The Film Lounge

    The Film Lounge

    "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.

    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

    1. Read the guidelines
    2. Submit your application

    Watch Season 6 Episodes

    Watch in person Jan. 29

    An in-person watch party is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at FilmScene at The Chauncey, 404 E. College St. in Iowa City. The event will include screenings of both one-hour episodes from the new season, featuring a mix of 2- to 20-minute films in a variety of artistic forms. A reception with the filmmakers will follow.

    Learn more about the event by visiting FilmScene's website or the Facebook event.

    Watch on TV, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7

    The new season of “The Film Lounge” will make its television premiere on Iowa PBS at 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, followed by the second episode at 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7. Each episode will also stream in real time on Facebook, where viewers can interact with contributing filmmakers and other film fans using the hashtag #TheFilmLounge.

    Explore previous episode content, broadcast schedules and more.

    Featured Filmmakers

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

    "The Film Lounge" Season 6 - to premiere in January 2022
    • Godfreed Ebong
    • Benjamin Handler
    • Tyler Hill and Hao Zhou
    • Connor Hopkins
    • Paul Huenemann
    • Katie Jensen, Bruce James Bales, and Cynthia O'Hern
    • Antoinette Lavalle
    • Tempest Montgomery
    • Philip Rabalais
    • Amenda Tate
    "The Film Lounge" Season 5 - premiered February 2021
    • William J Locker and Stefan Egeberg Hansen / FRESK
    • Bruce James Bales
    • Jack Sarcone
    • Lucius Pham
    • Justin Norman
    • Jacob Withers
    • Michael Runde, Ben Friedman, Ben Burkholder, and Pat Hunt
    "The Film Lounge" Season 4 - premiered February 2020
    • Patrick Albanese
    • Tarrell Christie
    • Sam Fathallah
    • Stephen Folker
    • Benjamin Handler
    • Traci Hercher
    • Justin Norman
    • Philip Rabalais
    • Spencer Smith
    • Stefanie Toftey
    "The Film Lounge" Season 3 - premiered February 2019
    • Extravision and Bruce Bales
    • Jack Meggers
    • Jeffery Byrd
    • John Spencer Woerdehoff, Jack Sarcone, and Brody Kuhar
    • Joshua De Lanoit
    • Kaitlyn Busbee and Jamie Boling
    • Matthew Sindt
    • Tarrell Christie
    • Tiny Circus
    • River Breitbach and Joshua De Lanoit
    "The Film Lounge: Halloween Style" Season 2 - - premiered October 2017
    • Charlie Gandez
    • Harry W. Walker III
    • Michael E. Berg
    • Tarrell Christie
    • Tiny Circus
    "The Film Lounge" Season 2 - premiered February 2018
    • Aaron Van Maanen and Holden Feagler
    • Thomas C. Johnson
    • Nella Thomas and William Locker
    • Benjamin Gardner
    • Jack Meggers
    • Ruth Mataya Garcia
    • Graham Cooper
    • Kaitlyn Busbee and Elizabeth June Bergman
    • P. Sam Kessie
    • Juan Acuna Esparza
    "The Film Lounge: Halloween Style" Season 1 - premiered October 2016
    • Steve Couch
    • Bruce Walters
    • Juan Acuna Esparza
    • Justin Norman and Shrieking Tree
    • Michael Berg
    • Patrick Tape Fleming
    • Serena Illuminati and Annalibera
    • P. Sam Kessie
    • Beau Batterson and Adam Orton
    "The Film Lounge" Season 1 - premiered February 2017
    • Steve Jennings and Kathy Buxton
    • Kristian Day
    • Paul Huenemann
    • Thomas C. Johnson
    • Greg Best
    • John Richard
    • Christopher Ford and Bruce James Bales
    • Josh Thorud
    • Ian Carstens
    • Paul Berge
    • P. Sam Kessie
    • Lisa Schlesinger and Irina Patkanian
    • Andrew Sherburne and Tommy Haines
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