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

CRIFF 2026
By the Numbers

23rd Annual Event

25th Anniversary

A Record 121 Entries

A Record 65 Official Selections

2 New Venues

24 Awards

1 Great Time!

Countdown to 2027

April 1-4, 2027

Film Empowers All Artists

The 2027 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival is open for entries, and we’re celebrating the artists who brought your films to life!

Join us in honoring writers, directors, cinematographers, actors, composers, editors…and also photographers, graphic designers, choreographers, sculptors, VFX artists, decorators, painters, landscapers, hair stylists, makeup artists, lighting designers, musicians and many, many more.

Whatever talent, craft or medium – there is a place for all art in filmmaking. Share the creativity of your filmmaking team and enter at filmfreeway.com/CRIFF.

Details are on the CRIFF main page.

Do you have BTS pix of your team at work? We’d love to show off your cast and crew! Email us at info@crifm.org.

CRIFF 2026 Was Great!

The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival held its 23rd edition April 9-12, 2026. Friday-Sunday screenings were at Collins Road Theatres, 1462 Twixt Town Road, Marion, Iowa. NEW for 2026: Thursday Night Screenings happened 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. We received a record 121 entries – a testament to the amount of work Iowa-connected filmmakers are creating!

More info is on the 2026 Archive 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 over 25 years, Cedar Rapids Independent Filmmakers 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.