenings and discussions take place in the vibrant downtown business district with coffee shops, restaurants, shops, B and B’s, the Hotel Winneshiek, Arthaus Arts Center, and Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.

OFF invites documentary, narrative, animated, and student films for its 15th annual festival March 2025. All films submitted will be juried by an international panel of filmmakers and film scholars. Festival events include screenings of films, discussions, and panels with invited filmmakers and local/regional experts; an opening night Gala; Filmmakers Reception Saturday evening; and special events in conjunction with the Decorah community.

Filmmakers are encouraged to attend the entire festival and all events. Come interact with an educated, involved audience! Please contact director@oneotafilmfestival.org for details.

Awards are offered in each film category, in addition to an Audience Choice award. Oneota Film Festival was initiated by Luther College alumni Walter Ordway, a world traveler, photographer, and filmmaker and photographer and filmmaker Kyrl Henderson.

Closed captioning recommended.

Awards & Prizes

Walter Ordway Best of Fest (juried) Documentary Feature (40+ min)
Walter Ordway Best of Fest (juried) Narrative Feature (40+ min)
Walter Ordway Best of Fest (juried) Documentary Short (less than 40 min)
Walter Ordway Best of Fest (juried) Narrative Short (less than 40 min)
Walter Ordway Best of Fest (juried) Animation (any length)
Best of Fest Student Film Awards (juried): narrative, documentary, animation
Member's Choice Best of Fest Award (non-juried)

Numbers of awards are subject to quantity and quality of films submitted.

Rules & Terms

OFF accepts films that focus on the issues of our time including adventure, environmental, social justice, arts, fitness, eco-travel, food/agriculture and creativity, as well as films that address all aspects of the human condition. Filmmakers and world travelers, Luther College grads Walter Ordway and Kyrl Hendersen conceived of the Festival as a way to connect filmmakers and audience members.

Films are accepted on a rolling basis until July 31st, 2024. Decisions on film selection and awards lie solely with OFF, including the right to select or reject any or all films, and will be made no later than January 3, 2025.

Any NON-ENGLISH film has to be accompanied with EMBEDDED Closed Caption in English to be displayed for review and screening. Audiences appreciate embedded Closed Caption in films in English, as well.

The Oneota Film Festival is unable to offer fee waivers at this time and does not pay screening fees for submitted films.
18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • S. Torriano Berry

    Wonderful experience with great people.

    May 2024
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  • Sarah Rodenbaugh

    The communication of this fest was wonderful and I wish I could’ve attended in person. The people were very lovely and we were thrilled to be included. Thank you!

    March 2024
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  • David Ellingson

    The Oneota Film Festival is a 5-star event: a wonderful variety of films, in a beautiful town/region, a variety of local venues, efficient organization, and opportunities to meet fellow filmmakers. BRAVO! I look forward to returning!

    March 2024
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  • Mike Stinnett

    The cast and crew of the short film Once Love are delighted to have been a part of the 2024 Oneota Film Festival. This festival sponsors and supports independent filmmakers providing a much-needed venue for short films like ours. Actors/crew who labor to make these independent films would not get recognition, where it not for such festivals and the dedicated people who staff them. The management and staff of the Oneota Film Festival deserve much praise for their hard work and vision. Thank you for putting on a wonderful festival and promoting independent filmmaking.

    March 2024
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  • Courtney Ball

    I enjoyed this festival quite a bit, as both a filmmaker and audience member. One huge positive is that it's free to attend, and it's located in downtown Decorah, which is lovely.

    From a filmmaker's perspective, there wasn't a huge opportunity for industry networking. It was mostly locals attending, but Q&A sessions were engaging and fun. (There were some tech issues in one venue with an attempted remote Q&A, which was disappointing, but otherwise things ran smoothly.)

    Overall, I recommend and would return.

    March 2023
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