Dubuque’s historic Five Flags Theater hosts a number of events during the city’s annual film festival. (Photo: Digital Dubuque)
All kinds of movies, from all over the world, are coming to a theater near you in the next few weeks. The state’s steadily growing calendar of film festivals includes well-established events as well as newer offerings that focus on a particular theme.
Des Moines, April 16-19: Des Moines Latino Film Festival. The free, four-day celebration at the Fleur Cinema and Cafe explores untold stories from Latin America, Spain, Portugal and the United States, alongside food, art, music and live performances for viewers.
Washington, April 20-21: Farm to Film Festival. The historic State Theatre, the world’s oldest continuously operating cinema, hosts a relatively new festival that aims to “harvest stories and cultivate dreams.” The free event showcases indie films about a broad range of thought-provoking topics and themes.
Dubuque, April 24-28: Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. Hundreds of U.S. and international filmmakers gather each year at Iowa’s biggest film festival for screenings, workshops and lively parties. Over the years, the event has welcomed everyone from “Game of Thrones” creator George R.R. Martin to Jon Heder, who played Napoleon Dynamite.
Iowa City, April 26-28: International Documentary Film Festival. The 19th annual “I.C. docs” fest is organized by University of Iowa students and showcases short films (30 minutes, tops) from all over the world.
Denison, May 4: 712 Film Festival. Named for western Iowa’s area code, this event features narrative and student-produced films during an afternoon at the Donna Reed Theatre.
