CRIFF started small, with a great idea and a ton of growth potential! 

The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival was created to provide a place for local filmmakers to show their work to peers and the general public. The first festival, a modest success, was presented in April 2001 by cousins and filmmakers, Ron Niermeyer and Scott Chrisman. Eight films were shown and about 35 people attended at McAuley Theater at Mount Mercy College (now Mount Mercy University).