Get away to the big screen and discover unforgettable films. From the Siouxland to Snake Alley, Iowa's certified film festivals stay with you long after the credits have rolled. See careers launched and engage in discussions with filmmakers. Weekends in Iowa just got more entertaining. View the statewide listing below and start planning your getaway.
Held in scenic Northeast Iowa, the Oneota Film Festival (OFF) highlights compelling, innovative and inspiring films created by filmmakers from across the globe. The FREE festival occurs every March in the charming town of Decorah, and features a mission of engaging a large and diverse audience in the critical issues of our time through screenings, discussions and international panels of filmmakers and film scholoars and other special events. The collection of films includes documentaries, student films, fiction films and animations.
The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) is a five-day event held every April in downtown Dubuque. This prestigious festival brings in the finest of independent features, documentaries and short films from across the country and around the world, as well as many of the filmmakers themselves. Attendees can watch, discuss and support important and interesting films, and enhance the festival's standing as a leading promoter of arts, culture and education. In fact, JDIFF was voted one of the "Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World" by MovieMaker magazine.
The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival (CRIFF) celebrates films and filmmakers from around the world that have Iowa connections. Held during the first weekend of April (that's not Easter), the festival elevates the area's vibrant arts and culture scene by connecting filmmakers with viewers and critiquers. Visitors can watch the variety of short films then listen to Q&As with the creators for a deeper dive into the content. It's a can't-miss for movie buffs, so be sure to add this Cedar Rapids festival to your Iowa bucket list.
Known as a celebration of storytelling, the Cedar River Film Festival showcases films from both established and emerging filmmakers in the heart of Cedar Falls. Held annually at the historic Oster Regent Theatre, the festival brings together passionate audiences and artists for a weekend of screenings, discussions and community engagement. The event specifically highlights films made by or about Iowans or filmed in the state to create personal connections with each story. The two-day festival boasts a vibrant experience and powerfull connections through the art of film.
Experience the vibrant celebration of Latino culture at the Des Moines Latino Film Festival. This free, multi-day celebration is held every April and is dedicated to elevating the voices of Latino filmmakers and showcases underrepresented narratives from Latin America, Spain and the U.S. Make the trip to Des Moines to see a carefully curated collection of films that inspire, educate and engage viewers to empower the next generation of Latino storytellers and artists.
With a goal of inspiring thought-provoking conversations, the annual Farm to Film Fest celebrates the diverse talents of Iowans and honors the legacy of an Iowa film legend. Every April, the festival takes place in Washington's historic State Theatre, which is recognized as the longest continuously operating theater in the world. Attendees can learn all about Frank Brinton, a Washington native who was one of the earliest exhibitors of movies and magic lantern slides in the world in the 1890s. See how far movie technology has come by enjoying the festivals collection of modern narratives, shorts, animations and more across various themes.
The Iowa Disability Film Festival presents award-winning films by and about people with disabilities through engaging programs that bring together communities to explore, discuss, embrace and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience. Presented by FilmScene, Iowa City’s nonprofit cinema, this new annual festival is held every March and includes feature films, post-screening dialogues with local and lived experts on disability and daily community receptions. In the spirit of making the festival accessible, all tickets are pay-what-you-can, and each screening offers ASL interpreters, open captions, and descriptive audio.
Part of the Des Moines Arts Festival every June, the Interrobang Film Festival is a three-day celebration perfect for families, film fans and curious newcomers. Grab a seat inside the Des Moines Central Library to enjoy a variety of films from around the world, with screenings that explore stories, cultures and creativity through film. The festival also boasts a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere, with scheduled filmmaker talkbacks and panels that allow the audience and creators a unique opportunity to connect, discuss and celebrate the art.
The Pulling Focus African American Film Festival is an annual event in the Quad Cities that celebrates the rich narratives of the Black Diaspora through film. The festival showcases short films from local, regional, national and international filmmakers, offering unique viewing experiences that highlight African American and Black Diasporic voices. Held during the first full weekend in June, the festival features screenings, panel discussions and awards ceremonies across various venues in the Quad Cities.
The Snake Alley Festival of Film (SNAFF) is dedicated to showcasing the best short films from around the world. This annual July event has celebrated the unique art of storytelling since 2012 and is known for showcasing an exceptional array of films and screenplays from both established and emerging filmmakers. Held at the beautifully restored Capitol Theater in the heart of downtown Burlington, the festival includes an array of genres, Q&As with filmmakers and screenplay table reads. Buy a ticket ahead of time to secure your spot.
Founded in 2007, the Iowa Independent Film Festival (IIFF) brings independent films, unique documentaries and student productions from local, national and international filmmakers as well as prominent actors, producers and directors. Each year's collection celebrates the power of storytelling and cultivates an inclusive environment where each film brings awareness and meanful conversations that challenge everday views. The festival is hosted jointly in Mason City and Clear Lake every September and includes workshops, seminars and director Q&As. It’s a festival so big it takes two cities to host it!
Started by FilmScene in Iowa City, the Refocus Film Festival celebrates the art of adaptations. Held every October, the festival features dozens of films alongside conversations, performances and multidisciplinary art inspired by the work of adaptation, transforming one art form into another. Movie lovers can take in multiple films each day, with screenings preceded by performances from local musicians and visual artists to form a kaleidoscopic impression of the many artistic disciplines that inform our big screen experience. In addition, a series of curated dialogues, in collaboration with Iowa City Book Festival, takes us deeper into conversation about how an idea journeys from page to screen.
Since 2005, the Sioux City International Film Festival (SCIFF) has showcased a variety of short films from all around the world. The three-day festival is held in Sioux City every October, and features a different genre each day, with films that were carefully from hundreds of local, national and international submissions. Each film is ranked by a panel of judges then voted on by the audience, with winners earning cash prizes and trophies. Filmmakers and film enthusiasts can also participate in workshops, hear from industry guest speakers, and, of course, enjoy films. SCIFF is headquartered at the downtown Promenade Cinema, which is located in the heart of Sioux City's Historic Fourth Street and is surrounded by the best lodging, restaurants and bars all within easy walking distance.
As Iowa's only horror film showcase, Halloweenapalooza was created by horror filmmakers for horror fans, and has earned international recognition along the way. Held each October in Ottumwa, the two-day celebration of everything terrifying joins horror film celebrities and enthusiasts as they enjoy a variety of vendors, costume contests, a zombie walk, live music, a Rocky Horror screening and much more. Each day's festivities continue long after dark, further enhancing your horror film experience.
