The organization’s primary goals are to encourage and assist independent filmmakers with Iowa ties in continuing to hone their craft; provide a showcase for Iowa-connected films; present unique cultural events to the community; and create networking opportunities for the purpose of building the Iowa Filmmaking Industry.
The first Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival was held in 2001 at Mount Mercy University’s McAuley Auditorium. In the 26 years since, our flagship event has continued to be a leading venue for Iowa-connected filmmakers to screen their work for peers and general audiences.
Film provides a unique opportunity for an audience to experience different perspectives. We get to step into a character and feel part of the story. Cedar Rapids Independent Filmmakers is proud to provide a platform where diverse stories are told and new voices are heard. Year after year, we continue to learn, grow and be surprised.
We strive to uphold events and an organization where all people feel safe, respected and welcome. If you have any questions, concerns, complaints, or feedback, please reach out to us at info@crifm.org.
THE EDDY AWARDS are named after Thomas Alva Edison who, among his 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.
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 and STUDENT AUDIENCE CHOICE EDDY AWARDS, voted on by audience members.
Additionally, the COLLINS ROAD THEATRES SCHOLARSHIP ($1000) is awarded each year to a student filmmaker in order to further the recipient’s filmmaking education and career.
Finally, the IOWA CONNECTION EDDY is awarded to the film that best represents Iowa’s filmmaking community. The winner is a film that tells the world WHO is making films in Iowa, WHY they’re doing it in Iowa, and WHAT stories come from Iowa.
Cedar Rapids Independent Filmmakers Board
Scott Chrisman
Board President, Founder
2001-present
Scott Chrisman was born in Cedar Rapids, raised in Center Point, IA and graduated from Mount Mercy College. He founded the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival in 2001, serving as executive director for 21 years, and now as board president since 2023. Scott has held marketing roles in broadcast consulting, television advertising and promotion, and higher education. Having a love of movies all his life, he incorporates a similar type of narrative storytelling into his marketing efforts whenever he can. Scott and his wife Sara have 2 teenage sons and enjoy supporting them in their various activities in athletics and the arts.
Mandy Maring
Board Vice President, Personnel Coordinator
2008-present
One day in 2008, Mandy stumbled upon a CRIFF poster and called the associated phone number to volunteer. She fell in love with the stories and the energy of the event and was hooked. Moving around the country and overseas since then, she has remained involved remotely.
Not a filmmaker herself (besides a high school French class project she’ll never show anyone), Mandy brings organization to the chaos and grounding to the madness. She also brings HR and non-profit experience. She spends her free time watching animated movies and series with her family in Minneapolis.
Eric Dean Freese
Board Secretary, Festival Director
2002-2008, 2019-present
Eric Dean Freese has spent over 2 decades supporting independent filmmaking in Iowa as a filmmaker, organizational leader, communicator, and advocate for the state’s production community.
In 2002, he became involved with the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, helping support and grow the organization during its early years. Eric stepped away from CRIFF following the 2008 festival to focus on filmmaking and family – including his wife and two sons who share his passion for creative expression. Eric has served on the board of the Iowa Motion Picture Association from 2003 to 2012, and in 2022-present. He currently holds the office of IMPA Vice President.
Since 2011, Eric has been Senior Editor & Videographer at Wired Production Group in Cedar Rapids, producing regional and national corporate and commercial video, shooting and directing live events, and creating long and short-form documentaries.
Kalena Clarkson
Board Member
2026-present (volunteer 2024-26)
James Cutler
Board Member
2026-present (volunteer 2024-26)
Theo Gillaspie
Board Member
2026-present (volunteer 2024-26)
Ron Reynolds
Board Member, FilmSprint Director
2026-present (volunteer 2025-26)