"The Film Lounge" is a television series that showcases short, independent films by Iowa artists. Each one-hour episode includes a collection of short films (2-20 minutes in length) that represent a range of artistic forms, including documentary, animated and experimental work. The episodes also feature interviews with the contributing filmmakers plus spotlight features that highlight active filmmaking projects across Iowa. 

The series is produced by Iowa PBS in partnership with the  Iowa Arts Council and  Produce Iowa, both divisions of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Program objectives include highlighting art and experimental films by underserved Iowa artists; elevating the process of filmmaking as an art form; recognizing the contributions of filmmaking to the economic and cultural vitality of Iowa; and sharing stories important to Iowans.

WATCH NEW EPISODES OF SEASON 7

Help us celebrate the work of Iowa filmmakers in person at a special Sneak Peek Watch Party and see the two one-hour episodes on the big screen at the newly-remodeled Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th Street, Des Moines. These events are free and open to the public and each screening will include a Q&A discussion with participating Iowa filmmakers featured in the episodes.

                   Sunday, January 29, 2023- Episode 701 screens at 1pm at The Varsity Cinema
                   Sunday, February 5, 2023- Episode 702 screens at 1pm at The Varsity Cinema

Or create your own watch party in your living room when the episodes premiere on Iowa PBS. In addition to the broadcasts, The Film Lounge will be available to stream on iowapbs.org, YouTube TV and the PBS Video App.

                   Monday, January 30, 2023- Episode 701 premieres on Channel 11.1 at 10pm
                   Encore presentation on Channel 11.1 on Saturday, February 4 at 11pm

                   Monday, February 6, 2023- Episode 702 premieres on Channel 11.1 at 10pm
                   Encore presentation on Channel 11.1 on Saturday, February 11 at 11pm

The television episodes will continue to repeat throughout the year on Iowa PBS and stay tuned for special in-person screenings at Iowa film festivals across the state.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SEASON 7 FILMMAKERS

Episode 701:

“Bed Bugs,” from Kaitlyn Busbee and Benjamin Handler
“Black Excellence,” from Antonio Chalmers and Tone Da Boss
“It is Other,” from Charlie Borowicz
Spotlight feature on The Sioux City International Film Festival
“The Aspirant,” from Adam Orton and Michael A. Levine
“Sea Dogs,” from Spencer Loucks, Lev Cantoral, and Joe Fiala

Episode 702:

“Lesana,” from Russ Curry, Lily Skove, TJ Hellmuth, and McKenzie Stubbert
“Leah’s Year,” from Antoinette Lavalle
“From the Void,” from Michael Minard
Spotlight feature on the newly restored Varsity Cinema
“El Principe Azul,” from Matthew Williams and Juan Luna
“Loveblind,” from Emille Lacsa and LOVESBLIND

CALL FOR SEASON 8

SUBMIT YOUR FILM:
Apply to have your film included in an episode of the television series, "The Film Lounge." Judges select the short, independent films by Iowa artists based on:

• Artistic originality
• Technical quality
• Level of engagement

HOW TO APPLY:

Read the guidelines

Submit your application

Watch Past Seasons

Past Seasons of "The Film Lounge" can be streamed on Iowa PBS. Explore previous episode content online.

Featured Filmmakers

Congratulations to Iowa filmmakers featured in past episodes of "The Film Lounge".