Local and regional filmmakers get to show off their work this weekend as the Collins Road Theatre in Cedar Rapids again hosts the "Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival (CRIFF)". Long and short films will be spotlighted and of particular note to many, coming off the heels of her national television appearance on "American Song Contest" will be s short by multi-faceted Cedar Rapids entertainer Alisabeth Von Presley.

Her short film, "Chance" is, as you might expect, more like a music video. According to the CRIFF website: "after losing her father in 2016, Alisabeth Von Presley teamed up with Tim King to write and film a song for those who have lost loved ones." She worked on the project with fellow Cedar Rapidian Rob Merritt, who did the videography.

Here are a handful of other notable features according to the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival Facebook page.

What's so awesome about the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival is that all the filmmakers have an Iowa connection, either through location or roots, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette. If you're planning to attend, here's what you need to know.

2022 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival

  • Collins Road Theatres, 1462 Twixt Town Rd., Marion
  • Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2, 2022; 6 to 10:17 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, with lunch and dinner breaks, and the Eddy Awards ceremony at 9:45 p.m.
  • $9 tickets per session or $25 all-event pass before April 1 when purchased online; $11 per session or $35 all-event pass purchased in-person or days of shows.

There is also plenty more information on the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival website.

Julien Dubuque International Film Festival

For a different sort of movie festival experience, head to Dubuque where they will be holding the "Julien Dubuque International Film Festival".  That will take place April 20-24th at the Hotel Julien Dubuque and other locations along the city’s downtown Main Street corridor, according to KCRG.

This festival receives approximately 1500 submissions each year and accepts 120 films. They give out 8 awards and cash prizes each year, with a total value of over $35,000 in cash and benefits. Tickets for the JDIFF will be available starting April 4.

Happy watching!

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