ABOUT THE FILMS - 2011
Abducted
RUN TIME0:05:59
RATING
PG
CREDITS
Kurt Jewell - Writer, Director, Producer
Mark Blasco - Original Score
CAST
Zach Churchill as Alex
Elanor Kemnitz as Katie
Chris Stone as Mother
Linda Hammer as Friend
Sgt. Mike Glassberg as Police Officer
SYNOPSIS
A teenage boy threatens his young sister after his dysfunctional family is torn apart grieving the recent loss of his father. When the abduction of two young children in the neighborhood pushes his mother into an obsessive panic over his younger sister, he too goes off the deep end and begins to threaten the young girl's life.
IOWA CONNECTION
Director Kurt Jewell lived in Storm Lake, Iowa as a youngster and now makes frequent trips to Cedar Rapids to work with Rockwell Collins.
August Reign: Shadow on the Moon
RUN TIME0:05:31
RATING
G
CREDITS
Music and lyrics by David Bosier and Jeffrey Brockmeyer
Vidoe filmed at the Iowa Steel Building in Cedar Rapids by Metro Video Productions, 1987
Song recorded at Smithfield Recording Studios in Cedar Rapids
SYNOPSIS
1987 MTV music video submission "basement tape" of Shadow on the Moon, a song about a lost love and how, as a result, the moon now has a shadow on it.
IOWA CONNECTION
The song was written and recorded in Iowa. The video was also shot in Iowa.
BOO!
RUN TIME0:09:00
RATING
PG
CREDITS
Beau Batterson - Writer, Producer
Adam Orton - Director
A Team Josh Productions film.
SYNOPSIS
Katlyn is known for causing trouble, especially on Halloween. So when she tells the legend of the Harris Haven Funeral Home, and the murdered clown named Boo, she has to be lying. Right?
IOWA CONNECTION
This film was shot entirely in Iowa with an all-Iowan cast and crew.
Book Drop
RUN TIME0:04:13
RATING
PG
CREDITS
Andrew Jewell - Writer, Director
Kurt Jewell - Editor
Kevin Macleod - Score
CAST
Boy - Rob Jewell
Mom - Jill Jewell
Librarian - Megan Hanson
Book Drop Guy - Kevin Hanson
SYNOPSIS
A boy's idea of summer doesn't involve the library; the book drop has other ideas.
IOWA CONNECTION
Film editor Kurt Jewell was born in Iowa and frequently spends time in Cedar Rapids working with Rockwell Collins.
A Cadaver Christmas
RUN TIME1:25:54
RATING
R
CREDITS
Joe Zerull - Director
Daniel Rairdin-Hale - Producer
A production of CadaverProductions, LLC
SYNOPSIS
Prepare yourself for a festive holiday themed zombie comedy unlike any other. A cross between "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Night of the Living Dead" - A Cadaver Christmas tells the story of an unlikely band of heroes charged with the task of saving the world from an army of living corpses that are quickly recruiting new members. The dead have been given the gift of life this Christmas, and it is up to a university janitor to take it back!
IOWA CONNECTION
The majority of the film was shot in Davenport, Iowa.
Filmmakers went to school in Iowa, and have won a previous Gold Eddy Award in 2007 for Skippy Love
Coffee with Bernie
RUN TIME0:08:44
RATING
G
CREDITS
Gary DeSomber - Writer, Executive Producer
SYNOPSIS
Two old friends discuss religious beliefs over a cup of coffee.
IOWA CONNECTION
Gary DeSomber, the film's writer and executive producer, was born and raised in West Des Moines, where the film was shot. The entire entire cast and crew also reside in Iowa. DeSomber is the former president of the Iowa Scriptwriters Alliance.
The Country Pirates
RUN TIME0:33:47
RATING
PG
CREDITS
Patrick Scott Lewis - Writer, Director
James Mendoza, Dick English, Anita English - Producers
SYNOPSIS
An orphaned young lady is on a cross country RV trip with her uncle when the vessel is "hijacked" by a group of country musicians on the run. As they tell their tale of life as outlaws, a bond forms. But what will happen when all is not as it seems?
IOWA CONNECTION
Lead actress Briana English is a Marion native, a graduate of Linn-Mar High School and The University of Iowa, where she was also a Hawkeye cheerleader. Much of our fundraising was done in Iowa, with Dick English, Anita English, Terry Burger and Cecelia Burger - all life long residents of Marion - acting as producers. Our makeup girl, Haylee MacFarland, is a native of Des Moines and an Iowa State graduate. Our director of photography, Hunter Mossman, is also a Des Moines native. This is the number one festival this production has had on it's radar since the beginning - a chance for many of Iowa's native sons and daughters to have their hometown people get a chance to see their work.
Country School: One Room, One Nation
RUN TIME1:15:00
RATING
PG
CREDITS
Kelly Rundle - Writer, Producer, Director
Tammy Rundle - Writer, Producer
SYNOPSIS
From immigration issues in early schools to the controversial demise of their widespread use in the 1950s and 1960s, Country School: One Room, One Nation takes viewers back to school for a dramatic and unique new look at the lasting legacy of America's one-room schools. Country School combines visually stunning images of a myriad of restored and decaying buildings - including one designed by Frank Lloyd Wright - with stunning, humorous, and heartwarming stories from former teachers and students. Powerful commentary from a who's-who of one-room school historians and writers provides insight into lessons learned from the school days and school ways of yesteryear.
IOWA CONNECTION
Country School: One Room, One Nation was partially shot in Iowa. Producer Tammy Rundle was born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa. Kelly is a former Iowa resident.
The Dance
RUN TIME0:13:47
RATING
G
CREDITS
Tamara White - Director
Ben Sulzberger - Writer, Editor
SYNOPSIS
The school dance is coming up, and Will is determined to ask Caitlyn to the big event. But the act of asking her out takes on a life of its own. As each attempt fails miserably, Will has to wonder: Will he ever get the girl of his dreams to notice him?
IOWA CONNECTION
This film was made by the participants of Story Theater Company's 2010 Movie Production Camp in Ames, Iowa. All cast and crew members are from Iowa and are 12-17 years old. The director, Tamara White, is also from Iowa and is a senior performing arts major at Iowa State University. The writer and editor is Ben Sulzberger, age 13, also from Ames, Iowa. During the camp, the crew members rotated positions and each, in turn, became the DOP, grip, clapper loader, script supervisor, sound recorder, etc.
Danny the Decomposing Kid
RUN TIME0:01:07
RATING
PG-13
CREDITS
A Prescribed Films Production.
SYNOPSIS
A lost episode of the crazy, wacky adventures of the classic animated black and white character that was rumored to be the inspiration for Mickey Mouse.
IOWA CONNECTION
This film was made by Iowa film production company Prescribed Films.
Dare You to Move
RUN TIME0:03:39
RATING
G
CREDITS
Eric Dean Freese - Director, DP, Editor
Abigail Frerichs - Performer
SYNOPSIS
On July 24, 2010, following several hours of torrential downpour, the Lake Delhi Dam in Delaware County, Iowa, failed. The Lake Delhi Recreation Association approached filmmaker Eric Dean Freese about creating a video to create support for rebuilding the 80-year-old landmark. Vocalist and guitarist Abigail Frerichs, a granddaughter of Delhi residents, accompanies striking images from before and after the collapse in this cover of Switchfoot's "Dare You to Move."
IOWA CONNECTION
The director and performer are both Iowans. Abigail Frerichs' grandparents own a home only yards upstream from the Lake Delhi dam, and the family witnessed the devastation as the structure failed. Lake Delhi has been a popular recreational spot in Delaware County, Iowa since 1929.
Der Mystische Edelmann (The Mystical Nobelman)
RUN TIME0:19:55
RATING
PG
CREDITS
Joshua Isaiah Cook - Writer, Director, Editor and Score
CAST
Josh Cook
Andrew Phillips
Max Parsons
Ryan Gourley
Eric Schultz
Sam Kienzle
Tristan Clark
Molly Schintler
Joshua Ollendick
SYNOPSIS
Der Mystische Edlemann is an homage to German Expressionist filmmaking of the 1910s and 1920s. It has recreated tinted film, makeup, themes and styles from the period. This twenty minute silent film (with intertitles) tells the story of the selfish Graf Bremen-Hassen (Cook) as he learns to love. Following an argument with the mystical nobleman (Clark), a curse is set upon the stuck up count. The film is a reinterpretation of the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast.
IOWA CONNECTION
Filmed in Iowa City. All Iowa film cast. Filmmaker Josh Cook is from Iowa.
Doc
RUN TIME0:10:40
RATING
NR
CREDITS
Michael Lawrence & Ashley Slota - Executive Producers
SYNOPSIS
John 'Doc' Kammer was only a child when his family immigrated from Switzerland and settled in Freeport, Illinois. He would eventually travel to Dubuque and be an athletic trainer for a semi-professional team. A few years later he would be the trainer for Loras for the next forty years were he would be beloved by all.
IOWA CONNECTION
John 'Doc' Kammer served as the athletic trainer at Loras College for over forty years.
Farmer
RUN TIME0:15:05
RATING
PG
CREDITS
Stacia Allen - Writer, Director
Rachel Stratman - Producer
SYNOPSIS
Farmer follows Charlie Brennan, a young third-generation farmer, as he struggles through the farm-debt crisis of the 1980s. When the bank arrives one summer day with a crew ready to repossess his equipment, he is forced to find a way to save the farm and stop the foreclosure in time for harvest. With his wife, Annie, and two young girls depending on him, Charlie must either find more collateral or relinquish his legacy and move to the city for factory work, altering forever their way of life.
IOWA CONNECTION
The film was shot in Clare and Fort Dodge, Iowa in August 2010. The writer/director, Stacia Allen, is from Clare, Iowa.
How to Use a Universal Remote
RUN TIME0:03:00
RATING
G
CREDITS
Dalton Viggers - Director
CAST
Cody Warren
Sarah Mallicoat
Jared Wignall
Aaron Wylie
Carolyn Evans
SYNOPSIS
One man finds himself on a wild journey as he finds he has the ability to unleash the powers of an enchanted universal remote.
IOWA CONNECTION
The film was recorded, edited and produced in Iowa. All crew members are Iowa citizens.
I'm Having a Difficult Time Killing My Parents
RUN TIME0:14:13
RATING
PG-13
CREDITS
Jeff Tomsic - Director
CAST
T.J. Miller
Ethan Suplee
Allison Munn
Brian Sacca
J. Kent Miller
Leslie Miller
SYNOPSIS
It's not that T.J. doesn't love his parents, it's just that he's trying to kill them. Thirty-two, unemployed, and derailed somewhere on the path to adulthood, T.J. has boomeranged back home. There, his ennui takes the form of increasingly real fantasies about offing his parents and becoming man of the house. When his high school sweetheart gets engaged, T.J. is forced to deal with his real life, parents and all.
IOWA CONNECTION
Director Jeff Tomsic grew up in Cedar Rapids.
Kung Fu Graffiti
RUN TIME1:24:00
RATING
NR
CREDITS
Joe Clarke - Writer, Director
Tim Nash & Joe Clarke - Producers
A production of Backrow Studios.
SYNOPSIS
Miles Hong is not your typical teenager living in 1963 Shanghai, China. He regularly skips his martial arts studies in lieu of gambling downtown at a local restaurant. After a run in with the town's most feared triad, Miles' father sends him to train with his old friend Ted Wise in the heartland of America. Ted Wise is not your neighborhood friendly martial arts master. He's a hard boiled, heavy drinkin' ex-marine who may or may not be past his prime. Miles' training regime includes everything from grueling physical workouts to every teenager's nightmare - high school. Meanwhile, a mysterious assassin, the evil Wah King Cliche, is hellbent on finding a series of ancient scrolls which, when combined, reveal a secret kung fu technique that is unstoppable. Wah King's hunt ends with the collection of the most powerful section of the scroll, which is in the possession of Ted Wise. With Miles being bullied by the quarterback, pining for the most popular girl in school, and hotly pursued by the evil Wah King Cliche, his life is about to be turned upside down. Kung Fu Graffiti is a brilliant combination of flying kicks, crane attacks, ancient scrolls, milk shakes, sock hops, hip cats and cool chicks!
IOWA CONNECTION
Producers Tim Nash & Joe Clarke and Director Joe Clarke are from Iowa.
The Life Smugglers
RUN TIME0:25:03
RATING
NR
CREDITS
David W. Wells - Director
Wes Ford - Writer
A production of Wherewithal Films.
SYNOPSIS
Arnold Upus is retired and nearly broke. To cover his wife's rising health care costs, he decides to start smuggling prescription drugs across the Arizona/Mexico border with his best friend, Rocky. But his situation gets worse when the load of prescriptions includes Jorge, a Mexican immigrant.
IOWA CONNECTION
Director Dave Wells was born and raised in Cedar Rapids.
Logan
RUN TIME1:34:00
RATING
NR
CREDITS
Kyle Lawrence - Director, Producer
Caleb Doyle, Kyle Lawrence, Matt Martin, Tyler Skrobonia, Brian Lawrence - Writers
A production of Real Bean Entertainment.
SYNOPSIS
Logan, 13, has a seemingly impossible idea to make a movie. After facing rejection from his peers at school and his careless parents, he turns to the one he knows he can always count on - his 17-year-old brother Tyler. When Logan's last hope lets him down, he wonders if it's all really worth it.
IOWA CONNECTION
Actors Ariel Hayes and Evan Smith are residents of Iowa and were involved in the filming.
Iowa residents Melinda Harder and Scott Alderson also traveled to Missouri to fill crew positions.
Director/Producer Kyle Lawrence's parents were born and raised in Marion and Cedar Rapids, and he still has family in Iowa.
Lawrence has filmed previous productions in Iowa.
Man & Woman
RUN TIME0:25:00
RATING
PG
CREDITS
Travis Kraus - Writer, Producer, Director, Editor
Ken Moehm - Director of Photography
Joh Van Allen - Gaffer
Brendan Dunphy - Lead Actor
Wendi Wendt - Lead Actress
SYNOPSIS
A man, a woman, love, beauty, happiness, butterflies, ladybugs.
IOWA CONNECTION
This film was 100% Iowa-made. The cast and crew are all Iowans and it was filmed in Iowa City.
Maxilla Blue: Shovel Kids
RUN TIME0:04:14
RATING
PG-13
CREDITS
Carlos de León - Director, Editor
SYNOPSIS
This is a music video of the Des Moines-based underground hip-hop group Maxilla Blue. Shot in Des Moines, the video shows us that hip-hop music is alive and kicking in the Midwest.
IOWA CONNECTION
Director Carlos de León was born in Sioux City, Iowa. Maxilla Blue is based in Des Moines. The video was shot entirely on location in Des Moines.
My Song
RUN TIME0:04:37
RATING
G
CREDITS
Serena Collins - Writer, Director
Emily Speight - Assistant Director
Patrick Pond - Director of Photography
Brianna Goodman - Actress
SYNOPSIS
My Song poetically explores sound and light while following a young woman's search for the source of mysterious music.
IOWA CONNECTION
All cast, crew and locations are Iowa-based.
Ninja Bitch
RUN TIME0:12:34
RATING
NR
CREDITS
Mark Britton - Director
Patricia Atkinson - Writer
SYNOPSIS
Sarah and John are faced with a desperate situation when John's debt to organized crime isn't payed back on time. Sarah's daughter, Amy, has been kidnapped and an ultimatum delivered: pay back the $50,000 now or you'll never see Amy again. There is no money. There is no time. Only one thing is left: get Amy back. Whatever it takes.
IOWA CONNECTION
The principle individuals associated with this short (producer, director, writer) are Iowa natives and longtime supporters of filmmaking in Iowa.
This motion picture was shot in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has an all Iowa cast and crew.
The location used for this film was impacted by the 2008 flooding in Cedar Rapids. We support our local communities by renting locations and patronizing local Iowa businesses.
The Old Man's Road
RUN TIME0:06:57
RATING
G
CREDITS
Adam Orton - Writer, Director
SYNOPSIS
A short silent film portraying the memories of a World War II veteran as he returns home from war.
IOWA CONNECTION
This short film was shot in Iowa using Iowa actors and crew.
One Bullet: Prescribed Films Version
RUN TIME0:05:16
RATING
PG-13
CREDITS
Insane Mike Saunders & Jason Bolinger - Directors
A Prescribed Films Production.
SYNOPSIS
This film is the Prescribed Films version of the IDFG project where different production companies shoot their interpretation of the same script. A mysterious couple is on the run but from who or what?
IOWA CONNECTION
The movie was filmed in Ottumwa, IA by an Iowa production company.
Pac-Man
RUN TIME0:01:08
RATING
G
CREDITS
A film by Bryan Dingman and Trey McIntosh.
SYNOPSIS
This film is a claymation short inspired by the filmmakers' love for retro video games. Created by NAMCO, Pac-Man was one of the first arcade games.
IOWA CONNECTION
The film was made entirely by students from Iowa schools.
Perfection Is Easy
RUN TIME0:05:52
RATING
PG-13
CREDITS
Kit Bryant - Writer, Director, Songwriter
Tim Unger - Cinematographer
Kamilla Haugen - Editor
Leah Hirsch - Choreographer
CAST
Kit Bryant - The Scientist
Aaron Hall Holmgren - Face of Frankie
John Gloer - Voice of Frankie
SYNOPSIS
A mad scientist hooked on Hollywood romances stitches together her dream guy out of corpse parts and gets much more than she bargained for.
IOWA CONNECTION
This film was made at the University of Iowa in a Fiction Video class.
A Place to Call Home
RUN TIME0:09:29
RATING
NR
CREDITS
Karen Kobliska & Tiffany Schmitt - Writers, Directors, Producers
SYNOPSIS
After losing their home in an unfortunate chain of events, the Derhammer family recounts coping with their difficult living situation. With the help of a non-profit organization, hope is restored in their dream of obtaining a place to call home.
IOWA CONNECTION
This film was created by students at the University of Northern Iowa and presents a family from Cedar Falls, IA who was assisted by the Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, located in Waterloo.
Potpourri
RUN TIME1:23:54
RATING
NR
CREDITS
Elliot Diviney - Writer, Director, Co-Editor, Co-Executive Producer, Co-composer, Actor
Brandon Van Vliet - Producer, Actor
A production of Diviney Pictures and Restraining Hollywood.
SYNOPSIS
A group of students at a liberal arts college in Minneapolis are faced with expulsion if their final philosophy papers are not satisfactory. As a result, the inept group of friends decides to experiment with a series of illicit drugs, in an effort to expand their cognitive horizons and help them better understand some of the mind-bending concepts of the course. Each is taken on a different adventure as the students begin to realize how severely they've underestimated the effects of the drugs...
IOWA CONNECTION
Director Elliot Diviney attended film school at the University of Iowa between 2001-2005.
Puppet People
RUN TIME0:10:13
RATING
NR
CREDITS
Felicia Carner & Katie Keyes - Producers
Craig Schaefer - Executive Producer
A production of Loras College.
SYNOPSIS
An interest in creating marionettes and puppet shows inspired the daily life of a Wisconsin couple. This small interest grew into a lifestyle as hundreds of puppets began to fill the puppeteers' home. Searching for a permanent place to perform, the couple buys a local opera and builds it into their puppet playhouse. Their acts of bringing the puppets to life charms their community and strengthens their relationship as a couple.
IOWA CONNECTION
The producers of this film are both college students in Iowa. Felicia Carner was born and is a current resident of Iowa. Pre- and post-production were both completed in Iowa.
Rebirth
RUN TIME0:15:25
RATING
NR
CREDITS
Francesca Soans - Writter, Director, Editor
Scott W. Smith - Photographer
Tom Bourcier - Original Score
SYNOPSIS
Rebirth is a darkly ironic tale about death, life, and second chances. Kalpa, an immigrant, seeks a home in a small town. Helen, owner of a bakery, takes care of her ailing husband and granddaughter. On Memorial Day weekend, as the nation remembers its dead, the two women face moments of choice.
IOWA CONNECTION
Rebirth is an Iowa story, shot in Decorah, with over 90% of crew and cast from Iowa. The director is an Iowa resident.
Rifle Ave.
RUN TIME0:07:31
RATING
PG-13
CREDITS
John Nodorft - Director
Andrew Kappel - Producer
A production of Nodorft Films.
SYNOPSIS
Daniel Adams is in love with a woman. The only problem is, she doesn't know it. To make matters worse, he is afraid of the outside world. One day, she is in danger and Daniel will have to face his fears in order to save her.
IOWA CONNECTION
The director, John Nodorft, has lived in Iowa his entire life. He recently left the state to pursue graduate school in film production at Chapman University in Orange, California.
Rigamortis: A Zombie Love Story
RUN TIME0:33:56
RATING
PG
CREDITS
Dave Dewes - Co-writer, Director
Greg Szydlowski - Words and Music
Jenny Stolte - Co-writer, Producer, Photographer
Greg Olson - Producer
SYNOPSIS
Rigamortis: A Zombie Love Story takes place shortly after humanity has put down a recent zombie outbreak. The last two zombies left "undead" are looking for their place in the world, while lonely zombie hunter's new-found fame and glory can't fill the hole in his heart left by his now undead love. The characters are forced to confront zombies, angry mobs. double-barreled shotguns and an ever-dangerous thing called love - until fate brings them all face to face in an explosive finale.
IOWA CONNECTION
Co-writer/producer and director of photography Jenny Stolte is a native of Hiawatha. Producer Matt Olson graduated from the University of Iowa in 2005.
Sacrifice Hits
RUN TIME0:06:08
RATING
NR
CREDITS
A film by Viviana Kim and Patrick Berry
SYNOPSIS
On his way to the market, a man passes by a location from his childhood. His memory is directed to a particular time spent there as a child, playing baseball with his friends. He regrets the way he acted on one particular occasion. Later, the man finds redemption in "going to bat" for a child in his own regrettable situation.
IOWA CONNECTION
Filmmaker Patrick Berry is from Cedar Rapids and went to high school at Washington. He is currently a film student at the University of Notre Dame, where he made this film for a class.
Silent Treatment
RUN TIME0:13:55
RATING
NR
CREDITS
David DeBord - Writer
Natasha Fissiak - Producer, Director
A Moviemakers Academy Production.
SYNOPSIS
A deaf-mute boy named Scream escapes an ill-managed orphanage with his two friends, Little Belinda, who is blind, and wheelchair-bound Will. Their journey provides a brief moment of freedom and pleasure.
IOWA CONNECTION
Writer David D. DeBord lives in Des Moines.
Spaceknight
RUN TIME1:27:01
RATING
NR
CREDITS
John Rairdin - Director
A Starlight Films Production.
SYNOPSIS
In the distant future Jack Quill, a United Earth Navy pilot, is thrust into peace talks with an alien race. Jack soon begins to unravel a dark secret concerning the nature of this alien civilization. However, to expose the truth, could bring about war.
IOWA CONNECTION
The cast and crew are all from Iowa and the film was shot in Cedar Rapids.
Step Together
RUN TIME0:35:59
RATING
G
CREDITS
Jacob Rosdail - Director, Executive Producer
Johathon Gregg & Aaron Riggs - Producers
A production of Cat Basket Productions.
SYNOPSIS
"Step Together" follows the citizens of the town of Pella, Iowa and their attempt to break the world record for 'Most People Dancing in Wooden Shoes'. The film follows several colorful characters in the weeks leading up to the 50th Annual Tulip Time Festival and the biggest display of Dutch pride the world has ever seen. Enjoy the spectacle of a community coming together to clog the streets in the crowd pleasing "Step Together"!
IOWA CONNECTION
The film was shot in Iowa, is about a small Iowa town, Pella, and the small crew consisted entirely of Iowans.
The Truth About Average Guys
RUN TIME1:23:00
RATING
R
CREDITS
Jason Schaver & Ken Gayton - Co-Writers, Co-Directors, Co-Executive Producers
An Adjusted Gratuity Production.
SYNOPSIS
An insecure man has his dimwitted actor friend pose as his mentally challenged brother in order to get to know a beautiful co-worker who has a mentally challenged sister.
IOWA CONNECTION
Filmmaker Jason Schaver was born in Clinton, IA.
Through Closed Eyes
RUN TIME0:53:20
RATING
R
CREDITS
James Hoff - Director, Writer, Editor, Composer
CAST
James Hoff
Josh Colpitts
Luke Easter
Alec-Ian Matthews
Oliver McConnell
SYNOPSIS
John, a reclusive, troubled boy, begins to have increasingly lucid dreams. His psychiatrist passes it off as mild hallucinations, but John, unconvinced, attempts to unravel the mystery of these "dreams."
IOWA CONNECTION
The production was filmed in Iowa. All of the cast live or have lived in Iowa.
Train to Nowhere: Inside an Immigrant Death Investigation
RUN TIME0:59:58
RATING
NR
CREDITS
Paul Kakert - Director, Co-producer, Editor, Directory of Photography
Colleen Bradford Krantz - Writer, Co-producer
A production of Storytellers International.
SYNOPSIS
When the bodies of eleven Central Americans and Mexicans were found inside a railway car in Denison, Iowa, the nation took notice. Reporters descended on the small farming community to discover how and why this group ended up inside a locked railcar, where they would die horrific deaths. The documentary, 'Train to Nowhere; Inside an Immigrant Death Investigation' offers an honest, yet compassionate look at the 2002 railcar deaths of the eleven undocumented immigrants. It takes viewers from southern Texas, to a Guatemalan farm, to the Iowa town where the bodies were found. The film is part crime story, part immigration perspective. It breaks free of the standard immigration story in examining various viewpoints: that of one victim's New York brother, a long-time immigration agent, and a train conductor imprisoned for working with the smugglers who locked the railcar to throw off U.S. Border Patrol inspectors.
IOWA CONNECTION
The film was produced by two Iowa natives and deals with a story based in Denison, Iowa.
What A Day That Will Be
RUN TIME0:14:00
RATING
G
CREDITS
Joel Bouwers - Writer, Director
SYNOPSIS
A first-generation American seeks to learn about his Dutch grandfather's past. He not only learns the Hollander's history, but also comes to understand why his ancestry is so important to him.
IOWA CONNECTION
The film was completely produced in Iowa. Writer-director Joel Bouwers is from Iowa.
