Film Festival Selections

I’m proud to announce that two of my films have been chosen as official selections of the 2010 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival April 9-10, 2010. Collins Road Theatres
Marion, Iowa 52402 319-377-4555

“Silent Kingdom” is a 3:10 long PSA style film calling people to action to save our environment.

What people are saying about “Silent Kingdom”:

I got to say this is a another triumph of imagery for you Kevin. I always love to see what you come up with ! In every one of the these challenges, there are those that give the rest of us new goals to work toward, and you are always on that list. Thank you for that.
Chris J. Barcellos

Kevin, Kevin, Kevin…..Have you ever shot an image that was not just flat out beautiful??
You are the king of gorgeous….seriously….
Nicely done, nice message…the text was perfect!

Bob Thieda

Wonderful imagery as always. The words short and to the point. Having watched several short environmental films on a big screen last night, I can say this beats the pants off all of them.
Annie Haycock

“The Prairie” is a 3:00 long film about the cycle of life in an Iowa tallgrass prairie.

What people are saying about “The Prairie”:

Another beautifully shot film. The editing was spot on and had a good pace to it. The insect shots were great, especially the one of the spider and droplets of water. You clearly made use of the good light.
Mihali Moore

Probably your most stunning camera work yet, Kevin…
Meryem Ersoz

It is an enjoyment to observe your film. You have a good taste for joining pictures, music and words, -a feeling of art.
Finn-Erik Faale

You really captured the magic here.
Mike Sims

Cedar Rapids Independent Filmmakers began with the first Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival in 2001. The Festival was created to provide a venue for Iowa filmmakers to screen their work for peers and general audiences. For every filmmaker whose work is admired by audiences in megaplexes across the world, thousands more lack the means to show films to the masses. The greatest reward for an independent filmmaker is to have their work shown to an captive audience. One festival entrant commented what a wonderful feeling it was to observe an audience reacting to his film and laughing when they were supposed to laugh!

The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival was created to provide a venue for Iowa filmmakers to show their work and for the general public to view the best of the state’s filmmaking industry.

CRIFM also publishes the Iowa Film News Update, a newsletter featuring screenings, casting calls, festivals and other news of interest to Iowa film enthusiasts.

The organization’s primary goals are to encourage Iowa independent filmmakers 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 building the Iowa Filmmaking Industry.

Check out the 2010 film schedule here for times.

“The River” Wins 2009 Gold Eddy

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I was thrilled to learn that my short film “The River” took first place in its category at the 2009 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival!

CRIFF for short is one of the few in only festival I enter my films. Why? Because even if your film isn’t named an official selection, you can still schedule a meeting with the judges to critique your film. I’m not sure there are any festivals that will give the winners feedback let alone films that weren’t selected to screen at the festival.

I’ve won two gold Eddy’s and one silver Eddy at this festival and the judges feedback has helped tremendously. Because they are unbiased, you get to hear their true thoughts about your film both good and bad. I make a lot of mental notes in these critique sessions and try to incorporate their feedback into future films.

The bar has been set high for next years festival!