Fresh Cinema from the Heartland

The Cedar River Film Festival celebrates and showcases films created in the American Heartland, encompassing seven states in the Midwest.


The Cedar River Film Festival takes place the last weekend in October at the Historic Oster Regent Theatre in Cedar Falls, Iowa — just a stone’s throw from the Cedar River.


CRFF is a celebration of Midwest stories in all forms; long- and short-form narrative, documentary, experimental, commercial, biographical, and more.











2026 Poster Design by Mija Henderson

Thank you for joining us for the 4th annual CRFF!


Congratulations to all of our 2026 filmmakers from across the Midwest!


Scheduling, Ticket Info, and Festival Line-up for our 5th year will be shared in Fall 2027.

2026 Award Winners


Iowa Legacy Award: Jane Elliott (subject of Jane Elliott Against the World | Dir. Judd Ehrlich)

Critic's Choice - Short: Pocket Change | Dir. Tanner Mobley, Heston Roewe

Critic's Choice - Feature or Documentary: The Driftless | Dir. Tim Connery

Audience Choice - Short: Girl Dad | Dir. Rachael Hudson

Audience Choice - Feature or Documentary: Pressure | Dir. LYRIKAL TMG


Photos from CRFF 2026

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Thank you to our CRFF 2026 Sponsors!