DES MOINES – The television premiere of “The Film Lounge” wrapped up Feb. 19 with high praise from filmmakers, and submissions for the next season are already being accepted.
“The Film Lounge” is a new public television series that showcases short, independent films by Iowa artists and celebrates the economic and cultural vitality that filmmaking brings to the state. The show is produced by Iowa Public Television in partnership with the Iowa Arts Council and Produce Iowa, divisions of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
The program's first episodes featured multiple short films compiled in two, one-hour shows that aired on Iowa Public Television this month. Those who missed the television premiere can find a schedule of additional air dates and an online version of the program at www.iptv.org/filmlounge.
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Steve Jennings and Kathy Buxton of Grasshorse Studios contributed “The Sacrifice” to this year’s “Film Lounge.” Their hand-illustrated, animated film was inspired by the story of Saint George and the dragon.
“‘The Film Lounge’ is a great first step in marketing talent. It creates an opportunity for us as filmmakers to share our work and create a fan base. Artists like us don’t survive without them,” Jennings and Buxton both said.
Filmmaker Kristian Day, who works on independent films and national television shows in Iowa and Hollywood, said “The Film Lounge” was a great opportunity to showcase his “Cactua” movie to other filmmakers and new audiences.
“It was a great experience and I was really happy with (the program),” Day said. “It definitely appealed to filmmakers, and I’m hoping it really connected with the general public and that they engaged with it.”
Des Moines filmmaker Bruce Bales contributed a music video he produced for musician Christopher Ford’s song, “Everybody Rains.”
“I plan on applying again,” Bales said. “It is great exposure and it helps me to make connections and put names to faces of other filmmakers. To have your voice amplified by an authority like IPTV is impressive. I enjoyed the quality of the films that were included in the episodes and want to know more about each of them.”
Iowa filmmakers may submit films for the next “Film Lounge” season by June 1. Submitted films must be two to 20 minutes in length, including credits, and will be accepted in the following genres: animation, art, documentary, experimental, music video and narrative.
Applicants will be notified by Aug. 1 and selections will be announced Sept. 1. The next season will air in February 2018. Selected filmmakers will receive a stipend of $500.
The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Thursday, June 1, via an online application portal available at www.iowaartscouncil.slideroom.com. Only one application may be submitted per individual. Films produced as part of a production competition, including the 48-Hour Film Project, are not eligible.
More information can be found at www.iowaculture.gov or by contacting Iowa Arts Council specialist Veronica O’Hern at 515-281-3293 or veronica.ohern@iowa.gov.