Local film fest wins $4k state grant

WASHINGTON — Washington’s annual Farm to Film Festival was awarded a $4,000 grant from the Iowa Arts Council last month, a branch of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Organizers say the cash will mostly help with promotion and marketing efforts ahead of next year’s springtime event that draws scores of filmmakers and entertainment enthusiasts to town.

“We increased our attendance by 25% last year, we’d like to get that higher,” said Farm to Film Festival Director Melinda Lord. “We would like to see a more diverse crowd as far as different age groups, and kind of reflecting the community. We do have a lot of excellent films and I think just about anybody could find something they found interesting.”

The rest of the money, according to Lord, will help subsidize travel for visiting filmmakers featured in the festival, who are popular at the weekend’s reception event, but sometimes struggle to afford the trip to Washington.

While the sum won’t end the need for other fundraising efforts by the Farm to Film Fest board, Lord said it would make a sizable dent.

“We were pretty pleased and excited to get it,” she said. “We’ll still be out there seeking donations and selling advertisements in our full-color guide, but it kind of takes the pressure off that we don’t need to ask for as much.”

In a news release, state officials said Washington’s film festival was one of several arts and culture grants awarded by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, totaling $1.7 million.

“Arts and culture are integral to economic vitality," said IEDA Director Debi Durham. "They not only drive growth within our communities but also enhance the quality of life, making our state a more attractive destination for both visitors and new residents."

Next year’s Farm to Film Festival is scheduled for April 12 and 13 in Washington, according to organizers.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com