We are thrilled to announce that After Ike was officially selected for the 22nd annual Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival (CRIFF), taking place April 4-6, 2025, at the Collins Road Theatres in Marion, Iowa.
This festival, known for showcasing films with strong connections to Iowa, such as After Ike, offers an incredible platform for independent filmmakers, and we are honored to be part of this year’s lineup.
Image courtesy of Cedar Rapids Independent Filmfestival.
CRIFF is a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the art of independent filmmaking. Since its inception, the festival has provided a space for emerging and established filmmakers to share their work with audiences who appreciate the craft of cinema.
This year’s program featured a diverse selection of films, including features, shorts, documentaries, music videos, and experimental projects, all competing for the prestigious Gold and Silver Eddy Awards, Audience Choice honors, and the Iowa Connection Award.
Image courtesy of Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival.
Iowa played a crucial role in Eisenhower's journey, and After Ike captures this history through filming at several significant locations across the state.
The Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival was wonderfully organized and well attended, with an enthusiastic audience and a welcoming atmosphere that made it a true celebration of Iowa-connected filmmaking. Image courtesy of Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival.
Our footage features Clinton, where sweeping drone shots over the Mississippi River mark the convoy’s dramatic entry into Iowa from Illinois, accompanied by rare historic footage of the infamous bridge crossing in 1919.
Mississipi River - Clinton Iowa
The Mark Morris Memorial Bridge (North Bridge) crosses the Mississippi River, connecting Clinton, Iowa and Fulton, Illinois. The bridge is also known as the Lyons-Fulton Bridge, which was the name of a predecessor bridge. The militray convoy crossed the Mississipi River on a wooden bridge. Source: After Ike.
We also filmed at Reed/Niland Corner, a storied stop along the Lincoln Highway, as well as the historic Lincoln Highway Bridge in Tama.
Reed/Niland Corner
The journey across Iowa culminates at the Missouri River, where the convoy crossed from Iowa into Nebraska.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge
The Blair Bridge or Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge carries U.S. Route 30 between the U.S. states of Nebraska and Iowa. Source: After Ike.
If you plan to attend the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival (CRIFF) in the future, be sure to check out the screening schedule and join fellow film enthusiasts for an inspiring weekend of independent cinema.
A big thanks to CRIFF for connecting After Ike with an engaging audience.
#CRIFF and #CedarRapidsIndependentFilmFestival
Testimonial by Dr. Gregory Maassen, Director and Producer of "After Ike."