ABOUT THE FILMS - 2013
Abby's End of the World Diary
Professional ShortRUN TIME: 0:11:08
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Channing Whitaker - Director, Writer
SYNOPSIS:
When three friends retreat to an underground bunker to await the end of the world as predicted by the Mayan calendar, tension and difficulties arise. (comedy)
IOWA CONNECTION:
Channing Whitaker, writer/director, was born and raised in Centerville Iowa
A Family Tradition
Student LongRUN TIME: 0:21:18
RATING: R
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Aaron Ekland - Writer, Producer, Director
SYNOPSIS:
The film focuses around two brothers, John is a family man with a wife and a kid, and a decent job. When he learns of his brothers release from prison, he contacts him and sets up a lunch to catch up with his brother. However as the lunch goes on you realize there is more on Jacob's mind then just social talk as he begins to bring up all the dark days from the two brothers past. As John tries to reassure his brother that all of that is in the past and that things are different john is more than aware that things have not changed, and as a matter of fact John still carries on the same habits. As tensions reach there highest and Jacob proves to John that he knows of his routine, it is also revealed the very tragic nature to the ending of their lunch.
IOWA CONNECTION:
The writer/director was born and raised in Iowa city, Our two main actors were raised in Iowa city, and the rest of the cast and crew were from various parts of Iowa besides our female actress.
An Honest Life
Professional ShortRUN TIME: 0:12:03
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2011
CREDITS:
Adam Orton - Director
SYNOPSIS:
Allison tries to protect her boyfriend in a black market weapons deal gone awry.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Adam Orton - Director and Beau Batterson - writer were both born and raised in Iowa.
AXMAN
Professional DocumentaryRUN TIME: 0:19:00
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Kelly & Tammy Rundle - Writers, Producers, Directors
SYNOPSIS:
In 1955, a college student named Edgar Epperly began researching the details behind an infamous Midwestern mass murder mystery. Now, nearly 60 years later, the retired college professor continues to actively search for a solution to the still-unsolved true crime.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Tammy Rundle - Producer was born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa.
Bag Man
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:08:30
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Tyler Hobson - Writer, Director
SYNOPSIS:
On a quiet Friday night in a suburban Iowan house, four unexpecting teenagers enjoy a thrilling horror film. But what happens when the lights turn off and the movie doesn't stay on the screen?
IOWA CONNECTION:
The film was procuced in Des Moines, IA
Black Collar: Cold School
Professional FreestyleRUN TIME: 0:05:09
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2013
CREDITS:
Chris Peck - Director
SYNOPSIS:
Black Collar Collective's winter look-book, and process video...
IOWA CONNECTION:
Chris Peck - Director was born and raised in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area.
BOX
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:16:26
RATING: R
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
John Nodorft - Director
SYNOPSIS:
In order for Gerry to make things work with his Ex-Girlfriend (Zoey) he must open up a box of her painful feelings
IOWA CONNECTION:
John Nodorft lived in Des Moines, Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.
Call Me Crazy
Pro-Am ShortRUN TIME: 0:14:00
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Beau Batterson - Writer, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
Michelle is just your average teenager, locked away in a mental institution for being a murderous vampire. After killing her boyfriend and drinking his blood, she thought she'd never find love again.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Director Adam Orton is a former Cedar Rapids native, currently residing in Chicago where he works for The Second City. Writer/Producer Beau Batterson is recent graduate of the University of Northern Iowa.
Cherish
Student LongRUN TIME: 0:35:00
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Shawn June - Writer, Director, Producer, Actor
SYNOPSIS:
Cherish takes you to two divided sides of Jonathon, a high school teacher who was brought up on charges while trying to protect his new found life. As he claims to defend his actions it is clear that there are heavier burdens that transpire from this crime. The beginning of the film is the end and the end of the film is the beginning.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Shawn June Writer, director, producer, and actor, was born and raised in Ottumwa, Iowa City, and Des Moines, IA.
David's List
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:28:36
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Written, Produced, Directed and Filmed by Communication Arts Students at Wartburg College
SYNOPSIS:
After the death of one of their own, a group of college students complete their best friend's bucket list.
IOWA CONNECTION:
The film was written, produced, directed, and filmed by students in the Communication Arts program at Wartburg College. Five out of the 6 student producers are from Iowa. Those students are Ben Hoppenworth, Waterloo, Danny Housholder, West Des Moines, Beth McAtee, Coggon, and Simon Sager, Forest City.
Diamond Skies
Pro-Am FreestyleRUN TIME: 0:03:45
RATING: G
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
John Rairdin - Director, Co-Writer, Co-Producer
SYNOPSIS:
The music video for Live Broadcast's "Diamond Skies"
IOWA CONNECTION:
The producers John Rairdin and Kaytee High along with all the members of Live Broadcast have or do currently live in Cedar Rapids.
Ewoks Don't Blink
Student FreestyleRUN TIME: 0:07:29
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Beau Batterson - Co-Director, Co-Writer
SYNOPSIS:
Carl's not going to die for $7.25 an hour. But when a thief with a gun starts spouting off about the superiority of the Star Wars prequels, it'll take everything Carl has to suppress his nerd-rage and make it out of the video store alive
IOWA CONNECTION:
'Ewoks Don't Blink' was originally created for a short film class at the University of Northern Iowa.
Flashback
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:04:59
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Nick Lee - Producer, Director
SYNOPSIS:
This short depicts the unexpected nature of life. As two kids prepare for a regular day they are confronted by something very unusual at their hang out spot. A package that is marked with a red "X" on it. They open the package very curious to see what is inside. The viewers can't see, but the kids find something they believe to be very valuable to them. They stuff the package in their pockets without thinking twice about it and head off to school. A few hours pass and two men arrive at the scene. They search frantically for their prize, but don't seem to find anything. It then cuts to the kids walking home from school, taking their usual short cuts through alleyways and such. They walk with the package in hand talking about how great of a day it was to find this and so on. Little do they know that they are being followed. After a very long and dramatic chase sequence one of the bad guys hits the main character with his car, to retrieve what was rightfully theirs. The beginning of the movie starts at the end of the movie, symbolizing all the crazy things that could happen to you in one day.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Kevin Gallagher, the main actor of our short, was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Flower Girl
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:03:57
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Matt Resnick - Director, Producer, Writer
SYNOPSIS:
A young mental patient escapes the dismal reality of her confinement through her imagination.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Matt Resnick, Director/Producer/Editor, was born and raised in Iowa.
HappyGoLovely - London Fog
Student FreestyleRUN TIME: 0:03:22
RATING: G
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2011
CREDITS:
Tyler Ask - Co-Producer
SYNOPSIS:
A music video for "London Fog", from the Cedar Rapids-based band, HappyGoLovely.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Tyler James Ask, Landon Sheetz, Joey Loboda, and HappyGoLovely were all born and raised in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Harold's Gift
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:14:35
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Adam Orton - Writer, Director
SYNOPSIS:
Jim inherits a piece of magical music from his estranged father.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Adam Orton - writer/director, John Allen - cinematographer, Dan Hale - actor were all born and raised in Iowa.
Here
Student DocumentaryRUN TIME: 0:06:23
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2013
CREDITS:
Landon Sheetz - Director
SYNOPSIS:
A one-on-one study of a friend in need.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Director Landon Sheetz and subject Joey Loboda were both born and raised in Cedar Rapids Iowa.
Home
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:01:14
RATING: G
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Alexandrea Mallia - Animator, Director
SYNOPSIS:
A young Japanese fox spirit has taken to a human form, but in the process he loses his way home. Lost and alone he sits in despair, when suddenly orbs of light float toward him. They swirl around him and transport him back home. The lights were his family that had been watching over him and brought him back home.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Alexandrea Mallia lived in Iowa for 7 years, and was raised in St. Marys, IA.
House By the Side of the Road
Professional DocumentaryRUN TIME: 0:29:08
RATING: G
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Dan Schaefer - Writer, Producer, Director
SYNOPSIS:
House by the Side of the Road is a film based on the writings of Mrs. L.A. Abbott and her experience living on her family's farm in Morrison Illinois. The film discusses the Abbott family from its origin in 1847, the move of settlers west, the Underground Railroad, and the changes that would evolve on the farm as a microcosm of developments in agriculture throughout the country.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Jerry Gidel was born and raised in Iowa and is a principal historian on the film.
Howl of Hope
Student DocumentaryRUN TIME: 0:11:38
RATING: G
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Alli Ellwood - Writer, Producer, Director, Editor
SYNOPSIS:
This documentary will bring you an inside look at the foundations and operations of Homeward Bownd, a Siberian Husky Rescue located in La Motte, Iowa. Join Marla Theisen in her journey of making her typical family farm into a home for lost and abandoned huskies.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Alli and Frankie are both juniors at Loras College studying Media Studies.
HuseTroka - Mindset (Official Music Video)
Pro-Am FreestyleRUN TIME: 0:05:40
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
James Hoff - Writer, Producer, Director
SYNOPSIS:
A psychedelic hip-hop music video that travels the border between enlightenment and madness.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Both members of the cast/crew were raised in Dubuque, Iowa.
Jägerbär
Pro-Am ShortRUN TIME: 0:13:04
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Alexander Scott - Director, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
Screenwriter Brett Alan Bentman and Director Alexander Thomas Scott spin Goldilocks on it's head and re-imagine this beloved children's classic as an edge of your seat, nail biting thriller. This time, the bears are kidnappers, Goldilocks fights back, and escape gets grizzly.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Alexander Thomas Scott, Director/Producer, was born and raised in West Des Moines, IA
Little Wolf
Professional ShortRUN TIME: 0:06:00
RATING: R
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Chris Peck - Director
SYNOPSIS:
A man, and a baby outrun two murderous hillbillies, and seek refuge in the most unusual place...
IOWA CONNECTION:
Art director Eric Groves is from Iowa, along with Producer Matt Neenan, and his father Tom who has a role in the film. Set Photographers Bill, Scott, Emilee, and Audrey are all from Cedar Rapids.
Look Out
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:11:36
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Christopher Metz - Writer, Director, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
Writer Guy Dalton has a problem, but he soon discovers that inspiration can come from anywhere.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Director, Christopher Metz was raised in Cedar Rapids Iowa.
Manifest
Pro-Am ShortRUN TIME: 0:05:46
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Seth Myers - Co-Director, Co-Writer, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
A disoriented young man, barefooted and dressed in an over-sized suit, finds himself walking up to an old abandoned barn. As the man passes through, he slowly becomes aware of his looming fate.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Ted Wittman was born and raised in Dubuque, IA.
Maxilla Blue - Perfect Mal-F (Music Video)
Professional FreestyleRUN TIME: 0:04:01
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Carlos de Leon - Director, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
Maxilla Blue's "Perfect Mal-F" new hit single music video was filmed in downtown Des Moines. Truly representing the city that has embraced their style of indie hip-hop.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Carlos de Leon was born in Sioux City and raised in the Siouxland area.
Pacsaw
Student LongRUN TIME: 1:30:33
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2013
CREDITS:
Tyler Ask - Writer, Director, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
Chet Feller and his best-friends-turned-filmmakers embark on their biggest production yet. A movie of movies.
IOWA CONNECTION:
The 3 of us were all born and raised in Cedar Rapids.
Pig Pandamonium
Pro-Am ShortRUN TIME: 0:12:46
RATING: R
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2013
CREDITS:
Sean Prior - Director, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
Pig and Panda are two serial killers who wear large mascot heads. They love what they do, and feel no remorse. However, a beautiful girl may come in between these two best friends.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Everyone involved in the movie is from Cedar Rapids.
Problem Solving The Republic
Professional FeatureRUN TIME: 1:38:31
RATING: R
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Elliot Diviney - Director, Co-Writer
SYNOPSIS:
A group of mysterious villains known as "The Alliance" sets a trap for the Taxpayer. They imprison him, torture him, and make plans to publicly crucify him. Local janitor Richard Randolph rounds up retired Superheroes, and hatches a plan to rescue the Taxpayer. The villains stage a public rally, where many citizens come to watch the Taxpayer's crucifixion. The heroes invade the bad guys lair, and a large battle ensues. Various comedic and action-packed musical numbers are intertwined throughout the madness. In the midst of the big political debate and battle for mankind will the heroes save the day?
IOWA CONNECTION:
Executive Producer/Actor Craig Diviney was born in Bettendorf, IA.
Relentless
Pro-Am ShortRUN TIME: 0:41:12
RATING: R
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Thomas Schmidt - Producer
SYNOPSIS:
RELENTLESS is the story of a ninja who is looking for a mysterious package and will kill all in his path to obtain it. The SWAT team is all that stands between the ninja and the package. Will the SWAT team stop the bloodshed and retrieve the package, or will the ninja leave a trail of bodies in his wake?
IOWA CONNECTION:
Monica Schmidt (special consultant) fulfilled many roles on the set of Relentless, including (but not limited to) catering, location scout, and marketing and promotion of the film. Monica currently lives in Solon, IA.
Silhouette Man
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:05:10
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2011
CREDITS:
Nedzad Muhamedagic - Director, Writer, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
A young silhouette man foolishly chases after a strange and featureless object.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Both Nedzad Muhamedagic and Zlatan Kajtezovic live in Waterloo, Iowa.
Snowfall
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:07:41
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2013
CREDITS:
Jacob Meade - Director, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
A nomadic survivor struggles to cling to life in an unforgiving post-apocalyptic world, when an armed survivor begins to pursue him with unknown intentions.
IOWA CONNECTION:
All members were born and raised in Iowa.
Solice
Student ShortRUN TIME: 0:04:59
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2013
CREDITS:
Ethan Uphouse - Writer, Director
SYNOPSIS:
After she awakes in a hospital a confused young woman tries to piece together the pieces of her fragmented memory with the help of a man suffering from a terminal illness.
IOWA CONNECTION:
The majority of the cast and the crew were either born or raised in the glorious state of Iowa.
Tender
Professional ShortRUN TIME: 0:14:30
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Lee Ross - Writer, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
Once in a lifetime concert tickets lead to a Craigslist blind date. Kyle and Amanda venture into unseen territory as they traverse the waters of trust, sex, abandonment and loss to discover that nothing on the surface is what it appears to be...
IOWA CONNECTION:
The writer & producer, Lee Ross, now lives in Fairfield Iowa. His family has been there for the last 20 years.
The Formula
Professional FeatureRUN TIME: 1:30:00
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Tim Nash - Co-Producer
SYNOPSIS:
Quinn is a substitute teacher and engineering graduate student who is a romantic at heart. His best friend is Grant a fellow graduate student and chauvinist who, when it comes to women, believes in the axiom of quantity over quality. While working towards a grant in their engineering program they develop a mathematical formula that when applied will attract women to them. Their discovery eventually corrupts them transforming them into a pair of arrogant and selfish womanizers. It will take getting kicked out of their program and the end of their friendship before Quinn and Graham learn that there's no easy answer to finding true love.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Backrow Studios is based out of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor.
The Hope and Stay - Vacant (music video)
Professional FreestyleRUN TIME: 0:05:16
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2013
CREDITS:
Tyler Ask - Co-Director, Producer
SYNOPSIS:
A music video for a band called The Hope and Stay. The song is called "Vacant". Enjoy!
IOWA CONNECTION:
Directors, Tyler James Ask and Phil Buatti, were born and raised in Iowa. Tyler in Cedar Rapids, Phil in Iowa City.
The Vindication of Ronald Clay
Pro-Am FeatureRUN TIME: 1:01:00
RATING: PG
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Donald Revolinski - Producer
SYNOPSIS:
The Vindication of Ronald Clay is a collection of interwoven fables about the lives of five patrons to a coffee shop at the center of the universe. Set in an alternate but recent past where Napoleon's descendants rule Europe and the world's population has exceeded critical mass, The Vindication of Ronald Clay takes a whimsical, musing look into the strangely connected lives of five café patrons and events of political, spiritual, and scientific revolution in which they're caught.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Born and Raised: Cullen M. Thomas, Writer/Director, Fairfield. Donald Revolinski, Producer, Fairfield. Aaron Riggs, Director of Photography, Oskaloosa. David J. Murphy, Lead Actor/Music By, Fairfield. Elizabeth Huebner, Lead Actress, Fairfield. Katie McDowell, Supporting Actress, Burlington. George Kelley, Supporting Actor, Fairfield. Many more.
Tough Cookie
Student DocumentaryRUN TIME: 0:10:26
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Mareah Adolphs - Co-Director, Co-Writer, Co-Producer
SYNOPSIS:
Karen Klostermann was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer four years ago. This is her story.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Mareah, the Co-Director and Producer in the film, is from Miles, IA.
Transit
Pro-Am FreestyleRUN TIME: 0:05:20
RATING: G
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Jeffery Curtis - Director
SYNOPSIS:
Based on the concept of astronomical and star transit, this dance film plays with space, distance and relationships between three bodies—two dancers and a camera—in constant motion.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Jeffrey Curtis, Director, camera, editor, lives in Iowa City, IA.
Want It All
Student FreestyleRUN TIME: 0:04:00
RATING: PG-13
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Drew Hays - Editor
SYNOPSIS:
Music video for the song "Want It All" by artist ZK.
IOWA CONNECTION:
Zach Knudtson, the rapper was born and raised in Des Moines, IA.
Wingmen Incorporated
Pro-Am FeatureRUN TIME: 1:22:00
RATING: R
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2012
CREDITS:
Jason Schaver - Writer, Actor, Producer, Director
SYNOPSIS:
IOWA CONNECTION:
Writer/Actor/Producer/Director Jason W. Schaver was born in Clinton, IA
