THE 21ST ANNUAL ICDOCS WILL TAKE PLACE APRIL 24 - APRIL 26, 2026.

The Iowa City International Documentary Film Festival (ICDOCS) is an annual event run by students at the University of Iowa. Our mission is to engage local audiences with the exhibition of recent short films that explore the boundaries of nonfiction filmmaking. We seek innovative new works of 30 minutes or less that both complicate and expand upon conventional approaches to nonfiction and documentary.

Email: icdocs@gmail.com
Iowa City International Documentary Film Festival (ICDOCS)
c/o Laura Gede, Festival Director
Department of Cinematic Arts, University of Iowa
E210 Adler Journalism Building
140 W Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
U.S.A.

3 Juror Awards, 3 Honorable Mentions

Early Deadline: December 1st, 2025
Regular- $15 / Students- $10 / International Entry - $5

Regular Deadline: January 23, 2026
Regular- $25 / Students- $15 / International Entry $5

If your work has been accepted to ICDOCS in the past no payment is required, please email icdocs@gmail.com for your alumni waiver code.

Student entries receive a discounted fee with proof of student status. Please email a scanned copy of your student ID card to icdocs@gmail.com.

If you have any financial hardships or need that is a barrier to entering, no matter what your student status or international status is, please contact us for assistance!

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • We are very happy to be part of the event

    April 2025
  • Joshua Yates

    <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

    April 2025
  • Marina Santana

    Outstanding curation and an EPIC line-up of filmmakers. I really loved the team and also meeting other filmmakers. Iowa City 2021 was amazing I loved it. I saw many new favorite films, I was very impressed.

    July 2021
  • Josh Drake

    A great festival with friendly, clear communication and a wonderful variety of programming. I’m so happy to have been included!

    June 2021
  • Jules Mathôt

    A strong & daring selection of films! Totally delivered the festival experience with online Q&A's! Keep it up!

    May 2021