Welcome to the Ottumwa International Film Festival, a vibrant celebration of cinema held at the stunning Bridge View Center theater on March 20 and 21, 2026. Over the course of two days, we will showcase an eclectic mix of short and feature films from a diverse array of categories, promising to captivate audiences with a rich tapestry of storytelling.

Our festival is dedicated to highlighting the creativity and passion of filmmakers from around the globe. We take pride in curating a program that includes thought-provoking dramas, riveting documentaries, heartwarming comedies, and groundbreaking animated films. Each screening offers a unique glimpse into different cultures, perspectives, and artistic visions.

In addition to the screenings, we will host engaging Q&A sessions with filmmakers, providing an intimate platform for attendees to delve deeper into the creative processes behind the films.

To honor the outstanding achievements in filmmaking, we will present awards in various categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Audience Choice, and more. These accolades celebrate the innovation, talent, and dedication that drive the art of cinema forward.

Join us at the Ottumwa International Film Festival for two unforgettable days of cinematic discovery and community. Whether you're a filmmaker, a film lover, or simply curious, we invite you to immerse yourself in the magic of the movies and the spirit of storytelling.

Awards & Prizes

There will be prizes for:
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Comedy
Best Drama
Best Documentary
Best Horror
Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Best Animation
Best Music Video
Best LGBTQIA+
Best Student
Best Iowa Film
Audience Choice

Rules & Terms

1. Submission Categories:

• We accept both short films (under 40 minutes) and feature films (over 40 minutes).
• Films can be from any genre, including but not limited to drama, comedy, documentary, animation, and horror.

2. Submission Format:

• All films must be submitted through our official submission platform, FilmFreeway.
• Films must be provided in high-quality digital formats. Physical copies are not accepted.

3. Eligibility:

• Films completed after January 1, 2021, are eligible for submission.
• Non-English films must include English subtitles.

4. Originality and Rights:

• Submissions must be the original work of the applicant.
• The filmmaker must have the necessary rights and clearances for all content, including music and third-party footage.

5. Submission Fees:

• The appropriate entry fee must accompany each submission. Fees are non-refundable.
• Early bird, regular, and late submission deadlines and fees will be outlined on our submission platform.

6. Screening and Promotion:

• By submitting your film, you grant the Ottumwa International Film Festival the right to screen your film at the festival without monetary compensation, both during the selection process and once in theater, if selected.
• If your film is selected you must provide a downloadable link within 48 hours of selection
• You also grant us the right to use excerpts, images, and trailers for promotional purposes.

7. Notification:

• All selected films will be notified via email by February 13, 2026.
• Due to the volume of submissions, individual feedback will not be provided.

8. Attendance:

• Filmmakers whose works are selected are encouraged to attend the festival. Special events and networking opportunities will be available.

9. Awards:

• Awards will be presented in various categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, and Audience Choice.
• The decision of the jury is final and not subject to appeal.

10. Agreement:

• By submitting your film, you agree to abide by the rules and terms of the Ottumwa International Film Festival.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the art of filmmaking with you!
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Eric Dean Freese

    Top notch festival in only its second year! Jason is a pleasure to communicate with and is very attentive. I was not able to attend, however the Writer/Director of our film was, and she shared that It was a great venue, well run. She found the films entertaining, informative, creatively captured and produced. Thank you Ottumwa for creating this event!

    April 2026
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  • Richard Morell

    It's great to attend a festival that's close by to where I live, but I was also impressed with the care that went into selecting a pretty balanced set of films. It's only the second year of the festival, but if the next few are as packed as this one was, I expect it will continue and will attract more and more filmgoers as a result.

    March 2026
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  • Stacy Barton

    Ottumwa International is an impressive festival in the heart of the country, and the festival organizers truly have heart and an unmatched love for film and filmmakers. The diverse mix of quality local, regional, national, and international programming, world-class 600? seat screening venue, delicious concessions, fun and interesting moderated Q&A sessions that respect each director, film, and actor in attendance, and an awards ceremony that was engaging, inspiring and uplifting. I hope the local Ottumwa community continues to support this amazing event, especially by attending the movies. This festival respects and values the filmmakers and films that are submitted and programmed, and those that travel with their project to take part. It was a joy and honor to be included.

    March 2026
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  • Pep Stojanovic

    I am so happy that I altered my travel plans to get to the festival to be present for both days of programming and to see my first film screen for the first time ever and all at Ottumwa's first ever film festival. Organizers were wonderful, the venue was excellent, the across the parking lot hotel was super comfy, and the films they showcased were all topnotch (my son and I saw every film). I also enjoyed meeting other filmmakers, too! If I ever make a 2nd film, I would definitely submit and attend again! Everyone involved in making this fest possible should be proud!

    March 2025
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  • Thomas C. Johnson

    Excellent array of films from Ottumwa International Film Festival. Thank you for your communication, as well as for selecting "Love & Sugar"! - Thomas

    March 2025
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