The Ames Documentary Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing compelling short documentaries that inform, challenge, and inspire. Rooted in Ames — 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 for meaningful dialogue around real stories and real issues. Our goal is to make documentary film accessible while highlighting powerful voices from around the world.
Film submissions, entry fees, and materials are managed through FilmFreeway.
Simply create or log into your FilmFreeway account, upload your film, and follow the step-by-step submission form to enter your project. After completing payment, you’ll receive confirmation through FilmFreeway, where you can also track your submission, make updates, and stay connected with festival communications.
Join us in the heart of downtown Ames. All festival venues are walkable, with convenient parking nearby. Click below for directions and venue details.
Produced by the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and directed by Eric Smidt, Light Painter offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Ames photographer, Dan McClanahan, creates some of his most Epic images. As one of the nation’s best photographers, as recognized by his peers, portfolio, and accolades, Dan has represented the United States on Team USA at the World Photographic Cup several times and has reached the top of the photographic industry. For an artist and business owner who could live anywhere in the world, he has chosen to make Ames his home. The 38-minute film has already been accepted to one film festival, the first of what we hope is many to come.
