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 16th annual festival March 5-8, 2026. 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, 2025. 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, 2026.

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. Selected films may be used for promotional or educational events outside of the film festival weekend.

24 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Richard Endacott

    I want to thank everyone involved with OFF for the wonderful opportunity for our project to be part of the 15th annual celebration. The community engagement, multiple venues, mixers, Q&A sessions, and the celebration of films and filmmakers was fantastic. The community is lovely and the people even more so. I highly recommend OFF to fellow film makers and audiences.

    March 2025
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  • Eddie Portoghese

    The people of Decorah and the Oneota Film Festival staff really know how to put on a festival. Elise was very professional and I could tell she has the entire community supporting this festival. Our film picked up a Best of Fest award and so it was unfortunate we could not attend, but the communication and preparation was outstanding! This festival has that small town feeling of love and affection for independent films. Hope to attend in the future!

    March 2025
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  • Avi Federgreen

    wonderful and supportive festival in every way

    March 2025
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  • Melissa Davey

    What a surprise! The Oneota Film Festival is in my top three out of many! We screened Climbing into Life (two screenings) to packed houses. The Q&A for each was robust with great audience participation. The entire town is involved in the festival and it was evident that the community support is high. The communication before and during the festival was excellent. The town of Decorah is delightful and we enjoyed the Norwegian Museum as well as the wonderful restaurants. I loved that you could walk to every screening venue.
    This festival is a must for filmmakers who want true audience participation and filled seats! Thank you OFF and Decorah! I hope to return.

    March 2025
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  • Aaron Goffman

    thank you for inviting Darcine's Day to your unique fest.!@

    March 2025
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