About the Films

2:40 AM

Professional Short  |  3m:16s   

Fri 5:45p | Sat 1:25p

Insane Mike Saunders – Writer/Director – Ottumwa
Prescribed Films

Synopsis
There are strange noises in the middle of the night. Lana films with her cell phone as she investigates. (brief language)

Iowa Connection
Prescribed Films is an Iowa based film company. The film was shot in Ottumwa, Iowa.

2:40 AM

Professional Short  |  3m:16s   

Fri 5:45p | Sat 1:25p

The A.B.E.N Case

Student Short  |  12m:45s

Friday, 5:45p | Sunday, 12:57p

The A.B.E.N Case

Student Short  |  12m:45s

Friday, 5:45p | Sunday, 12:57p

Joshua Thomas Woolcott – Writer/Director
Noah Kallem – Producer
Buena Vista University – Storm Lake

Synopsis
Four university students venture into a long-abandoned building on campus to try to find something interesting. What they find is the scariest night of their lives. (language)

Iowa Connection
This short film was produced by Digital Media students at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA. The students are also members of the Iowa College Media Association. The Digital Media program has worked with the Iowa Motion Picture Association too.

Alice

Student Short  |  19m:06s

Friday, 1:20p | Sunday, 1:17p

Matt Williams – writer/director/producer/editor
Loras College – Dubuque

Synopsis
To come

Iowa Connection
Matt Williams and all crew were students at Loras College in Dubuque, IA. Williams is also a resident of Dubuque, IA graduating from Hempstead High School.

Alice

Student Short  |  19m:06s

Friday, 1:20p | Sunday, 1:17p

Autumn Artistry via Canoe

ProAm Documentary  10m:42s

Friday, 6:00p | Saturday, 10:21a

Autumn Artistry via Canoe

ProAm Documentary  |  10m:42s

Friday, 6:00p | Saturday, 10:21a

Bruce G. McKee – Director – Mason City
Dale Mills – Writer

Synopsis
Dale has solo-paddled the Winnebago River in North Iowa in every month of every year for nearly two decades. This film, the third in a series, highlights his Autumn canoe floats, emphasizing river stewardship and passing on the joy of paddling to the next generations. Narrated with his prose and observations of his passion of paddling and nature around him.

Iowa Connection
Autumn Artistry via Canoe was written, produced and filmed on an Iowa river with lots of time in the ‘eddies’ – a perfect connection to the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival. 

Between the Lines 

Professional Feature  |  1h:18m

Saturday, 9:00a | Saturday, 7:55p

Shelby Hagerdon, M.G. White – Directors
Bitter Hipster Films – Sioux City

Synopsis
A young woman tries to make a new life for herself while caring for her traumatically brain injured mother and coping with the scars of her past. (language, mature themes)

Iowa Connection
I was born and raised in Smithland Iowa. Also, my co-director M.G. White lives in Sioux City.  

Between the Lines 

Professional Feature  |  1h:18m

Saturday, 9:00a | Saturday, 7:55p

Black Excellence by Tone Da Boss

ProAm Freestyle  |  2m:46s

Friday, 8:56p | Saturday, 6:15p

Black Excellence by Tone Da Boss

ProAm Freestyle  |  2m:46s

Friday, 8:56p | Saturday, 6:15p

Antonio Chalmers, Josh Booth – Directors – Cedar Rapids
Antonio Ricardo Chalmers, Ean Mills, Alicia Strong, Rachel Hagen – Writers – Cedar Rapids
T1 Entertainment

Synopsis
Black Excellence is a music video written by Tone Da Boss, EMDUBAI, and Alicia Monee. Shot by Josh Booth and released February 2022, Black Excellence has been featured on Iowa PBS and many news outlets as well.

Iowa Connection
This video was shot in Cedar Rapids by an Iowa videographer featuring 3 Iowa artists. The videographer is Josh Booth of Diamond Label films. The main artist is Tone Da Boss from Cedar Rapids featuring Alicia Monee and EMDUBAI also from Cedar Rapids.

Blades of Betrayal

Student Short  |  5m:45s

Friday, 8:50p | Sunday, 12:51p

Gavin Smith, Paul Murphy – Producers/Directors
University of Iowa – Iowa City
Drake University – Des Moines

Synopsis
A samurai captain leads his squad into the forest where he is attacked by an unexpected enemy. 

Iowa Connection
The entire project was filmed in central Iowa with local actors. The directors of the film go to the University of Iowa and Drake.  

Blades of Betrayal

Student Short  |  5m:45s

Friday, 8:50p | Sunday, 12:51p

The Blundering Buffoons

Student Freestyle  |  3m:30s

Friday, 5:53p | Friday, 1:10p

The Blundering Buffoons

Student Freestyle  |  3m:30s

Friday, 5:53p | Friday, 1:10p

Calvin Huber – Director – Cedar Rapids
Taite Peach – Writer – Cedar Rapids
David Thomas, Jackson Slaymaker – Producers
Iowa Valley Community School 
– Marengo

Synopsis
The Blundering Buffoons, a film inspired by the silent films of Charlie Chaplin and the slapstick comedy of The Three Stooges, introduces us to three lovable buffoons who simply want to see a show. When they don’t have enough money for a ticket, they quickly find inspiration from a handyman working in the theater. Owner and businessman Mr. Jackson soon discovers these shenanigans and vows to rid his theater of such troublemakers!

Iowa Connection
Created by Iowa high school students.

The Bridge

Professional Short  |  32m:06s

Saturday, 9:30a | Saturday, 4:54p

Courtney Ball, Adam Orton – Directors – Cedar Rapids
Flow Media

Synopsis
Two boys from different cultures are adventurous best friends, but their fathers’ prejudices threaten to pull them apart. A poignant drama mixed with boyish humor, “The Bridge” is a beautiful story about how friendship between younger people can help overcome cultural conflict and trauma from the past. (language)

Iowa Connection
This film was produced in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Except for two actors, all talent and crew members are from Iowa.

The Bridge

Professional Short  |  32m:06s

Saturday, 9:30a | Saturday, 4:54p

The Collins Story – Connecting the Moon to the Earth: Steps to the Moon

Professional Documentary  |  1h:12m:10s

Saturday, 9:00a | Saturday 3:00p

The Collins Story – Connecting the Moon to the Earth: Steps to the Moon

Professional Documentary  |  1h:12m:10s

Saturday, 9:00a | Saturday 3:00p

Annette Juergens Busbee – Writer/Producer
Busbee Communications, Wired Production Group, Arthur A. Collins Legacy Association – Cedar Rapids

Synopsis
Before personal computers, the Internet, smartphones and GPS connected us and guided our journeys, men on board the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space capsules talked to earth, navigated in space and to the moon and back, and exchanged critical data with mission control. How was this accomplished five decades ago? By the ingenuity and dedication of The Collins Radio Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This first chapter of the series tells the story of young Arthur Collins, and how he grew his company into a significant contributor to the American space program.

Iowa Connection
The film is about an Iowa-based company and the Iowans who worked there. The film was produced in Cedar Rapids.

Dream Girl

ProAm Short  |  7m:05s

Friday, 6:10p | Saturday 9:07a

Tristan Bennett – Director/Writer
Tyler Black, Skyler Ferguson, Kazek Israni-Winger – Writers
Zach Everman, Noah Lucy – Producers
Cedar Falls

Synopsis
Casey Karver begins to spiral into darkness as he encounters a woman that strangely reminds him of his dead lover. (mature themes)

Iowa Connection
It was directed by an Iowa native, and produced by a fully Iowan team! 

Dream Girl

ProAm Short  |  7m:05s

Friday, 6:10p | Saturday 9:07a

The Edge

Student Freestyle  |  7m:08s

Saturday 8:16p | Sunday 1:00p

The Edge

Student Freestyle  |  7m:08s

Saturday 8:16p | Sunday 1:00p

Colton Bachar, Jon Quinn, Michael Runde, Amber Krieg, Dana Majerczyk, Asia Singleton, Nate Kaiser, Nora Carr, Ellie Schill
Loras College Media Studies
 – Dubuque

Synopsis
Global Filmmaking in Italy – Class project. Experimental Video.

Iowa Connection
Although shot on location in Italy & Sicily in January of 2020 – the nine students who produced/shot/edited this piece were all students of Loras College in Dubuque, IA. This experimental video was created as a part of a J-term Global Filmmaking course and edited at Loras College. 

Exodus

Student Long-Form  |  28m:10s

Friday, 6:30p | Sunday, 2:37p

Nathan Matthew Blizzard – Director
Nathan Matthew Blizzard, Sidney Morgan, Piper Hager – Writers
Omaha, NE

Synopsis
Julie and Adrian are trapped inside a building during the apocalypse by a man who is hiding something. A Nebraska film. (mature themes, language)

Iowa Connection
Exodus was made with Executive Producer and actor Michael Ross and makeup artist Angelica May who are both from Iowa and worked on the film. Michael is the owner of a haunted house in Sidney, Iowa called “Sinister Sidney,” which Angelica also does makeup for. Michael and Angelica have a strong connection with Iowa and the haunt community there. They brought their experiences in horror makeup and acting into the film, which helped elevate it to a higher level. Without their involvement in Exodus, this film would’ve not been made.

Exodus

Student Long-Form  |  28m:10s

Friday, 6:30p | Sunday, 2:37p

Foreign

Student Freestyle  |  2m:31s

Sunday, 12:57p | Sunday 3:05p

Foreign

Student Freestyle  |  2m:31s

Sunday, 12:57p | Sunday 3:05p

Logan Westin – Director – Des Moines
Des Moines Central Campus – Des Moines

Synopsis
Music Video of an original song for a local artist in the Des Moines area.

Iowa Connection
The project was a part of the curriculum for the Broadcasting & Film Department at Central Campus, a dynamic, two-year program which concentrates on the creative and communication aspects of the radio/television/film industry. Emphasis is placed on analysis of career paths and the production techniques associated with gainful employment. Considerable time is spent working on the craft of writing, reading, equipment operation, announcing, creative thinking and management skills.  The program may include studio assignments in the FCC-licensed radio station, KDPS 88.1 FM (and streaming live online: kdpscentral.streamon.fm), or submission of  projects to DMPS-TV. Students also have the opportunity to submit work to various contests and festivals, and to colleges and universities in pursuit of scholarships in the area of Broadcasting & Film. 

Gills

Student Long Form  |  22m

Friday, 5:45p | Sunday 12:31p

Griffin Presnell – Writer/Director
Ally Boyd – Producer
Wayne State College, Wayne NB

Synopsis
Mermaids are a known species, and when Asriel falls for a quiet girl in the back of his class, he soon learns they may be closer than he first thought. Gills is rated PG-13 for adult themes and depictions of violence

Iowa Connection
The Executive Producer is Michael White, who is an Iowa native.

Gills

Student Long Form  |  22m

Friday, 5:45p | Sunday 12:31p

Good Riddance

Professional Short  |  9m:05s

Friday, 1:26p | Saturday, 9:14a

Good Riddance

Professional Short  |  9m:05s

Friday, 1:26p | Saturday, 9:14a

Jake J. Roth – Director

Synopsis
A twisted story of witchcraft & revenge. (brief language, mature themes, gore)

Iowa Connection
The entire cast/crew was either born in Dubuque, IA, and/or currently lives there. The director/writer also graduated from Loras College in 2014, with his bachelor’s degree in Media Studies. 

Greener Pastures

Professional Documentary  |  1h:22m

Friday, 7:15p | Saturday, 1:25p

Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian – Director/Producer
Vickie Curtis, Vanessa Roworth – Writers
Ian Robertson Kibbe – Producer

Synopsis
Greener Pastures captures the day-to-day lives of four small, multigenerational family farms over the course of three years. Through an intimate, observational lens we examine the various farm stressors, policies and politics farmers must maneuver to survive, connecting the dots between mental health, industrialization, food production and climate change. It is a story of perseverance, patience and determination that tackles nothing less than the future of farming in America. (mature topics, brief language)

Iowa Connection
The film was shot in several cities in Iowa – Des Moines, Clear Lake, Mason City, etc.

Greener Pastures

Professional Documentary  |  1h:22m

Friday, 7:15p | Saturday, 1:25p

Gypsy Vengerka

ProAm Documentary  |  1h:27m:35s

Friday, 3:45p | Saturday 10:15a

Gypsy Vengerka

ProAm Documentary  |  1h:27m:35s

Friday, 3:45p | Saturday 10:15a

Oleg Timofeyev, Sabine I. Gölz – Directors/Producers

Synopsis
A feature-length documentary about the last representatives of the 2 centuries old Russian-Romani 7-string guitar tradition and its central piece, known as the “Gypsy Vengerka.” The film also includes interviews with Romani rights activists in the US.

Iowa Connection
This film is very international, but also strongly connected to Iowa, as it features the work of Oleg Timofeyev and a course he taught at the UI for many years.

Heaven’s Ranch

Student Freestyle  |  5m:56s

Saturday, 8:10p | Sunday 3:05p

Morgan Minear, Nate Kaiser – Directors/Producers
Addison Aronson – Performer
Loras College Media Studies – Dubuque

Synopsis
To come

Iowa Connection
Nate Kaiser & Morgan Minear were students at Loras College in Dubuque, IA. The music video was filmed in rural Dubuque county. Morgan Minear is also a native of Iowa, growing up in Decorah. The songwriter (Pins), singer (Aronson), and track recording (Breitbach) are all either Dubuque natives or live there. 

Heaven’s Ranch

Student Freestyle  |  5m:56s

Saturday, 8:10p | Sunday 3:05p

Into the Lions Den

Professional Documentary  |  24m:30s

Friday, 9:50p | Saturday, 11:59a

Into the Lions Den

Professional Documentary  |  24m:30s

Friday, 9:50p | Saturday, 11:59a

Quinn Early – Writer/Director/Producer
Cameron Early, Benjamin Sheeler, Tai Seibert – Producers

Synopsis
A Marine turned football coach creates a winning tradition wherever he goes. He builds character, and is a mentor to young men. His courage is tested in 1965 when he gives a scholarship to a high school football star who happens to be Black. Together, the two would help reshape the  landscape of college football history in the south.

Iowa Connection
Quinn Early is a University of Iowa graduate, (1987) and was a two sport student athlete, participating in both Football & Track. This documentary highlights the accomplishments of Hayden Fry, and his relationship with Jerry Levias. Coach Fry gave the first football scholarship to an African American student athlete, Levias, in the Southwestern Conference in 1965, and went on to become one of the greatest college football coaches of all time.

Into the Valley

Professional Feature  |  1h:11m

Friday, 2:15p | Saturday, 10:25a

Stephen Folker – Director
Sarah F. Katz – Producer/Writer

Synopsis
Following her mother’s sudden departure, Kara leaves the East Side for a job in the Valley – only to discover that the tech utopia has a dark side. (language)

Iowa Connection
The director is from Iowa, the film was shot in Iowa and the majority of the cast is from Iowa.

Into the Valley

Professional Feature  |  1h:11m

Friday, 2:15p | Saturday, 10:25a

Kenosha: The Shooting of Jacob Blake

Student Documentary  |  18m:17s

Friday, 8:59p | Sunday, 2:08p

Kenosha: The Shooting of Jacob Blake

Professional Documentary  42m   G

Friday, 8:59p | Sunday, 2:08p

Jon Quinn – Director
Loras College – Dubuque

Synopsis
Loras College Senior, Jon Quinn, watched on social media and through messages he received from family and friends, as the events on August 23rd, 2020 unfolded in his hometown of Kenosha, Wisconsin. In the months following, Quinn would make several trips home to document both events and reactions on the impact on the black community in Kenosha. Highlighting key community activists, Quinn captures their reaction to the District attorney’s contentious announcement on January 4, 2021, that no charges would be filed for the officer involved in the shooting. The open ending reflects the unknown of what is to come for the community of Kenosha. Quinn hopes to continue telling this story and it’s impact on the community of Kenosha as it unfolds in the days, months, and years ahead. (mature topics)

Iowa Connection
Jon Quinn was a student at Loras College in Dubuque, IA when he produced this documentary (although filmed in Kenosha, WI).

The King’s Eye

Professional Short  |  23m:46s

Friday, 9:26p | Saturday, 4:30p

Tony Joseph Cross – Director/Writer/Producer

Synopsis
A man embarks on a scavenger hunt, left behind by his recently deceased father. On his journey, he’s given a chance to remember his past, while also embracing the prospects of his future.

Iowa Connection
The film was largely shot in Davenport, Iowa.

The King’s Eye

Professional Short  |  23m:46s

Friday, 9:26p | Saturday, 4:30p

Large

Student Short  |  3m:58s

Sunday, 1:13p | Sunday 3:05p

Large

Student Short  |  3m:58s

Sunday, 1:13p | Sunday 3:05p

Dillon Jacobson – Writer/Director/Producer
Lucas Halverson – Producer
University of Iowa – Iowa City

Synopsis
After letting life pass by and accepting his life at face value, Lucas watches a motivational advertisement that inspires him to take control of his life.

Iowa Connection
Everyone involved in the film is from Iowa, and the director made this project for a course through the University of Iowa’s cinematic arts program.

Launch Sequence

ProAm Short  |  9m:22s

Saturday, 9:00a | Saturday, 1:37p

Kazek Israni-Winger – Writer/Director/Producer
Abby Bjorholm – Producer

Synopsis
On the day of the Artemis Moon Launch, a son desperately tries to connect with his ailing father.

Iowa Connection
This short was shot in Iowa and all of the actors and crew are Iowans.

Launch Sequence

ProAm Short  |  9m:22s

Saturday, 9:00a | Saturday, 1:37p

Let me know when your name gets to Mars

ProAm Feature  |  1h:5m:13s

Friday, 2:30p | Saturday, 3:00p

Let me know when your name gets to Mars

ProAm Feature  |  1h:5m:13s

Friday, 2:30p | Saturday, 3:00p

Kazek Israni-Winger – Writer/Director/Producer
Abby Bjorholm – Gorsche

Synopsis
Three friends embark on a road-trip across the US in the summer of 1999. They grapple with love, death, sex, self-worth, and the fear of adulthood. (mature themes)

Iowa Connection
All the cast and crew are from Iowa and the majority of the film was shot in Iowa.

Letters

ProAm Short  |  13m:52s

Friday, 9:00p | Saturday, 11:45a

Eva Beunza – Writer/Director/Producer – Sioux City

Synopsis
Emma has been working for some time to get a job in Canada. After much effort and hours of work, she receives a letter stating that she has been selected. Everything takes a turn when she asks her partner to move to Canada together. The memories of her childhood and the couple’s situation make them doubt about their future.  

Iowa Connection
The connection I have with Iowa is that we came to live here. I’ve been living in Sioux City for a year now. In fact, I shot this short film as a farewell before coming to live here. I made this project exclusively to come and live here. I’m trying to carve out a space for myself in this state in the audiovisual world.

Letters

ProAm Short  |  13m:52s

Friday, 9:00p | Saturday, 11:45a

Livestock on the Land

ProAm Documentary  |  1h:17m:31s

Saturday, 10:32a | Saturday, 6:25p

Livestock on the Land

ProAm Documentary  |  1h:17m:31s

Saturday, 10:32a | Saturday, 6:25p

Nick Ohde – Producer/Director
Practical Farmers of Iowa – Ames

Synopsis
In broad-brush, “Livestock on the Land” is a story about regenerative grazing and its promise for the Iowa landscape. Up close, however, it’s a story about people – the farmers driven by love of family, land and livestock to seek more resilient solutions, and the community that emerges when livestock are on the land. The film goes beyond the science to show how livestock are central threads connecting people, diversifying farms, protecting soil and water, and anchoring rural communities. When livestock leave, so do the people. “Livestock on the Land” shows the reverse: how livestock can repeople our rural communities by giving farmers a chance to get started, grow businesses, provide for their families, work together and bring back the next generation to sustain the cycle.

Iowa Connection
Producer and director, Nick Ohde, was born and currently lives in Iowa; most of the production team lives in Iowa; the subject is Iowa-focused and most of the people featured in the film live and work in Iowa; and the issues explored in the film are central issues to Iowa’s most central industry: agriculture.

Nostalgia

ProAm Short  |  15m:02s

Saturday, 9:23a | Saturday, 4:15p

Katie Otten – Director
Jeremy Wade Rodman – Writer/Producer

Synopsis
Two fan girls reminiscence about their childhoods spent playing with Sci-Fi toys as one makes hard life decisions.

Iowa Connection
The Writer/Producer Jeremy Rodman is from Glenwood, Iowa and went to the University of Iowa with a degree in Media and film BA 1996.  Portions of the film were filmed in Glenwood Iowa.

Nostalgia

ProAm Short  |  15m:02s

Saturday, 9:23a | Saturday, 4:15p

One Stolen Moment

Student Documentary  |  17m:09s

Saturday, 12:16p | Saturday, 2:35p

One Stolen Moment

Student Documentary  |  17m:09s

Saturday, 12:16p | Saturday, 2:35p

Ben Friedman, Michael Runde, Ben Burkholder, Pat Hunt – Directors/Producers
Loras College Media Studies – Dubuque

Synopsis
The focus of the documentary is about student athletes at Loras College, missing out on competing in national championships due to COVID.

Iowa Connection
This doc was produced by students at Loras College in Dubuque.

Orchestra Iowa — 100 Years Into Our Future

Professional Documentary  |  31m:13s

Friday, 6:29p | Saturday, 12:23p

Benjamin Marion – Writer
Paul Marlow – Producer
Creative Genes – Cedar Rapids

Synopsis
“Don’t you think Cedar Rapids ought to have an orchestra?” A rhetorical question posed in 1922 led to the creation of one of the most cherished symphony orchestras in the Midwest. A remarkable story of survival and success, as told by the musicians and friends of Orchestra Iowa. Now featuring more than 70 professional musicians, and recognized as one of the top regional symphony orchestras in the nation, 2023 marks Orchestra Iowa’s 100th season.  

Iowa Connection
The film was produced entirely in Iowa, by Iowans, about Iowans, for Orchestra Iowa.

Orchestra Iowa — 100 Years Into Our Future

Professional Documentary  |  31m:13s

Friday, 6:29p | Saturday, 12:23p

Penny Road

Student Short  |  17m:52s

Saturday, 12:33p | Saturday, 1:50p

Penny Road

Student Short  |  17m:52s

Saturday, 12:33p | Saturday, 1:50p

Chase Alexander Guerdet – Director/Writer/Producer
Austin Ellis – Writer/Producer
Randall Guerdet, Andrew Kilburg – Producers
Loras College – Dubuque

Synopsis
To come

Iowa Connection
This short was created by four students all of whom grew up in Iowa (Dubuque, Clayton, and Jackson counties) and also attended Loras College in Dubuque. Filming was also done in rural Dubuque and Jackson counties. 

PhD: Private High School Detective

Student Freestyle  |  4m:56s

Saturday, 8:23p | Sunday, 1:07p

Myles Strait – Writer/Director – Oskaloosa

Synopsis
To come

Iowa Connection
This film is written and directed by a current Iowa high school student and entered in the Iowa High School Speech Association large group contests.

PhD: Private High School Detective

Student Freestyle  |  4m:56s

Saturday, 8:23p | Sunday, 1:07p

Polterguys (Series Pilot)

Professional Short  |  26m:32s

Friday, 1:35p | Saturday, 2:02p

Polterguys (Series Pilot)

Professional Short  |  26m:32s

Friday, 1:35p | Saturday, 2:02p

Landon Sheetz, Joey Loboda – Writers/Directors/Producers
Don Tjernagel – Producer

Synopsis
Two childish men try to get famous making a ghost hunting show. (mature humor, language)

Iowa Connection
Almost entirely shot in Iowa, this series is written by, directed by, and stars Iowans.

El Principe Azul (Prince Charming)

Student Documentary  |  18m:17s

Saturday, 9:38a | Sunday, 1:12p

Matt Williams, Juan Luna – Producers/Directors
Loras College Media Studies – Dubuque

Synopsis
“El Principe Azul” (translating to “Prince Charming” in English) tells the story of Diego Lopez, an immigrant from Honduras, who at the age of 17, fled Honduras in order to avoid being forced into a gang – a fate that killed two of his older brothers. Joining his mother and sister in the United States, Diego is determined to leave his tragic childhood behind him and move forward. 

Iowa Connection
Produced by two students (Williams & Luna) from Loras College in Dubuque, IA. The student featured in the documentary is a current student at Loras College. 

El Principe Azul (Prince Charming)

Student Documentary  |  18m:17s

Saturday, 9:38a | Sunday, 1:12p

REVEILLE

Professional Feature  |  1h:46m:09s

Friday, 3:35p | Saturday, 6:15p

REVEILLE

Professional Feature  |  1h:46m:09s

Friday, 3:35p | Saturday, 6:15p

Michael Akkerman – Director/Writer
Myra Miller, Phd, Jörg Rochlitzer, Mike Burch, Bernd Wittneben – Producers
Film Farm Iowa – Wellsburg

Synopsis
In late 1943, an American squad engages in a skirmish with German soldiers along the Winter Line in central Italy. As artillery shells begin to rain down, the Americans must honor the rules of war and protect their wounded prisoners. Huddled together in a cave and made to see the enemy as human, the soldiers wrestle with unimaginable moral questions that lie outside the boundaries of nationality and allegiance. (mature themes, language)

Iowa Connection
The Film was co-produced by Film Farm Iowa, Wellsburg, IA. Lead actor Bernd Wittneben, Executive Producers Jörg Rochlitzer and Bernd Wittneben, and Producer Burdette Walters are from Wellsburg. The movie was supported by Ellsworth Community College and Marshalltown Community College. Iowa College students were hired as production assistants. Sound Director Kevin Thorn is from Cedar Rapids. Actor and Sound Assistant Lane Schnarthorst is from Conrad. Camera Assistants Grant Gale and Dillon Jacobson are from Marshalltown. Calvin Cook, support actor, is from Iowa Falls. The Trailer to the movie was completely produced and shot in Iowa Falls, Iowa. 

SHOUT

Professional Short  |  13m:15s

Friday, 6:17p | Saturday, 9:00a

Mason Greer – Director/Producer
Kacie Rogers – Writer/Producer
Angela Mavropoulos – Producer

Synopsis
Sean is in the midst of a political scandal during his run for mayor, his neighbor Tori is trying to start a new life after the death of her mother. In a time of extreme isolation these two lost souls will share a bond through the walls connecting their apartments.

Iowa Connection
The director/producer/editor was born and raised in Iowa City and finished film school at the University of Northern Iowa.

SHOUT

Professional Short  |  13m:15s

Friday, 6:17p | Saturday, 9:00a

Shut The Box

ProAm Short  |  16m

Friday, 1:50p | Saturday, 1:46p

Shut The Box

ProAm Short  |  16m

Friday, 1:50p | Saturday, 1:46p

Brittany Benedict – Director – Dojolo Films – Newhall
Kevin Shepherd – Writer – Cintree Films – Coralville

Synopsis
As Jennifer finds herself aged out of the foster care system, she must clear out the house her grandfather left her. She enlists the help of her two friends, other fosters, she met in the system. Shawn is hopeful this is the opportunity he’s been waiting for to take his relationship with Jennifer to the next level. That is until Nick, a laid-back partier, shows up to add a little excitement to the mix. Things take a dark turn when Nick suggests they play a simple game and unleash the supernatural powers of Roma.  While this game is not the game of life it is one they must play for their lives.

Iowa Connection
From pre to post-production, “Shut The Box” is Iowa born and raised. From concept to rewrites, a successful kickstarter campaign, and to screen, it was all done in the Hawkeye State with a predominantly Iowan cast and crew!

A Spring for Ali

Student Documentary  |  25m:29s

Saturday, 8:28p | Sunday, 12:05p

Katherine Eid – Writer/Director
Maharishi International University – Fairfield

Synopsis
Katherine, a first-generation Lebanese American, only knows Lebanon through the stories her father told her. Ali, her great-grandfather, was orphaned at 6 and sent in a barrel across the Mediterranean Sea, then imprisoned and tortured in a camp they never taught Katherine about in American schools. In death, Ali was buried in an unmarked grave in the cemetery al ghoraba, the cemetery of strangers. To honor the life of her great-grandfather, Katherine returns to Lebanon to build a sabil, a traditional water fountain, and attempts to discover her own belonging in a place far from home.

Iowa Connection
I attended Maharishi International University’s Cinematic Arts and New Media program in Fairfield, Iowa where I made this film as my thesis project. 

A Spring for Ali

Student Documentary  |  25m:29s

Saturday, 8:28p | Sunday, 12:05p

Standing Strong: Elizabeth Catlett

ProAm Documentary  |  56m:20s

Saturday, 10:36a | Saturday, 4:25p

Standing Strong: Elizabeth Catlett

ProAm Documentary  |  56m:20s

Saturday, 10:36a | Saturday, 4:25p

Kevin J. Kelley – Director
Marie S. Wilkes – Producer
New Mile Media Arts – Iowa City

Synopsis
The struggles and triumphs of Elizabeth Catlett, Mexican/American artist and political activist, who was a pioneer in the Black Arts movement. 

Iowa Connection
Elizabeth Catlett came to Iowa to study art with Grant Wood. She became the first individual to receive an MFA in Studio Arts. Because she was black, she was not allowed to live on campus. Yeas later The University of Iowa named a residence hall in her honor. She worked with black poet Margaret Walker, another University of Iowa graduate, to create a compilation of art and poetry called “For My People”. 

Strange Ballet

ProAm Freestyle  |  6m:51s

Saturday, 10:30a | Saturday, 6:18p

Carol Ann Montag – Director/Writer/Producer – Cedar Rapids

Synopsis and Iowa Connection
First came the song, then came the video. On August 10, 2020, Cedar Rapids and other eastern Iowa towns experienced an inland hurricane known as a derecho. In Iowa, we are familiar with tornadoes, not derechos. Winds were as high as 140 miles per hour. The derecho lasted about 45 minutes. As a result, the City of Cedar Rapids lost 65% of it’s tree canopy. Many trees were simply uprooted from the high winds. Many homes were damaged beyond repair. Our home was without electricity for 10 days and we had no internet for 31 days. In the aftermath of this very rare and destructive storm, everyone did their best to clean up their yards, driveways, and sidewalks. Many streets were blocked by downed trees. Our neighborhood required several cranes to remove large trees from rooftops. In the midst of the clean up effort, my husband, Paul, and I took a break in our driveway to watch a crane lift branches off a neighbor’s roof. The inspiration for this song/video came from that break. We watched how slowly and carefully the crane removed a large branch as if handling a delicate piece of glass. As the crane lifted the branch, leaves floated through the air. I thought to myself, this is just like a ballet, a pas de deux (a dance for two people, typically a man and a woman) between the branch and crane. The branch representing the ballerina, the crane representing the male dancer, often referred to as a “danseur”. The question came to mind, “What is this strange ballet?” I grabbed a pencil, paper, and guitar and started to write…

Strange Ballet

ProAm Freestyle  |  6m:51s

Saturday, 10:30a | Saturday, 6:18p

That Guy in Brown

ProAm Short  |  7m:03s

Saturday, 9:00a | Saturday, 1:30p

That Guy in Brown

ProAm Short  |  7m:03s

Saturday, 9:00a | Saturday, 1:30p

Matthew Tribble – Director/Writer – Cedar Rapids
Marc Bauer, Daniel Tribble – Writers – Cedar Rapids

Synopsis
A young man purses his dream job doing whatever it takes – whether it’s delivering packages or singing his way to glory.

Iowa Connection
Grew up and spent most of my life in the Marion/Cedar Rapids area

To Live Again

ProAm Feature  |  1h:37m

Friday, 7:15p | Saturday, 10:15a

Dr. Michael White – Writer/Director/Producer
Shelby Hagerdon – Producer
Bitter Hipster Films – Sioux City

Synopsis
TO LIVE AGAIN (Vivre De Nouveau) follows Gavin Salles (Rob Merritt), a middle age screenwriter turned college professor, who is mourning the death of his wife. Gavin’s life is filled with eccentric characters who are all deeply concerned for his well being. When Gavin meets Elaine Rush (Lindsay John Bauer), a newly minted PhD half his age, he must come to terms with what means to fall in love with someone half his age. To Live Again, is the second feature film by Dr. M.G. White. His films The Ghost in Her and Ever Fallen have been featured in festivals throughout the central United States. As a nod to White’s favorite French directors the new work is a homage to Truffaut, Ozon, and Jeanet. (mature themes, language)

Iowa Connection
The writer/director lives in Sioux City and actor Rob Merritt is from Cedar Rapids. 

To Live Again

ProAm Feature  |  1h:37m

Friday, 7:15p | Saturday, 10:15a

The Tower

ProAm Short  |  22m:03s

Friday, 6:07p | Saturday, 2:29p

The Tower

ProAm Short  |  22m:03s

Friday, 6:07p | Saturday, 2:29p

Carrsan T. Morrissey – Writer/Director

Synopsis
A seemingly harmless party game leads to a horrifying spiral into madness, violence, and cosmic horror. (mature themes, language)

Iowa Connection
Both the writer/director and the stars of the film are all Iowans, and the whole film was made in Iowa! Linnea Sumner now lives in New York as a professional makeup artist, but is native to the area.

Two Wheel Freedom

ProAm Documentary  |  20m:43s

Friday, 1:35p | Saturday, 9:09a

Evan M. Jenkins – Writer/Director/Producer – Burnsville, MN
Michael Berg – Writer

Synopsis
What does freedom mean to you? For Michael, it means a life on two wheels. From the motocross race tracks of Neola, Iowa to mountain biking the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, Michael has spent more of his life on two wheels than his own two feet. Follow Michael’s discovery of what the true meaning of freedom is to him. When life seems like no win situation, sometimes all it takes is another try, you just have to give ’em the beans and hold on for the ride.

Iowa Connection
The main subject of “Two Wheel Freedom”, Michael Berg, was born and raised on the family farm near Neola, Iowa. He went to Iowa State (go Cyclones!) and is an Iowan through and through. “Two Wheel Freedom” pays tribute to his Iowan roots. 

Two Wheel Freedom

ProAm Documentary  |  20m:43s

Friday, 1:35p | Saturday, 9:09a

(Un)alarmed

Student Short  |  5m

Friday, 5:49p | Sunday, 12:53p

(Un)alarmed

Student Short  |  5m

Friday, 5:49p | Sunday, 12:53p

Logan Westin – Director – Des Moines
Des Moines Central Campus – Des Moines

Synopsis
Derek, a young man indebted to his sleep and schoolwork fractures his perception of reality as his association of alarm and anxiety is numbed by the repetition of his stresses. 

Iowa Connection
The project was a part of the curriculum for the Broadcasting & Film Department at Central Campus, a dynamic, two-year program which concentrates on the creative and communication aspects of the radio/television/film industry. Emphasis is placed on analysis of career paths and the production techniques associated with gainful employment. Considerable time is spent working on the craft of writing, reading, equipment operation, announcing, creative thinking and management skills.  The program may include studio assignments in the FCC-licensed radio station, KDPS 88.1 FM (and streaming live online: kdpscentral.streamon.fm), or submission of  projects to DMPS-TV. Students also have the opportunity to submit work to various contests and festivals, and to colleges and universities in pursuit of scholarships in the area of Broadcasting & Film. 

Uninvited House Guest

Professional Short  |  1m:30s

Friday, 5:48p | Saturday, 1:28p

Insane Mike Saunders – Writer/Director
Prescribed Films – Ottumwa

Synopsis
There is someone or something in the backyard, watching and waiting. (brief language)

Iowa Connection
Prescribed Films is an Iowa based film company. The film was shot in Ottumwa.

Uninvited House Guest

Professional Short  |  1m:30s

Friday, 5:48p | Saturday, 1:28p

The Voice in Isabel Fleiss’s Office

Professional Freestyle  |  6m:24s

Friday, 1:20p | Saturday, 10:15a

The Voice in Isabel Fleiss’s Office

Professional Freestyle  |  6m:24s

Friday, 1:20p | Saturday, 10:15a

Jim Haverkamp – Director/Producer – Cedar Rapids
Virgil Renfroe – Writer – Durham, NC

Synopsis
A woman with an unusual malady–cobweb buildup in the throat–receives an even more unusual treatment in this adaptation of a surreal poem by North Carolina writer Virgil Renfroe.

Iowa Connection
Director Jim Haverkamp is an Iowa City native and went to school at the University of Iowa (graduated 1989).

The Way It Was

Student Long Form  |  46m:58s

Saturday, 9:13a | Sunday, 1:50p

Jake Heelein – Writer/Director/Producer
Nate Kaiser – Producer
Loras College – Dubuque

Synopsis
To come

Synopsis
The Great Depression ravages the lives of those in the 1930s, forcing some to turn to violence. Factory owner James Eston must navigate life while facing the biggest crime boss in town. However, his attempts to help his community may just lead to the destruction of his family. (brief language)

Iowa Connection
Although filmed on location in Potosi, Wisconsin, the writer/director, producer and all crew were students at Loras College in Dubuque. Several members of the main cast are also residents of Iowa.

The Way It Was

Student Long Form  |  46m:58s

Saturday, 9:13a | Sunday, 1:50p

You Should Have Killed Me

ProAm Feature  |  1h:13m:25s

Friday, 9:14p | Saturday, 11:45a

You Should Have Killed Me

ProAm Feature  |  1h:13m:25s

Friday, 9:14p | Saturday, 11:45a

Michael James Minard – Writer/Director – Cedar Rapids
Susan Andersen, Eric Andersen, Emily Bauer, Jesse Bauer, John Huff, Ricky Bartlett, Doug Myer – Producers – Cedar Rapids

Synopsis
You Should Have Killed Me is a crime, action, drama about a man whose life revolves around the underground crime world. He has a reputation for violence, and is respected on the streets, but one event flips his world upside down. You Should Have Killed Me is a story of revenge, sacrifice, and ultimately justice… Or so we hope. (violence, language)

Iowa Connection
The entire cast and crew lives in Iowa and the film was shot exclusively in Waterloo and Cedar Rapids.

Zach Dies at Nine

Student Short  |  11m:11s

Friday, 1:39p | Saturday, 12:05p

Will Nachazel – Writer/Director/Producer – Cedar Rapids
University of Northern Iowa – Cedar Falls

Iowa Connection
Everyone involved in the film was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, currently lives in Cedar Rapids, and the film was shot at our grandparents’ house in Cedar Rapids. (mature themes, language)

Zach Dies at Nine

Student Short  |  11m:11s

Friday, 1:39p | Saturday, 12:05p

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