The Iowa Connection
CRIFF celebrates filmmakers from—and connected to—Iowa, in the production industry EVERYWHERE. We search for films from anywhere and by anyone, who just happen to have an Iowa connection.

Every entrant is welcome to free admission, and has the opportunity to schedule a personal Conversation With the Judges, on Sunday, April 6. This rare opportunity for one-on-one feedback has long been a hallmark of the Festival, and is regarded by many filmmakers as the most valuable perk of entry.

In addition to being screened twice for our enthusiastic audience, Official Selections are honored with a commemorative shirt with your name on the back, your entry featured on promotional statewide media, additional complimentary passes, and advancement into the Saturday night Eddy Awards competition. Gold and Silver Eddy Awards are presented in Professional, Hobbyist and Student categories for Features, Shorts, Documentaries, and “Freestyle” (experimental, music video, video art, etc.) films. We also award the Audience Choice Eddy and Student Audience Choice Eddy, voted on by audience members. The Iowa Connection Eddy is awarded to that film which best represents Iowa’s filmmaking community. And, the Collins Road Theatres $1000 Scholarship is awarded to one student filmmaker to further their filmmaking education.