Ames Documentary Film Festival

A new celebration of nonfiction storytelling is coming to Ames. The Ames Regional Economic Alliance, Octagon Center for the Arts, and Ames Main Street is excited to announce the launch of theAmes Documentary Film Festival, debutingSeptember 27, 2026, in conjunction with the long-standing Octagon Arts Festival.
The festival will featureshort documentary films under 40 minutes, highlighting compelling stories from around the country while showcasing the creativity, scholarship, and artistic energy that define the Ames community.
“The Ames Documentary Film Festival is an exciting new platform to spotlight powerful stories and elevate the creative talent that thrives in and around Ames region and state,” saidEric Smidt, Festival Creative Director and Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “By pairing this event with the Octagon Arts Festival, we’re creating a dynamic cultural experience that blends film, community, and the arts in a uniquely Ames way.”
The festival will accept submissions throughFilm Freeway, with categories includingShort Documentary,Student Short Documentary, andIowa Stories. Organizers anticipate showcasing12 to 18 filmsthroughout the day, arranged into viewing blocks.
“Ames has an incredible artistic spirit, and this festival builds on that momentum,” saidTravis Toliver, Festival Program Director and Executive Director of Ames Main Street. “We’re excited to bring filmmakers together with students, faculty, and community members. It’s a chance to celebrate nonfiction storytelling and strengthen the creativity that makes Ames such a vibrant place.”
The organizational committee includes representatives from the Octagon Center for the Arts, Ames Regional Economic Alliance, Ames Main Street, the City of Ames, Iowa State University, along with more. Student groups such as the ISU Filmmakers Club, Screenwriting Club, and those in the new Digital Media major will also have opportunities to engage with the festival.
Key festival milestones include:

January 2026:Public announcement of the festival
March-June 2026:Call for films and filmmaker outreach
August 2026:Final selections announced
September 2026:Festival schedule released
September 27, 2026:Festival debut

For more information, including upcoming deadlines, visit the Ames Documentary Film Festival website and social media channels.
Website -www.amesdocfilmfest.com
Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/AmesDocFilmFest
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/amesdocfilmfest/