The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival was founded in 2001 to provide a venue for Iowa-connected filmmakers to screen their work for peers and general audiences.
The organization's primary goals are to encourage independent filmmakers with Iowa ties to continue improving their craft, to provide a place to specifically showcase Iowa-connected films, present a unique cultural event to the community, and to offer networking opportunities for the purpose of strengthening Iowa connections in the film industry everywhere.
It is held the first full non-Easter weekend in April, at the Collins Road Theatres in Marion, Iowa, a town adjacent to Cedar Rapids.
[1] Filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (A Quiet Place, Haunt, 65) screened works at CRIFF multiple times early in their careers.
[2][3][4][5] The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival has frequently screened works from mystery writer and director Max Allan Collins.