Iowa: The Film Lounge

The Film Lounge is a media arts program that promotes Iowan filmmakers and their contributions to the state’s cultural and economic vitality. The program is a three-way partnership between the Iowa Arts Council, Iowa Public Television and Produce Iowa, the state’s film industry office. The Film Lounge showcases short-form documentary, narrative, animated and experimental films. Interviews with the filmmakers offer audiences insights into their craft and their connections to Iowa. Filmmakers apply to participate and works are selected on the basis of artistic and technical quality. Winning films receive a $500 stipend and are promoted statewide and air on Iowa Public Television. To build local audiences, “watch parties” are scheduled across the state to celebrate the premiere of the program and give the public an opportunity to meet the films’ casts and crews. To learn more, contact IAC Grants Services and Artist Programs Manager Veronica O’Hern. (Photo: Clapperboard from Lost and Found by Greg Best, courtesy of the Iowa Arts Council)