Diana’s note: I love our area film festivals, and this one is terrific for showcasing the Iowa connection. I always see something I love onscreen and thoroughly enjoy the lobby meet-and-greets. Last year’s little gems included “The Wedge,” about a pizza delivery guy caught in the middle of a casino heist, and “Collapse,” my new favorite zombie flick. Here’s the scoop on the 2013 call for entries, from the festival organizers’ media release:

Zombies roam the world, wreaking havoc for a small-town Iowa farmer trying to protect and provide for his family in "Collapse." The big-budget feature film was shot in West Branch in October 2009 and made its big-screen debut in the 2012 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival at Collins Road Theatres. (Storybench photo)

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Independent Filmmakers are proud to host the 13th annual Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival on Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, at the Collins Road Theatres in Marion, Iowa.

But before we can have a festival we need some films to screen.

*Submission Deadline is Feb. 8, 2013, but entry fees are discounted if we receive your film by Jan. 25.*

We accept films of all genres and types: narrative, documentary, animation, music video, etc. from all kinds of filmmakers (students, amateurs, part-time professionals and full-time professionals). There is no date-of-completion requirement; however, films submitted to previous Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festivals will not be eligible.

The Iowa Connection

This is what makes The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival unique.

Any film you enter must have a connection of some kind to the Hawkeye State. It can have a story set in Iowa or about Iowans. It can be produced (in whole or in part) in Iowa. It can have a key actor or crew member who has some connection to the state, whether that connection is through birth, residence, work or educational experience. Whatever else your film is about, Iowa must, in some way, be a part of its story.

About the Festival

The festival provides a unique opportunity for Iowa-connected films and filmmakers. After our panel of independent judges has culled its official selections from among all the submitted films, we will screen all the selected films in front of an open invitation audience. All official selections will be in the running for the coveted Eddy Awards as well as other valuable prizes. Filmmakers will also have the chance to view their fellow entrants’ films and to network with their peers.

Filmmakers will also have the option of introducing their films to the audience prior to the screening, either in person or via a written statement to read by festival emcees.

All filmmakers who submit their films for consideration will receive one:

(1) Full Event Pass and one (1) commemorative 2013 Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival T-shirt (with official selections and credits printed on the back) for each film they enter. The Full Event Pass entitles each filmmaker to free admittance for every screening of every film throughout the two-day Festival.

All entrants will also have the opportunity to attend a critique session with the panel of judges in the days following the festival. This critique session will give each filmmaker a chance to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their films with the judges as well as consider possibilities for any future projects.

Submission form available now at CRIFM.org

Be sure to visit our website at www.crifm.org to get all the information about the Festival and our film submission process. You can submit your film there through our online submission form.

We also have our own Facebook group. Search for Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival. Join our group to stay up-to-date with all the latest festival headlines and information.

Any questions should be directed to:

Scott Chrisman, Festival Director

Email: scott@crifm.org

Phone: (319) 431-1320