Dubuque Film Festival to Include Reception for Women Filmmakers
Over the past few years, Iowa filmmakers have broadened their focus both before and behind the camera. More diverse creators and crews are telling a wider range of stories than ever.
To celebrate that progress, Produce Iowa, the state office of film and media production, is hosting a reception called “Women Who Film in Iowa” during this year’s Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, set for April 20–24 in Dubuque. The reception from 5 to 7 p.m. April 22 at Esther’s Lounge coincides with GreenState Student Free Day, when college and high school students can attend festival screenings for free by showing their student ID.
“We’re very excited to welcome talented women filmmakers from around the world to Iowa to make connections with storytellers around our state,” said E.J. Philby of Produce Iowa, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. “This will be a great opportunity for women filmmakers to network and exchange ideas while enjoying all the other wonderful activities during the festival.”
The Dubuque film festival consistently ranks among the top 100 festivals — or top 1 percent — in the entire world, according to FilmFreeway, an industry-based website that lists more than 10,000 film festivals and contests worldwide, including Sundance and Tribeca.
More than 500 filmmakers and international guests participated in the Dubuque festival over the last two years, when it was virtual, and many more are expected in person this year. Film fans will be able to choose from 100-plus screenings and more than a dozen workshops and panels along with parties, coffee talks and more.
The five-day event is one of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world, according to MovieMaker magazine. It’s also the largest in Iowa, but there are more than a dozen others statewide, coming to a screen near you.
— Jeff Morgan, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
