The Executive Directors’ Film Festival Picks program

Are you ready to see some of the best short films from Iowa's film festivals? 

Our state film office asked the executive directors of Iowa‘s film festivals to submit the best short film featured at their festival over the past year. From the nominations, we then curated the top films we think you should see and might have missed. 

We would like to acknowledge and thank the many community volunteers who use film to create a more vibrant culture in our state and bring new visitors to their Main Streets to engage the creative economy. If you haven‘t attended one of these film festivals here in Iowa, we highly encourage you to do so. Find a screening near you below!

To request to host a screening, please fill out this form.

Featured Picks - 2021 Edition -

DAYDREAMER'S PURSUIT

Nominated by Iowa Independent Film Festival
Full of determination and uncertainty, Nutmeg pursues her daydream to escape a dull reality with a Walkman and her case of few sentimental belongings.

Filmmaker bio: Taking up all production crew rolls, independent filmmaker, Jasmine Bryan, joins creative forces with the acting talents of leading actress Emmagen Litchfield and supporting role Doretta Meyer.

PAY WHAT YOU CAN

Nominated by Des Moines 48 Hour Film Project
Gene meets Tina on a scooter tour of the city. Together, they discover a lot more than just the sights of Des Moines.

Filmmaker bio: Peach Fuzz Productions is an independent collection of filmmakers based in Des Moines, led by writer/director Alyson O'Hara, who are focused on telling raw and truthful stories of humanness.

ICE RAID ON MOUNT PLEASANT

Nominated by Des Moines Latino Film Festival
Days after an ICE raid, broken Iowan families tell their stories.

Filmmaker bio: Monica Reyes, activist, community organizer and financial expert. Juan Esparza, filmmaker. Both DACA recipients, a collaborative duo working to tell unheard true Iowan stories.

DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS

Nominated by Alternating Currents Film Festival
A witch gets less than she bargains for when she tries to summon Satan on her ex-boyfriend. An occult animated comedy.

Filmmaker bio: Anna Owenson originates from Des Moines where she first cultivated her interest in art. She's a 2021 animation grad from Chapman University and is now pursuing her career in LA.

NEWS FROM NOWHERE

Nominated by Iowa City International Documentary Film Festival
“Simplicity of life, even the barest, is not misery but refinement.” - William Morris

Filmmaker bio: Ben Balcom is a filmmaker & educator based in Milwaukee, WI.

I HOPE THEY REMEMBER MY NAME

Nominated by Sioux City International Film Festival
Struggling with depression, a famous vlogger travels to Asia and documents his search for dopamine.

Filmmaker bio: Patrick Weiers is a Toronto-based filmmaker. His short films have screened at festivals across North America, including the Nickel Independent Film Festival and the San Jose International Short Film Festival.

Host a Screening

Are you a film enthusiast, college professor, or filmmaker in Iowa? You can host a screening of this program and discover the unforgettable movies found at Iowa’s film festivals. The program costs nothing to screen and can be shown in classrooms, cinemas, or during a movie night at the local park. Some usage conditions apply, and the program will only be available through the end of 2022. Please fill out this form if you are interested in creating your own getaway to the big screen. You can also email EJ Philby at emily.philby@iowa.gov with any questions. 

Attend an Upcoming Screening

Featured Picks - 2020 Edition -