April 10-12, 2026
Collins Road Theatres • Marion, Iowa
The Iowa Connection
CRIFF celebrates the fact that people with ties to Iowa are in the production industry EVERYWHERE. We search for films from anywhere and by anyone, who just happen to have an Iowa connection.
That could be a crew or cast member who lived, worked or went to school in Iowa; a film that was produced, at least in part, in Iowa; or a story featuring an Iowa subject or Iowan (present or former, real or fictional).
We’ve had films submitted from all across the US, and around the world! We tell skeptical filmmakers that if you don’t think your film qualifies, ask around…you just might have an Iowan on set!
Call for Entries is OPEN!
We’re excited to formally announce that the 2026 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival will be held April 10-12, and that the Call for Entries runs until December 22, 2025!
Prepare to be immersed in a celebration of film. The Filmmaker VIP Lounge offers exciting food and refreshment options, Mediaverse Studios Podcast delves into the art of filmmaking and storytelling through in-depth interviews, industry professionals share their expertise in discussion forums, and much more!
As we have grown, we’ve expanded the screening schedule by starting earlier on Friday, inviting guests to ease into the weekend with a full evening of film. Student Cinema Sunday returns with a dedicated showcase of every selected student film—complete with reduced admission to welcome and support the next generation of storytellers.
To Enter
Complete rules are listed on our FilmFreeway page. We have 4 deadlines, with varying entry fees. There are discounts for being FilmFreeway Gold Members, and if you are a previous CRIFF entrant, contact us to receive a special discount!
Deadline
Pro and Hobbyist Entry Fees
Student Entry Fees
9/22/25
$35 / $30 for FF Gold
$25 / $20 for FF Gold
10/20/25
$45 / $40 for FF Gold
$30 / $25 for FF Gold
11/17/25
$55 / $45 for FF Gold
$35 / $30 for FF Gold
12/22/25
$65 / $55 for FF Gold
$45 / $40 for FF Gold
Pro & Hobbyist
$35 / $30 FF Gold by 9/22/25
$45 / $40 by 10/20/25
$55 / $45 by 11/24/25
$65 / $55 by 12/22/25
Student
$25 / $20 FF Gold by 9/22/25
$30 / $25 by 10/20/25
$35 / $30 by 11/24/25
$45 / $40 by 12/22/25
Here is that all-important FilmFreeway CRIFF Entry Button!
Every entrant is welcome to free admission, and has the opportunity to schedule a personal Conversation With the Judges on Sunday, April 12. This rare opportunity for one-on-one feedback has long been a hallmark of the Festival, and is regarded by many filmmakers as the most valuable perk of entry.
In addition to being screened twice for our enthusiastic audience, Official Selections are honored with a commemorative shirt with your name on the back, your entry featured on promotional statewide media, additional complimentary passes, and advancement into the Saturday night Eddy Awards competition. Gold and Silver Eddy Awards are presented in Professional, Hobbyist, and Student categories for Features, Shorts, Documentaries, and “Freestyle” (experimental, music video, video art, etc.) films. We also award the Audience Choice Eddy and Student Audience Choice Eddy, voted on by audience members. The Iowa Connection Eddy is awarded to the film that best represents Iowa’s filmmaking community. It’s a film that tells the world WHO is making films in Iowa, WHY they’re doing it in this state, and WHAT Iowa stories are being told. Finally, the Collins Road Theatres Scholarship is awarded to a student filmmaker to further the recipient’s filmmaking education.
Celebrating Student Filmmakers
They’re the future of the art and industry. Student filmmakers are integral to the festival’s success, so we value giving them red-carpet treatment.
Our host venue generously continues its COLLINS ROAD THEATRES $1000 SCHOLARSHIP, awarded to a student filmmaker in order to further the recipient’s filmmaking education and career.
We are also proud to present Student Cinema Sunday, a special screening of just student films. Student tickets for this special session are at a greatly reduced rate. At the close of this event, we’ll present the Student Audience Choice Eddy Award!
The Festival is open to the general public, and the Saturday night Eddy Awards Ceremony is free with any other Festival ticket purchase. For pricing and purchase, visit our Tickets Page.
We can’t wait to see you at CRIFF 2026!
The Eddy Awards
The Eddy Awards are named after Thomas Alva Edison who, among many other pursuits, was a pioneer in motion picture technology. The term eddy is also defined as “a current moving contrary to the direction of the main current,” which is a suitable description for independent filmmakers, who often go against the current trends in mainstream cinema.
Thank you for Your Generous Support!
CRIFF host since 2004, $1000 Student Scholarship Sponsor
Popcorn with real butter.
collinsroadtheatres.com
Welcome to Iowa. Our state is ready for your story.
produceiowa.com
VIP Experience Sponsor
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Printing Sponsor
Award-winning Eastern Iowa telecommunications services.
imon.net
Technology Sponsor
Unforgettable, high-tech, event experiences.
wiredproductiongroup.com
Eddy Awards Ceremony Presenting Sponsor
A family-owned, local community bank.
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