CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival (CRIFF) is now accepting entries for its 25th Anniversary event, scheduled for April 10-12, 2026, at the Collins Road Theatres in Marion.
Filmmakers are invited to submit films of all genres and subjects, including Narrative Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary, and Freestyle (experimental, music video, prose, and film and video art). Submissions are being accepted from students, hobbyists, and professional filmmakers.
CRIFF is unique for its “Iowa Connection” requirement, meaning every selected film must have a tie to the state through cast, crew, production, or subject matter.
Festival Director Eric Dean Freese emphasizes that this connection is a source of pride and does not limit the festival’s scope. “If you don’t think your film qualifies, ask around — you just might have an Iowan on set,” Mr. Freese said.
Many past CRIFF films have gained national recognition and been screened at festivals worldwide.
Entries are exclusively accepted through FilmFreeway. Deadlines and entry fees are:
- Monday Sept. 22 – Pro and Hobbyist: $35 ($30 for FilmFreeway Gold Members); Student: $25 ($20 for FilmFreeway Gold Members)
- Monday, Oct. 20 – Pro and Hobbyist: $45 ($40 for FilmFreeway Gold Members); Student: $30 ($25 for FilmFreeway Gold Members)
- Monday, Nov. 24 – Pro and Hobbyist: $55 ($45 for FilmFreeway Gold Members); Student: $35 ($30 for FilmFreeway Gold Members)
- Monday, Dec. 22 – Pro and Hobbyist: $65 ($55 for FilmFreeway Gold Members); Student: $45 ($40 for FilmFreeway Gold Members)
Official Selections will be screened twice during the festival and will compete for Gold and Silver Eddy Awards across 12 categories. Judging is performed by industry professionals.
Attendees will select the Audience Choice and Student Audience Choice winners. An exceptional student filmmaker will receive a $1,000 Collins Road Theatres Scholarship, and the Iowa Connection Eddy will honor the film best representing Iowa’s filmmaking community.
CRIFF also has a “Conversations with the Judges” program, offering one-on-one feedback sessions for all entrants, selected or not. All entrants also receive free admission to screenings and VIP Lounge access.
Additional festival highlights include filmmaker Q&As, podcasts, discussion forums, and “Student Cinema Sunday,” which showcases emerging talent and offers discounted student admission.
The 2025 festival saw record attendance, including two sold-out screenings and two filmmaker forums.
Founded in 2001, CRIFF aims to provide Iowa-connected filmmakers a platform to share their work and offers audiences a dynamic cultural experience. The festival supports the growth of Iowa’s film community by helping filmmakers develop their craft, connect with collaborators, and reach new audiences.
For complete rules and information, visit the festival website at crifm.org or its FilmFreeway page at filmfreeway.com/CRIFF. Up-to-the-minute information can also be found on the festival’s Facebook page and other social media platforms. For inquiries, email [email protected].
