Love film challenges, but wish you had a few more hours?
Cedar Rapids Independent Filmmakers is excited to put our twist on a common formula, and launch the inaugural
Iowa 55-hour FilmSprint!
Key Dates and Locations
IA55 Mixer for Filmmakers, Actors and the Curious!
Thursday, October 22, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Ellis House: 1200 Ellis Blvd NW, Cedar Rapids
Free to attend. Need a sound tech, DP, writer, or local actors? Interested in joining a team or curious about the process? Come form a team, find a team, get connected, or just hang out and have some fun!
The Iowa 55-Hour FilmSprint (THE EVENT!)
Friday, November 6, 12:00 (Noon) – Sunday, November 8, 7:00 p.m.
Online (link TBA)
Secret Elements – genres, character, prop, line of dialogue, and an Iowa-related element (hmm…) drop online at noon sharp.
You have 55 hours to write, shoot, edit and submit your film! Submissions close Sunday, Nov. 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Big-Screen Premiere and Awards
Sunday, November 15, 7:00 p.m.
Whipple Auditorium: Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
Watch all completed films on the big screen, vote for the Audience Choice Award, and celebrate with the Iowa filmmaking community.
Built for Iowa Filmmakers
We designed the FilmSprint with creators in mind, emphasizing filmmaker autonomy, feedback and recognition:
Cash Prizes & Trophies: Cash prizes awarded to top finishers, plus trophies for Best Film, Runner-Up, and Audience Choice.
Category Recognition: Certificates for Best Director, Cinematography, Writing, Acting, and Best Use of Secret Elements.
100% Filmmaker Ownership: You keep full intellectual property rights to your film. No distribution holds or online embargoes post-premiere.
Real Feedback: Objective written scoring from our regional jury returned to all team captains.
Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival Perks: The Top 3 films (two juried picks and the Audience Choice winner) receive special screening slots during the 2027 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival and are eligible to win Eddy Awards. And all teams get a 20% discount on entering their film.
Rules and Deliverables
Runtime: 3:00 to 6:00 minutes (plus a max 60-second end credits roll).
Format: 1080p or 4K digital video (ProRes or H.264), stereo audio mix.
Paperwork: Standard digital talent, location, and music clearance releases submitted with your final file.
Eligibility: All writing, filming, editing, and sound design must occur within the 55-hour competition window.
Registration and Fees
Registration is strictly capped at 15 teams to ensure every finished film screens during the single 90-minute theatrical block at Whipple Auditorium.
Early-Bird Registration: $75 per team (Open now through Friday, October 23)
Standard Registration: $95 per team (October 24 – November 4, or until full)
Premiere Tickets Included: Every registered team receives 4 complimentary tickets to the November 15 screening.
Solo Free Agents / Actors: Register for free to attend the October 22 Mixer and join a crew!
Register Your Team Now: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/iowa55
RSVP for the Free Mixer: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/iowa55mixer
Email Ron@crifm.org for more information.
We hope to see you October 22nd!