The Ames Documentary Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing compelling short documentaries that inform, challenge, and inspire. Home to Iowa State University, the festival reflects the city’s academic energy and creative spirit.
By bringing together filmmakers, students, educators, and community members, the festival creates a space that celebrates art and the art of documentary storytelling. Our goal is to make documentary films accessible while highlighting powerful voices from around the world.
Eric Smidt
Festival Director, Ames Regional Economic Alliance
Chase Abner
Juror, Iowa Public Radio
Rod Bodholdt
Juror, B&G Productions
Bill Gebhart
Juror, City of Ames
Carole Gieseke
Juror, Formerly of Discover Ames
Jeff Grummer
Juror, B&G Productions
Isaac Jarnagin
Juror, Integrity Grove
Heather Johnson
Juror, Octagon Center for the Arts
Craig Kaufman
Juror, City of Ames
Tony Moton
Juror, Iowa State University
Tony Thrush
Juror, Iowa State Daily
Travis Toliver
Juror, Ames Main Street
Casie Vance
Juror, Ames History Museum
The Ames Documentary Film Festival will take place in conjunction with the Octagon Arts Festival on September 27, 2026, adding a new dimension of film and storytelling to Ames’ long-standing celebration of the arts.
The Ames Documentary Film Festival is a collaboration primarily between the Octagon Center for the Arts, the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, and Ames Main Street, with representation from the City of Ames and Iowa State University.
All film submissions will be accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway, the leading platform for filmmakers to share their work with festivals worldwide.
Awards will be provided for the winners in each of the 3 categories
