Progress Iowa is proud to announce the First In The Nation Film Festival, a first of its kind event in Iowa. We are calling on all filmmakers to tell engaging stories about progressive issues in Iowa!

Grand Prize ($500), second prize ($250), and third prize ($150) winners will be chosen from the finalists. Winners will be announced live at the screening on Wednesday, October 16th at Fleur Cinema in Des Moines, Iowa.

ENTRY DEADLINE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
VIDEO GUIDELINES
Film must include primarily original content (any and all secondary content must be used only with permission) and focus on a political, environmental, economic, or social justice issue facing Iowa or a community in Iowa, from a progressive perspective.
All films must include a call-to-action and/or propose solutions to the problem/issue upon which the film focuses. The film must be no longer than 15 minutes in length. First in the Nation Film Festival is open to films in any genre (documentary, short, animation, music video, etc). Filmmakers must be at least 16 years of age to participate.
SUBMISSION PROCESS & PRIZES
Entrants will submit films at FilmFreeway. There is a $5 entry fee. Click here to submit your film.

The grand prize ($500), second prize ($250), and third prize ($150) winners will be chosen from the finalists. Winners will be announced live at the screening on Wednesday, October 16th at Fleur Cinema in Des Moines, Iowa.
JUDGING PROCESS
Representatives of Progress Iowa and a panel of expert judges will review all entries and select finalists and winners based on the following criteria — originality, clarity, technical quality, creativity, ability to captivate an audience and the film’s call-to-action.
SUGGESTED ISSUES
Health care, women’s rights, rural hospital crisis, LGBTQ rights, civil rights, workers’ rights, voting rights, poverty, homelessness, child care, income inequality, privatization of prisons, K-12 education, higher education, student loan debt, climate change, clean energy, public transportation, sustainable farming, affordable housing, access to clean water… there are no shortage of issues facing our community. We look forward to highlighting films that will engage in powerful storytelling, and empower people to take action!