Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival - Cedar Rapids Independent Filmmakers / Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival

The 2026 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival

April 9-12, 2026

Collins Road Theatres
Olympic South Side Theater
Ideal Theater & Bar

CRIFF 2026
By the Numbers

23rd Annual Event

25th ANNIVERSARY!!

121 Entries (a new record)!

61 Official Selections!

2 New Venues!

24 Gold and Silver Eddy Awards

1 Iowa Connection Award

2 Audience Choice Awards

$1000 Student Scholarship

1 Great Time!

Countdown to 2026

Inspired films. Talented filmmakers. Iowa connections.

The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival holds its 23rd edition April 9-12, 2026. Friday-Sunday screenings will be held at Collins Road Theatres, 1462 Twixt Town Road, Marion, Iowa. NEW for 2026: Thursday Night Screenings at the Olympic South Side Theater – 1202 3rd St SE #200, and Ideal Theater & Bar – 213 16th Ave SE, both in Cedar Rapids’ NewBo District.

CRIFF will celebrate the work of filmmakers from across the state, throughout the country, and around the world, all with connections to Iowa. This year, we received a record 121 entries – a testament to the amount of work Iowa-connected filmmakers are creating!

Find information about schedules, tickets and other details on the main 2026 CRIFF page

Film Festivals and the Arts

The arts are a vital part of a healthy, thriving, prosperous society. Film is an incredible tool for storytelling, creative expression, and fostering empathy. Supporting filmmakers will help nurture a stronger artistic landscape for everyone. There are wonderful opportunities to expand our mission by empowering students, fostering emerging talent, supporting regional artists, amplifying diverse voices, and collaborating with other arts organizations.

Get Involved and Make an Impact!

For 25 years, CRIFF has been a vital platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and celebrate the power of storytelling! As we look ahead to the next chapter, we need your help to write it!

Whether you have experience in event planning, fundraising, marketing, non-profit management, or just a passion for film and a desire to enrich our creative community, we’re calling on film lovers, community supporters, and anyone who sees the importance of the arts to step up and help ensure the future of CRIFF.

Learn more on the Get Involved! page. Send us your questions, ideas and support!

We’re proud to be part of the Iowa Certified Film Festival Network and a Platinum Candid seal holder.

Our Mission is to encourage independent filmmakers with Iowa ties to continue improving their craft, provide a venue to specifically showcase their films, present a unique cultural event to the community, grow the Iowa filmmaking industry, and offer opportunities for networking between Iowa-connected filmmakers everywhere.