Experience the 4th Annual Farm to Film Fest

April 18 & 19, 2026 | Downtown Washington, IowaWelcome to a weekend where global stories meet local heart. The Farm to Film Fest is an international film festival showcasing a diverse range of genres—from high-adrenaline adventure and travel to provocative social justice, the arts, and environmental responsibility.

Best of all? Every screening and event is FREE and open to the public.
Friday, April 17: The Kick-Off Party

Location: JP’s 207
Get the celebration started with an evening of Brazilian culture and rhythm!
  • 6:30p – Film Screening: Boi da Fé em Deus: A Community in Motion. A visually stunning short film following a traditional performing group through the vibrant festivals of Northeastern Brazil.
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  • 7:30p – Live Music: Forró fo Sho. Dance the night away to the "cosmopolitan grooves" and folk sounds of the accordion, triangle, and bass drum.
Saturday, April 18: Discovery & Dialogue

Locations: Historic State Theatre, Washington Public Library, City Hall, & CityPoint Hub 
  • 9:30a – Feature Presentation: Kick off the festival at the Historic State Theatre with a free screening of Martin Scorsese’s Hugo—a masterpiece celebration of cinema history.​
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  • 12:45p – 5p: International film blocks run concurrently across our four downtown venues. 

  • 7p – Filmmaker & Dessert Reception: Join us on the 2nd floor of the Washington Public Library to meet our visiting directors, ask questions about their process, and enjoy a sweet treat with fellow film lovers.
Sunday, April 19: Local Roots & Global Views

Locations: Washington Public Library, City Hall, & CityPoint Hub
  • 10a– Choose Your Path:
    Oral Film History with Mr. Zahs at CityPoint Hub.
    OR 
    From Iowa & Back with filmmaker Jeremy Glazier at the Washington Public Library.

  • 12:45p – 5p: Final film blocks, featuring highlights like the fan-favorite Pieowa: A Piece of America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register or get a ticket in advance?
  • No. All screenings and events are completely FREE and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need to register online or have a physical ticket to enter any of the venues.

Where should I start my festival journey?
  • We recommend making Art Domestique your first stop. There, you can pick up your official program and lanyard, which includes a full map of the venues and detailed descriptions of every film being shown.

Is there a specific "theme" for the films?
  • The Farm to Film Fest does not have one particular theme. We are an international festival that prioritizes high-quality storytelling across many subjects, including adventure, social justice, the environment, travel, and the arts.

Are the films appropriate for children?
  • Because we show a wide variety of international independent films, ratings (like G or PG) are not always available. While many films—such as Hugo and Pieowa—are family-friendly, some documentaries may cover intense social or environmental issues. We suggest checking the film descriptions in your program for guidance.

What happens if a theater is full?
  • Our venues vary in size. If a specific screening at the Library or City Hall reaches capacity, don't worry! With four venues running films concurrently, there is always another incredible story starting just a short walk away.

Is there parking available downtown?
  • Yes. There is ample street parking throughout Downtown Washington, as well as a public lot North of the square. All venues are located within a few blocks of each other, making the festival very walkable.

Can I buy food and drinks at the venues?
  • The Historic State Theatre offers its classic concessions (popcorn and soda) for purchase. For other venues, we encourage you to visit our local downtown restaurants and coffee shops between film blocks to support the Washington community.

How can I support the festival?
  • ​As a non-profit organization, we rely on the support of our community. You can help by attending the Filmmaker & Dessert Reception to meet our creators, following us on social media, or donating to help keep the festival free for years to come.
Welcome to Iowa.

We’re glad you’re here. And we hope you’ll have fun this weekend in downtown Washington — a city with a lot of history. In fact, Washington is older than our state!

If you’re a filmmaker, be sure to scout out the area during breaks. You’ll discover our open spaces inspire creativity. Southeast Iowa offers scenic landscapes and small villages lost in time for those period pieces on your list. No need for much propping — just lights, camera, and action.

Produce Iowa is ready to connect you to opportunities. We invite you to review our online Production Directory for crew and support services for your next project, as well as our Location Database to find that perfect spot to film.

And if you live in Iowa and want to become involved with productions, please create your own free directory listing. Just be sure to keep it updated throughout the year.

Our state is ready for your story. Let us connect you to an authentic experience with beautiful locations in Iowa.

Liz Gilman
Film Commissioner
produceiowa.com
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