About the Films
II Amendment
ProAm Short | 16m:40s
Fri 1:14pm | Sat 10:01am
Ciro Fusco – Writer/Director
Kevin Nolting – Editor
Padraic O’Meara – DP
Portland, OR
Synopsis
Vince and Bill’s plot to rob a house goes astray when the homeowners return early. The situation evolves into a clumsy farce when the owners, and their neighbor, decide to take the law into their own hands.
Iowa Connection
The writer/director received a master’s in science from the University of Iowa. One of the music composers, Dave Rosazza, is an Iowan currently residing in Iowa City: https://happeningnext.com/event/shade-of-blue-eid3a08fat8pl
II Amendment
ProAm Short | 16m:40s
Fri 1:14pm | Sat 10:01am
29 Years, A Second Chance at Life
ProAm Documentary | 44m:29s
Fri 3:00pm | Sat 7:11pm
29 Years, A Second Chance at Life
ProAm Documentary | 44m:29s
Fri 3:00pm | Sat 7:11pm
Steve Saunders – Producer/Director
David Salzberg – Producer
Pat (Hymel) Lipinski – Executive Producer
Omaha, NE
Synopsis
After marrying the love of his life and with a baby on the way, Robert Hymel volunteers to serve his country as a B-52 pilot during the Vietnam War. This decision forever changes the course of Bob’s life. His B-52 “ASH I” is hit by a pair of surface-to-air missiles over Hanoi, North Vietnam the day after Christmas, 1972. The crew nurses the severely damaged plane back to Utapao, Thailand where they crash on landing. Bob is rescued from the burning wreckage, recovers from his injuries, and completes a long career with the Air Force. Haunted by the memory of the ASH I crew killed in the crash; Bob joins the Defense Intelligence Agency as a civilian. He finds himself in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Fate catches up to him when, 29 years after surviving the crash of ASH I, he is the only person with ties to the U.S. Air Force who is killed when the airliner, hijacked by terrorists, slams into the Pentagon on that tragic day.
Iowa Connection
The producer/director, Steve Saunders, lived and worked in Sioux City, Iowa for over 30 years. He worked at Iowa Public Service (now Midwest Energy) in Sioux City and Des Moines and owned a management consulting company in Sioux City. Saunders was a member of the Iowa Army National Guard. He commanded National Guard units in LeMars, Sioux City, and Boone and retired from the Iowa Army National Guard in 2008. Saunders’ wife, Connie, is a graduate of the University of Iowa. His granddaughter is also a U of I graduate and is currently pursuing a masters degree at the University. His youngest daughter is a teacher in the Sergeant Bluff school system.
90 Pounds of Butter
Student Documentary | 14m:49s
Sun 1:21pm & 4:01pm
Austin Reimer – Director
Ella Thome – Producer
Zach Booth – Director of Photography
University of Minnesota
Mounds View, MN
Synopsis
A look at the Princess Kay of the Milky Way program and how this unique contest develops the young people who participate in the event.
Iowa Connection
The Executive Producer of this film is Troy McKay who is from Ames. Troy was educated at UNI and Iowa State University and now serves as a professor at the University of Minnesota. The film was produced in Troy’s courses.
90 Pounds of Butter
Student Documentary | 14m:49s
Sun 1:21pm & 4:01pm
Agnus Dei Music Video
ProAm Freestyle | 5m:39s
Fri 2:41pm | Sat 8:14pm
Agnus Dei Music Video
ProAm Freestyle | 5m:39s
Fri 2:41pm | Sat 8:14pm
Jean-Francois Charles – Director/Editor
Anika Kildegaard – Singer
Philip Rabalais – Director of Photography
Jaruam Xavier – Choreographer
Iowa City
Synopsis
This song belongs to the musical mass “Missa brevis Abbaye de Thélème”. When in 1463 François Villon wrote the Ballade des pendus (ballad of the hanged men) from his prison cell, he launched a poignant appeal to his fellow human beings. Speaking on behalf of those found guilty by the courts – imprisoned or put to death, he implored his neighbors to have heart and not to condemn them a second time through their contempt and ignorance. The video also touches on the topic of ex-votos, these bridges between the physical and the spiritual world. Moreover, the video evokes a work dear to Villon: the Danse macabre from the Holy Innocents’ Cemetery in Paris, which reminds us that we are all equal in the face of death, regardless of our education, pecuniary wealth, or skin color.
Iowa Connection
Director and music composer and producer Jean-Francois Charles lives in Iowa City. Director of Photography Philip Rabalais lives in Fairfield. Choreographer Jaruam Xavier lives in Iowa City. Singer Anika Kildegaard graduated from the University of Iowa School of Music. The music was recorded and produced in Iowa City. The music video was entirely shot in Iowa.
Arcades & Love Songs – the Ballad of Walter Day
Professional Documentary | 1h:47m
Fri 6:05pm | Sat 9:00am
Ed Cunningham – Producer/Director
Seth Gordon, Jonathan Perkins – Producers
Long Beach, CA
Synopsis
A musical documentary following 74-year-old Walter Day – the father of eSports and star of “The King of Kong” – as he battles a lawsuit threatening his legacy while finally fulfilling his dream of recording and performing the original love songs he has been hearing in his head since having his heart broken at the height of the arcade era.
Iowa Connection
We filmed extensively all over Iowa – Fairfield, Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids – including a key location, Catamount Recordings, and most of the finished film is made up of scenes from in the state. We also used several camera ops and field producers from Iowa.
Arcades & Love Songs – the Ballad of Walter Day
Professional Documentary | 1h:47m
Fri 6:05pm | Sat 9:00am
Automated Confession Service
Student Freestyle | 4m:26s
Fri 8:40pm | Sun 2:30pm
Automated Confession Service
Student Freestyle | 4m:26s
Fri 8:40pm | Sun 2:30pm
Ethan Jon Ahrens – Director
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls
Synopsis
A suspected accomplice of a criminal organization goes through the interrogation process against a robot interrogator.
Iowa Connection
This project was made for a class at the University of Northern Iowa, where the director majors in Digital Media Production.
Before Our Eyes
Student Documentary | 20m
Sun 1:36pm & 4:16pm
Matthew Williams, Joshua Payan – Directors/Producers
Loras College Media Studies
Dubuque
Synopsis
Homelessness exists right before our eyes. Two artists share their stories of homelessness, and how they work to rise above the circumstances that brought them there.
Iowa Connection
Film shot & produced in Dubuque. Students were enrolled in school at Loras College and created this as their Senior Capstone Media project.
Before Our Eyes
Student Documentary | 20m
Sun 1:36pm & 4:16pm
Behind Everyman
ProAm Short | 6m:53s
Fri 4:05pm | Sat 10:58am
Behind Everyman
ProAm Short | 6m:53s
Fri 4:05pm | Sat 10:58am
Brittany Benedict, Demian Alan Mancino – Directors
Kevin Shepherd – Writer
Cintree Films
Coralville
Synopsis
When a local hobbyist is tapped to pull off a multi-million-dollar heist, he’s quick to learn that even his expertise and advanced techniques isn’t enough to foil a modern-day Robin Hood.
Iowa Connection
Filmed in Iowa, with all Iowa cast and crew.
Blue Christmas
Professional Narrative Feature | 1h:20m
Sat 9:00am & 1:05pm
Max Allan Collins – Writer/Director
Chad Thomas Bishop – Producer
Phillip W. Dingeldein – Director of Photography
Muscatine
Synopsis
In 1942 Chicago, private eye Richard Stone is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his late partner on the anniversary of the murder. Escorted by three spirits, Stone must visit his past, present and future to find the killer…and redemption.
Iowa Connection
The entire cast and crew is from Iowa… wow!
Blue Christmas
Professional Narrative Feature | 1h:20m
Sat 9:00am & 1:05pm
Bonicel
Professional Documentary | 20m
Fri 4:43pm | Sat 8:12pm
Bonicel
Professional Documentary | 20m
Fri 4:43pm | Sat 8:12pm
Nick Ford – Director/Producer
Bruce James Bales – Director of Photography/Producer
Rhys Davis, Easton Koch – Producers
Des Moines
Synopsis
A documentary following Easton Koch through his day to day life and what it takes for him to run his own clothing brand, making denim jeans from scratch in his Kansas City apartment.
Iowa Connection
All of the crew members on this project are from Iowa! While the documentary takes place in Kansas City, our connection to Easton, the subject of the doc, started in Iowa a few years ago when he was first getting into the clothing industry, and I was first getting into filmmaking. We met through a mutual friend of ours Rhys Davis, who became one of our producers on this project. The story of “Bonicel” and Easton’s journey is a very midwestern story that can be really relatable to Iowans who maybe find themselves in an industry that is more prevalent in areas like the east or west coast.
A Century of Citizenship
ProAm Documentary | 2m:28s
Gabriel Fink – Writer/Director
Ashton Nanke – Editor/Director of Photography
Spare Card Media
Cedar Rapids
Synopsis
From the historic Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 to present-day efforts for tribal sovereignty, “A Century of Citizenship” celebrates indigenous resilience and the continued journey towards progress in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Native American citizenship.
Iowa Connection
On top of being Iowa-based filmmakers, the entirety of the production took place in Iowa, and the project was commissioned by the Commission of Native American Affairs in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Human Rights.
A Century of Citizenship
ProAm Documentary | 2m:28s
Charlotte’s: A Love Story
Student Narrative Short-Form | 5m:53s
Sat 11:38am | Sun 2:30pm
Charlotte’s: A Love Story
Student Narrative Short-Form | 5m:53s
Sat 11:38am | Sun 2:30pm
Libby Perry, Emily Surma – Writers/Directors/Producers
Loras College Media Studies
Dubuque
Synopsis
A chance meeting in a coffee shop leads to a connection…and possibly a future for two young adults. This short film was produced by Perry and Surma for a client, Charlotte’s Coffee House, for a course project in Creative Media. Originally produced and released in “chapters” as a short film on the client’s social media. The client wanted a unique way to target a younger demographic that matched their branding of ‘Making Connections’.
Iowa Connection
All submissions were created for class projects in the Creative Media major at Loras College, by students living in Dubuque.
CRIMSON ARCHER a G.I. JOE Fan Film
ProAm Feature | 1h:29m
Sat 10:38am & 2:45pm
Pierre Doanetto – Director/Producer
Eric Bench – Director/Writer/Director of Photography/Editor
John Doanetto – Director/Assoc. Producer
Chris Hansen – Director of Photography/Editor
Clive
Synopsis
A group of Joes needs to save one of their own from the hands of Cobra, a terrorist organization out to rule the world.
Iowa Connection
Staff and actors all located and reside in Iowa. Majority live in the Des Moines area. All locations were filmed in Iowa such as the state capital building, Iowa state fairgrounds, Boone National Guard base, Fort Madison penitentiary, Saylorville Lake, and more.
CRIMSON ARCHER a G.I. JOE Fan Film
ProAm Feature | 1h:29m
Sat 10:38am & 2:45pm
Dear Liza
Professional Narrative Short | 4m:03s
Sat 9:48am & 8:10pm
Dear Liza
Professional Narrative Short | 4m:03s
Sat 9:48am & 8:10pm
Adam Harper – Writer/Director/Producer
Sydney Davis – Producer
Atlanta, GA
Synopsis
Retelling of the classic folk song “There’s a Hole in the Bucket.”
Iowa Connection
Filmmaker was born in Woodbine. Family in Lamoni, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines.
Devil’s Due
ProAm Short | 16m:10s
Fri 3:49pm | Sat 10:25am
Jacob Daniels – Writer/Director
Kevin Shepherd – Writer
Mediaverse Studios
Marengo
Synopsis
Devil’s Due is a trio of short films telling the same story in three different genres. Abby arrives at a cemetery to mourn her lost love. When the Devil arrives to make a deal with her Abby enters a world of darkness and fear.
Iowa Connection
All cast, crew and locations are based in Iowa.
Devil’s Due
ProAm Short | 16m:10s
Fri 3:49pm | Sat 10:25am
Drawn
Professional Narrative Short | 24m:30s
Fri 4:39pm | Sat 8:29pm
Drawn
Professional Narrative Short | 24m:30s
Fri 4:39pm | Sat 8:29pm
Ty Clancey – Writer/Director/Producer
Bo Clancey – Producer
Stephen Tringali – Director of Photography
Victor House Films
Los Angeles, CA
Synopsis
A widower and his young daughter fend off a predatory land speculator by any means necessary in this psychological thriller set on a dying ranch in the Southwest. With shifting points of view and a twisting power structure, the story delves deep into our perception of control, unraveling a family mystery that spawns eerie tension, abducts our expectations of good and evil, and draws us into a shocking reveal.
Iowa Connection
Writer/Director and Producer born and raised in Cedar Rapids.
DUNK
Student Narrative Short-Form | 5m:09s
Sun 1:05pm & 3:52pm
Jack Joseph McCarthy – Writer/Director/Producer
North Scott HS
Eldridge
Synopsis
A boy sets a goal for himself to dunk a basketball. Throughout his journey, he realizes that only hard work and perseverance will make it possible.
Iowa Connection
This short film was recorded in the small town of Eldridge. The director (Jack) and actor (Behren) met through playing basketball around town. They quickly became the best of friends. They spent countless nights together in the facility used in this film, shooting baskets, talking, and coming up with ideas. One night, in that very parking lot, the idea was born. What if they started making content? There were many problems. Jack didn’t have enough money for a nice camera, but that wasn’t going to stop him. He went to the local Subway in the small Iowa town and got hired. He worked countless hours and was able to buy a camera. Something about Iowa, the beautiful sights, the sunsets, and the local sports teams made Jack want to film. Jack and Behren, a friendship born and raised in this small town, got together and began to film. Jack had spent countless nights thinking of ideas and writing the scene layout, and the end result could not have been better. The end result was something that Jack could not be more proud of. The hours of editing and watching videos on how to navigate software were worth it. The film “DUNK” was finally produced.
DUNK
Student Narrative Short-Form | 5m:09s
Sun 1:05pm & 3:52pm
The Family You Choose
ProAm Short | 27m:55s
Fri 8:05pm | Sat 11:04am
The Family You Choose
ProAm Short | 27m:55s
Fri 8:05pm | Sat 11:04am
Sabryna Papagni – Writer/Director/Producer
Demian Alan Mancino – Director/Producer
Mediaverse Studios
Cedar Rapids
Synopsis
How does a man navigate the holidays when the only family he had is gone? He learns that family is more than he thought.
Iowa Connection
The Family You Choose is connected to Iowa in almost every way. Not only is everyone on set a resident of Iowa, all filming locations were in Iowa, it was produced in Iowa & the story takes place in Iowa. Most people in our cast and crew were born & raised Iowan. If there were an award for the most Iowan of the Iowa connections, we would probably win.
Friendly Faces
Professional Narrative Feature | 1h:50m
Fri 6:05pm | Sat 9:00am
Keaton Marshall Fuller, Landon Sheetz, Joey Loboda, Spencer Michael Smith, Marissa Vonn, Bruce James Bales, Matthew Tribble, Ron Reynolds – Directors
Keaton Fuller – Writer
Phillip Platz, Marc Bauer, Ricardo Rangel – Producers
Iowa City
Synopsis
A pair of unlikely friends set out to launch a rent-a-friend service that takes them on a series of oddball misadventures in which they help the lonely residents of an eccentric small town.
Iowa Connection
Friendly Faces was made for the purpose of building bridges in the Iowa film community. Every episode is made by a different Iowa director, and the series was written to feature a revolving door of Iowa acting talent across all eight episodes. It’s so much logistically easier to stay within our own boxes of the handful of people that we’re comfortable with when filmmaking on a localized scale. In crafting this production, we wanted to make each shoot a fresh opportunity for everybody to work with a combination of familiar friends and new collaborators to help expand and enrich the Iowa film community. The show is the result of the hard work of nearly 100 Iowans, and has built long-term connections that has resulted in various new partnerships that can be seen across multiple projects produced in Iowa within the last couple of years.
Friendly Faces
Professional Narrative Feature | 1h:50m
Fri 6:05pm | Sat 9:00am
Genesis
Student Freestyle | 7m:20s
Fri 4:16pm | Sun 2:23pm
Genesis
Student Freestyle | 7m:20s
Fri 4:16pm | Sun 2:23pm
Dillon Jacobson – Director/Producer
University of Iowa
Iowa City
Synopsis
An immersive soundscape conceptualizing the Judeo-Christian God’s creation of the world.
Iowa Connection
The filmmaker, Dillon Jacobson, has called Iowa home his whole life. “Genesis” was created for the University of Iowa’s Film/Video Production: Sound Design course in the Fall 2023 term.
Hell’s Gold
Student Narrative Short-Form | 8m:56s
Sun 1:56pm & 3:55pm
Kathryn Christensen – Writer/Director/Producer
Hannah Pedersen, Wyatt Debban – Producers
Frumble Films
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
Synopsis
Two robbers attempt to hoodwink a religious, sharp-shooting cowboy who just found the largest gold nugget in the area. Playing on the cowboy’s religious dedication, the robbers decide to approach him as priests in hopes of convincing him to donate his gold to the church. A subtle comedy, “Hell’s Gold” uses humor and tense emotion to reveal the true intentions of the robbers. As the robbers realize they’ve been found, the two decide to turn on each other in hopes of making it out alive.
Iowa Connection
One of our actors, Clay Bauman, is from Nevada.
Hell’s Gold
Student Narrative Short-Form | 8m:56s
Sun 1:56pm & 3:55pm
I’m Listening
Student Narrative Short-Form | 12m:18s
Sun 1:19pm & 3:40pm
I’m Listening
Student Narrative Short-Form | 12m:18s
Sun 1:19pm & 3:40pm
Nick Hull – Writer/Director
University of Iowa
Iowa City
Synopsis
A young man gives an emotionally charged monologue to his seemingly disinterested roommate.
Iowa Connection
This film was made as the final project for a class at the University of Iowa. All of the cast and crew that were involved with this film are also students at the University of Iowa.
The Inside Singers
Professional Documentary | 29m:54s
Fri 8:10pm | Sat 11:00am
Daniel Kolen – Director
Chicago, IL
Synopsis
A choir of half inmates and half outside volunteers practices once a week in preparation for their biannual concert. And a formerly incarcerated member of the choir tries to get back into prison to see the concert. The Inside Singers is a documentary about the power of music — how it can change the way people who are incarcerated see themselves.
Iowa Connection
The Inside Singers was filmed entirely in Iowa, with the majority of filming taking place at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Coralville.
The Inside Singers
Professional Documentary | 29m:54s
Fri 8:10pm | Sat 11:00am
It’s Not Weather
Professional Narrative Short | 1m:58s
Fri 2:46pm | Sat 8:20pm
It’s Not Weather
Professional Narrative Short | 1m:58s
Fri 2:46pm | Sat 8:20pm
Ashton Nanke – Director/Writer/Cinematographer/Editor
Kolton D.P. O’Brien – Assistant Director
Cedar Rapids
Synopsis
The tornado warnings are blaring through the town – on TV’s, cell phones, sirens… but Katy realizes very quickly that it isn’t weather that she’s being warned about.
Iowa Connection
Everybody involved was born and raised in Iowa! The short was shot on the NE side of Cedar Rapids in the director’s apartment.
Jamiroquai Has No Friends
ProAm Short | 12m:16s
Fri 8:44pm | Sat 11:00am
Kazek Israni-Winger – Writer/Director
Abby Bjorholm – Producer
Cedar Falls
Synopsis
After swim practice, Benji and Deborah form a friendship based on their mutual liking of the artist, Jamiroquai.
Iowa Connection
All cast and crew are Iowans and the film was shot at Beaver Creek Elementary in Johnston.
Jamiroquai Has No Friends
ProAm Short | 12m:16s
Fri 8:44pm | Sat 11:00am
The Kids’ Table
ProAm Short | 45m
Fri 1:48pm | Sat 11:45am
The Kids’ Table
ProAm Short | 45m
Fri 1:48pm | Sat 11:45am
Stephen Folker – Director
Beth Ann Hinde – Writer/Producer
Cedar Rapids
Synopsis
A compulsive, middle aged housewife struggles to pull together the perfect Christmas Eve.
Iowa Connection
Beth Hinde is the screenwriter and a lifelong resident of Iowa. Stephen Folker is the director and cinematographer and also a life long Iowa resident.
The King of Berry
Student Narrative Short-Form | 13m:47s
Sun 1:05pm & 4:04pm
Nathan L. Gusman – Writer/Director/Producer
Gage M. Dawson – Director/Producer
Wayne State University
Wahoo, NE
Synopsis
When a documentary crew comes into his dorm building, an eccentric student takes them through his day preparing for his supposed date.
Iowa Connection
Our film professor, Dr. Michael White, is a native of Iowa.
The King of Berry
Student Narrative Short-Form | 13m:47s
Sun 1:05pm & 4:04pm
Knee High
Professional Narrative Feature | 1h:53m:18s
Sat 10:05am & 6:05pm
Knee High
Professional Narrative Feature | 1h:53m:18s
Sat 10:05am & 6:05pm
Marissa Vonn – Writer/Director
Bruce James Bales, Michael Ridley, Dakota Carpenter, Kalena Clarkson – Producers
Agency
Synopsis
Following a sudden loss and a glimpse into new possibilities, Cal Melbourne, a young father forced to grow up fast on Iowa’s farmlands, must choose between salvaging his family’s legacy or pursuing an unknown future for himself and his son.
Iowa Connection
Made in Iowa with all Iowa (and one Illinois, but we forgive her) natives, and tons of Iowa cast.
Layaway
Student Narrative Short-Form | 12m:57s
Fri 8:56pm | Sun 4:37pm
Kaitlyn T. Busbee – Writer/Director/Producer
Hanna Gray Organschi, Kai Swanson – Producers
NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Brooklyn, NY
Synopsis
Left by their mother to fend for themselves, two siblings in Iowa learn to live by their own code, until a choice becomes a secret that tests their trust in each other.
Iowa Connection
The short was shot in Iowa, in my hometown of Des Moines. My last 3 shorts during my time at Tisch have been shot in Iowa. It’s very important to me to stay connected to my roots and celebrate them within my work as a filmmaker.
Layaway
Student Narrative Short-Form | 12m:57s
Fri 8:56pm | Sun 4:37pm
Life in Color
Student Documentary | 5m
Sat 8:32pm | Sun 4:36pm
Life in Color
Student Documentary | 5m
Sat 8:32pm | Sun 4:36pm
Kendra Gauge Hefner – Writer/Director/Producer
Harvard Extension School
Winfield
Director’s Statement
I created this mini-documentary over the summer for a filmmaking course. The class lasted seven weeks, and this mini-doc came together in under two weeks. As this was an online program, I was a one-person team; I did everything from directing the interview and setting up/tearing down the equipment to editing the final product. It was a lot of work in a very short amount of time, but I’m happy with how it turned out. I would love to do more projects like this in the future.
Iowa Connection
This was a two-person project (the filmmaker and the subject), both of whom are from/currently live in Iowa. The subject’s business is also located in Iowa.
Lightbulb
Student Narrative Short-Form | 14m:55s
Sun 2:05pm & 3:40pm
Hannah Meyer – Director
Mark Newcom – Producer
Waldorf University
Forest City
Synopsis
When a maintenance worker attempts to change a lightbulb, he must confront the enemies of his past military life in order to survive another evening on the night shift.
Iowa Connection
This production was shot on the Waldorf University campus which is located in Forest City. Most of the cast and crew are from Iowa as well including the director.
Lightbulb
Student Narrative Short-Form | 14m:55s
Sun 2:05pm & 3:40pm
Lightsaber Battle
Student Narrative Short-Form | 6m:58s
Fri 8:33pm | Sun 1:14pm
Lightsaber Battle
Student Narrative Short-Form | 6m:58s
Fri 8:33pm | Sun 1:14pm
Palmer George LeVake – Writer/Director/Producer
Cedar Rapids Washington HS
Cedar Rapids
Synopsis
Lightsaber Battle is a Star Wars based student film which features a duel between two young Jedi and a Sith Lord, who wields a double bladed lightsaber. At first, the two Jedi fight as one, working together to battle the more powerful Sith. But the Sith cleverly splits them up, forcing them to each face him alone in a duel where the Sith clearly has the upper hand…
Iowa Connection
Created by an Iowa high school student and filmed entirely in Iowa.
Limits
ProAm Short | 15m:16s
Fri 4:24pm | Sat 9:32am
Courtney Grawe – Writer/Director
Dave Grawe – Producer
Davenport
Synopsis
A getaway driver for a local crime ring decides to draw the line on his latest job, but his reckless behavior and disrespect for the boss leads to unforgiving consequences.
Iowa Connection
Father and daughter duo, both born and raised in the Quad Cities Area, sharing a passion for filmmaking. We strive to grow further within our local film community, continuing to use local talent and crew and continuing to gain new experiences with every film made.
Limits
ProAm Short | 15m:16s
Fri 4:24pm | Sat 9:32am
Lost in the In-Between: Graduating into 2020
Professional Documentary | 58m:26s
Fri 3:44pm | Sat 1:05pm
Lost in the In-Between: Graduating into 2020
Professional Documentary | 58m:26s
Fri 3:44pm | Sat 1:05pm
Jenna Galligan, Ryan Adams, Jake Maish – Directors
Danny Wilcox Frazier – Producer
Jason Brummond – Executive Producer
Daily Iowan Documentary Workshop
Iowa City
Synopsis
“Lost in the In-Between: Graduating into 2020” captures the poignant moments of 2020 graduates from the University of Iowa as they try to navigate the challenges of young adulthood in a world that feels forever changed by the pandemic. A production of the Daily Iowan Documentary Workshop, where student and early-career documentary filmmakers work alongside seasoned professionals, the film delves into the challenges of mental health brought on by isolation and an uncertain future, the anxieties surrounding the search for employment in a struggling economy, and the added complexities of grappling with issues of identity. Despite these hardships, the students in the film demonstrate remarkable strength and resilience and find ways to express their true selves. “Lost in the In-Between” highlights their stories of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity.
Iowa Connection
All filmmakers are University of Iowa graduates or University of Iowa students. Most of the filmmakers are native Iowans.
Martian Encounter
Professional Freestyle | 7m:30s
Sat 10:30am & 8:22pm
Paul Huenemann – Writer/Director/Producer
Right Purdy Animation
Cedar Rapids
Synopsis
Astronaut Carter is sent to investigate a rogue rover, but beset with disaster after disaster, will he be able to survive the MARTIAN ENCOUNTER? Hopefully, with a little help.
Iowa Connection
I am an Iowan, live and work in Cedar Rapids.
Martian Encounter
Professional Freestyle | 7m:30s
Sat 10:30am & 8:22pm
melancholia
Student Freestyle | 4m:01s
Sun 1:10pm & 3:57pm
melancholia
Student Freestyle | 4m:01s
Sun 1:10pm & 3:57pm
Artie Kerchmar – Writer/Producer/Animator/Editor
Loras College Media Studies
Dubuque
Synopsis
melancholia: a mental condition marked by persistent depression and ill-founded fears.
Iowa Connection
This film was made as a class project in the Creative Media major at Loras College, by students living in Dubuque.
Milkshake
Student Narrative Short-Form | 10m:31s
Sat 2:25pm | Sun 2:20pm
Ai Tomita Bly – Writer/Director/Producer
Ashley Valenzuela – Cinematographer/Producer
Erik Martinez Gonzalez – Producer
San Jose State
San Jose, CA
Synopsis
Peter, a stagnant college dropout, chauffeurs his dying father, John, to visit the beach to fulfill his father’s favor before he dies. John wants to visit the beach where they used to hang out and to ask Peter to scatter his own ashes there. However, the beach is closed due to construction. On the way back home from the beach, John remembers visiting a nearby burger shop when Peter was small. Peter also remembers drinking a milkshake there with his father. They stop by the burger shop and eat a late lunch together. He is satisfied with eating a burger one last time with his son.
Iowa Connection
The father character in this film is from Iowa.
Milkshake
Student Narrative Short-Form | 10m:31s
Sat 2:25pm | Sun 2:20pm
Never Lose
ProAm Freestyle | 3m:25s
Fri 2:32pm | Sat 9:02pm
Never Lose
ProAm Freestyle | 3m:25s
Fri 2:32pm | Sat 9:02pm
Josh Booth – Director/Producer
Tyrone Thomas – Writer/Producer
West Des Moines
Synopsis
An original work inspired by the song “Never Lose” by Klazik. It’s the story of going from undesirable to undeniable.
Iowa Connection
I live in West Des Moines. The song was recorded, mixed and mastered in a Des Moines studio. The video was shot Downtown Cedar Rapids. The Director Josh Booth lives in Iowa as well.
Origin Point
Professional Narrative Short | 39m:49s
Fri 12:20pm | Sat 4:37pm
Tony Joseph Cross – Writer/Director/Producer
Taylor Ridge, IL
Synopsis
The invasion begins at home… After a mysterious meteorite crash lands in their backyard, a married couple soon discovers that they hold the key to preventing a world-ending event.
Iowa Connection
This short was largely filmed in Davenport, and features several cast members who are currently residing in Iowa.
Origin Point
Professional Narrative Short | 39m:49s
Fri 12:20pm | Sat 4:37pm
Outlaws: A Poem
ProAm Freestyle | 4m:32s
Fri 2:36pm & 8:05pm
Outlaws: A Poem
ProAm Freestyle | 4m:32s
Fri 2:36pm & 8:05pm
Jason Cox – Director
Whitney Montgomery – Writer
Tiffany Iskander, Gregg Voegtlin – Producers
Pleasant Hill
Synopsis
Bonnie and Clyde meet Billy the Kid, bringing together two generations of outlaws that could not escape Death or the infamy that followed.
Iowa Connection
Bonnie and Clyde were in a shootout in Dexter in the summer of 1933. This short takes place during the time they spent here as they contemplate their path forward. It was shot in Osceola, Bevington and Des Moines.
Parsons – the School that Changed the Rules
Professional Documentary | 1h:18m:20s
Fri 1:30pm | Sat 2:45pm
Dick DeAngelis – Director
Fair Field Productions
Fairfield
Synopsis
Parsons – the School that Changed the Rules – is the fifth in the critically acclaimed Fairfield History Series. It uncovers the truth behind the unprecedented growth and sudden demise of Parsons College through accounts from past students, faculty members and educational leaders. The film’s historical research team has uncovered what was really behind Parsons’ rapid growth in the 60’s from 350 to over 5,000 students. Archival footage and photos along with an amazing soundtrack bring to life the first-hand accounts of what really happened at Parsons College and what caused its tragic closing in 1973.
Iowa Connection
We are an Iowa production company located in Fairfield. This is a film shot almost entirely in Fairfield about a college that was in this town for 98 years.
Parsons – the School that Changed the Rules
Professional Documentary | 1h:18m:20s
Fri 1:30pm | Sat 2:45pm
Parts & Pieces
Professional Documentary | 4m:11s
Fri 5:03pm | Sat 8:08pm
Parts & Pieces
Professional Documentary | 4m:11s
Fri 5:03pm | Sat 8:08pm
Bruce James Bales – Director/Cinematographer/Editor
John Hennessey Baker – Sound
Des Moines
Synopsis
Parts & Pieces is a documentary short about the McGuire family’s love for rare British Triumph vehicles and how those vehicles came to be a family tradition. The film centers around the patriarch, Chuck, and the story of how he came to possess so many Triumphs over the years.
Iowa Connection
The cast and crew of Parts & Pieces are all native Iowans. We filmed solely in Des Moines, not far from where I live. The story literally takes place in my neighborhood.
PAW
Student Narrative Short-Form | 19m:24s
Sun 1:31pm & 4:18pm
Timothy Tindle – Writer/Director/Videographer/Editor
Martin Blythe – Writer/Sound/Editor
Noah Miller – Producer/Assistant Editor
Ivan Rico – Sound/Assistant Editor
Loras College Media Studies
Dubuque, IA
Synopsis
“Be careful what you wish for…you just may receive it.”
– William Wymark Jacobs
Short film produced for a final project in COM493 Practicum course. Shot in October 2022; final edit completed 3/6/23. Screenplay inspired by the tale “The Monkey’s Paw” written by W. W. Jacobs.
Iowa Connection
This film was made as a class project in the Creative Media major at Loras College, by students living in Dubuque.
PAW
Student Narrative Short-Form | 19m:24s
Sun 1:31pm & 4:18pm
Posthumous
Professional Narrative Short | 12m:05s
Fri 3:05pm | Sat 11:33am
Posthumous
Professional Narrative Short | 12m:05s
Fri 3:05pm | Sat 11:33am
Jon Gollner – Writer/Producer/Director
John Otterbacher – Producer
Chicago, IL
Synopsis
After receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, a musician struggles to finish his debut album before it’s too late.
Iowa Connection
Writer/Director Jon Gollner is an Iowa resident, living in Davenport.
Resurrecting Forest Grove
Professional Documentary | 57m:40s
Fri 12:20pm | Sat 6:05pm
Kelly Rundle – Writer/Director/Producer
Tammy Rundle – Producer
Fourth Wall Films
Moline, IL
Synopsis
In 2012, a small group of preservationists stood before the hollowed-out shell of the unique and historic 1873 Forest Grove School No. 5. In the shadow of the gray, windowless, sagging structure they decided it could, and should, be saved. “Resurrecting Forest Grove”, a new documentary by Emmy award-winning filmmakers Kelly & Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films, cinematically tells the dramatic true story behind the seemingly-impossible task of restoring a vintage one-room school to its 1920s appearance. Footage and interviews gathered over a seven-year period depict the problems they faced and the solutions they employed as they attempted to bring this rural educational icon back to life. The surprises and successes of this challenging restoration project are intercut with a vivid historical portrait of the ‘Roaring 20s’ in rural America.
Iowa Connection
“Resurrecting Forest Grove” was filmed in Bettendorf from 2012-2023. The documentary features an undaunted Iowa visionary named Sharon Andresen, a determined Iowa farm family, dozens of Iowa residents, Iowa volunteers, Iowa craftsman, and Iowa architects, Iowa businesses and organizations over a 7-year period taking on the challenge of saving the 1873 Forest Grove schoolhouse (and its history) which was returning to the ground. Filmmaker Tammy Rundle was born and raised in Waterloo. Kelly and Tammy Rundle were both residents of Bettendorf. Production assistants Melinda Carriker lives in Des Moines, and Caroline Bredekamp lives in Spragueville. This truly IS an inspirational Iowa story.
Resurrecting Forest Grove
Professional Documentary | 57m:40s
Fri 12:20pm | Sat 6:05pm
Romantics & Rebels
ProAm Freestyle | 15m:03s
Fri 3:17pm | Sat 8:37pm
Romantics & Rebels
ProAm Freestyle | 15m:03s
Fri 3:17pm | Sat 8:37pm
Braxten Jones – Writer/Director/Producer
Cedar Rapids
Synopsis
On a night out, a shy young woman warms up to the potential of a new relationship. However, the memory of her past seems to divert her attention in the present elsewhere.
Iowa Connection
The director, writer, and producer was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, IA. Several actors in this film are also from Iowa. As this film featured many University of Iowa students, all content was filmed in Iowa City.
S’mores
Student Narrative Short-Form | 3m:49s
Sat 8:54pm | Sun 4:41pm
Matt Chezum – Director
Augustana College
New Windsor, IL
Synopsis
A marshmallow village is terrorized by an evil witch until a witch-hunter arrives to save the town.
Iowa Connection
One of the cast members (Michael Chezum) was born in Jefferson County, IA. My family history is rooted in Iowa all the way back to the mid 1800s.
S’mores
Student Narrative Short-Form | 3m:49s
Sat 8:54pm | Sun 4:41pm
The Salvages
ProAm Feature | 1h:01m:40s
Fri 9:20pm | Sat 9:00am
The Salvages
ProAm Feature | 1h:01m:40s
Fri 9:20pm | Sat 9:00am
Carrsan T. Morrissey – Writer/Director
Michael Duede – Original Score
Cedar Falls
Synopsis
A brutal and boundary-pushing tale of love, lust, and wrath at the end of the world.
Iowa Connection
The entirety of this film was made in Iowa (Cedar Rapids and Cedar Falls), with Iowa talent.
Shift: The RAGBRAI Documentary
Professional Documentary | 1h:00m:34s
Fri 9:20pm | Sat 11:30am
Kelsey Kremer, Courtney Crowder – Directors
Carol Hunter, Kathy Kieliszewski – Producers
Des Moines
Synopsis
Can you find yourself in the middle of nowhere? “SHIFT” tells the story of RAGBRAI — the world’s oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle ride —through ground-breaking photography and intimate interviews with three bicyclists and a pair of community leaders. Grappling with triumphs and tragedies, the group searches for peace, clarity and redemption, pushing themselves to their limits and changing their lives in the course of a weeklong ride across Iowa.
Iowa Connection
This documentary was produced by the Des Moines Register, Iowa’s largest newspaper, about RAGBRAI, one of Iowa’s largest annual events. Both film directors are Iowans.
Shift: The RAGBRAI Documentary
Professional Documentary | 1h:00m:34s
Fri 9:20pm | Sat 11:30am
Suffer In Silence
ProAm Short | 16m:51s
Fri 3:32pm | Sat 10:41am
Suffer In Silence
ProAm Short | 16m:51s
Fri 3:32pm | Sat 10:41am
Demian Alan Mancino, Brittany Benedict – Directors
Allison Noelle – Writer
Jolie Stratton, Garrett Sandoval, Adam Rudisill, Laura, Taylor Gholson, Bradley Cerny – Producers
Cintree Films
West Des Moines
Synopsis
After moving into her new home, Jessica realizes her neighbor is being abused.
Iowa Connection
The cast and crew all live in Iowa. This was also filmed in Marengo.
Tama Flint: A Meskwaki Tradition
ProAm Documentary | 27m:08s
Fri 8:39pm | Sat 2:03pm
Oogie_Push – Director/Producer
The Meskwaki People – Writers
Minneapolis, MN
Synopsis
Tama Flint: A Meskwaki Tradition sheds light on the history, cultural teachings, and modern stories about Meskwaki corn. Both surviving centuries of ice ages and colonization, the Meskwaki and its ancestral corn Tama Flint have enjoyed a unique relationship with profound, lasting impacts on gender politics, economics, and spirituality.
Iowa Connection
I was born and raised on the Meskwaki Indian Settlement near Tama, IA. The entire documentary was shot on the Meskwaki Settlement and is about the Meskwaki Tribe’s corn culture. The pick-up shots were done by the Director of Photography Michael Huntington, who is from IA.
Tama Flint: A Meskwaki Tradition
ProAm Documentary | 27m:08s
Fri 8:39pm | Sat 2:03pm
Thick as Thieves
Professional Narrative Short | 11m:34s
Sat 11:27am & 4:25pm
Thick as Thieves
Professional Narrative Short | 11m:34s
Sat 11:27am & 4:25pm
Spencer Michael Smith – Director
Bruce James Bales – Writer/Producer/Cinematographer
John Hennessey Baker – Sound Mixer/Design/Score
Des Moines
Synopsis
James must decide if a friend is worth the possible consequences that come with him.
Iowa Connection
All Iowa cast and crew. Filmed in Des Moines.
This is He
Student Narrative Long-Form | 32m:25s
Sat 9:00am | Sun 1:50pm
Leah Rebekah Bennett – Writer/Director/Producer
Blake Bodlak – Producer
Wayne State University
Wayne, NE
Synopsis
It’s hard enough growing up in a small town of close-minded people, but Jody’s life becomes especially difficult as she begins to battle with her fragmented self-image and gender identity. Just when she’s lost herself completely, she runs into Lena – a confident young woman who unknowingly reveals to Jody her true self, while also growing into her first true love.
Iowa Connection
Executive producer, Dr. Mike White, is originally from Iowa.
This is He
Student Narrative Long-Form | 32m:25s
Sat 9:00am | Sun 1:50pm
Tillie
ProAm Short | 14m:47s
Fri 12:59pm | Sat 11:12am
Tillie
ProAm Short | 14m:47s
Fri 12:59pm | Sat 11:12am
D Andrew Hartfield – Writer/Director/Producer
Noelle P. Wilson – Director/Producer
Tillie Hartfield – Writer
Hudson, WI
Synopsis
An 8 year old girl adopted from China leads her father to a deeper understanding of what she faces in a new culture and what she longs for from her home country.
Iowa Connection
Andrew Hartfield graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, IA. His family lived in Iowa for over 25 years. The actress who plays the role of Mommy grew up in Marion before moving to Minneapolis. She has been a professional actress her entire adult life.
We Joined A Cult
Professional Narrative Short | 4m:10s
Fri 4:12pm | Sat 8:57pm
Chris McInroy – Writer/Director
Kris Phipps, Matthew Thomas, Stacey Bell, Jarrod Yerkes – Producers
Austin, TX
Synopsis
The story of two friends who just wanted to play kickball.
Iowa Connection
I lived in Cedar Rapids, went to Linn Mar HS, went to Kirkwood CC then moved away.
We Joined A Cult
Professional Narrative Short | 4m:10s
Fri 4:12pm | Sat 8:57pm
Wheel of Death
Professional Narrative Short | 7m:53s
Fri 1:40pm | Sat 11:45am
Wheel of Death
Professional Narrative Short | 7m:53s
Fri 1:40pm | Sat 11:45am
Patrick Boberg – Writer/Director/Producer
Des Moines
Synopsis
After getting lost in a corn maze, five friends are lured to an odd barn emitting an odd sound only to find themselves trapped, playing a series of games that are life and death.
Iowa Connection
Everyone in the film’s cast and crew lives in Iowa and the film was made in Central Iowa.
Why Not Me?
Student Documentary | 12m:50s
Sat 8:52pm | Sun 4:46pm
Libby Perry, Emily Surma – Directors/Producers
Loras College Media Studies
Dubuque
Synopsis
Dr. Keith Thraen-Borowski, also known as Dr. T, is a professor at Loras College and founder of the CARES Lab in Dubuque, Iowa. In this documentary, Dr. T opens up about his passion for cancer research and exercise science and how his own diagnosis deepened that passion.
Iowa Connection
This film was made as a class project in the Creative Media major at Loras College, by students living in Dubuque.
Why Not Me?
Student Documentary | 12m:50s
Sat 8:52pm | Sun 4:46pm
Thank you for Your Generous Support!
Venue Sponsor
Scholarship Sponsor
Printing Sponsor
Technology Sponsor
Eddy Awards Ceremony Sponsor
