The Film Lounge

A Seussian Trip is an art film, more specifically a fashion art film, inspired by the painterly colors of a whimsical garment and the environment that inspired it. Created by Cynthia O’Hern, Katie Jensen and Bruce James Bales, Des Moines.

Debut is a documentary illustrating the hard work of a young man working for years to fulfill a lifetime dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Created by Connor Hopkins, Decorah.

Earth FM is a minimalist, experimental sci-fi film about imaginary science and sonic symbiosis. Created by Philip Rabalais, Fairfield.

Green Witch is an eerie short film that allows us time to rethink our connection with the natural world. Created by Antoinette Lavalle, Des Moines.

The Atmosphere is an experimental new media performance work exploring movement, gesture and presence. Created by Amenda Tate, Des Moines.

Birdsong is an animated contemplation on what it would be like to retire. Produced by Cedar Rapids animator and filmmaker, Paul Huenemann.

Doubt asks how do we rise up when the world has knocked you down? A universal conflict to which everyone can relate. Produced by Fred Ebong, Cedar Rapids.

Frozen Out is a student Academy Award winning experimental short film about the anxieties of dislocation and the desire to move forward from a complicated past. Created by Hao Zhou and Tyler Hill, Iowa City.

Ghost Creek is a narrative reflection of the anxiety, hope and understanding we achieve when our city loses the art, culture and community that make it unique. Created by Benjamin Handler, Iowa City.

Lo/ve is a dramatic study of where true joy and fulfillment lie. Created by Iowa City filmmaker Tempest Mongomery.

The Call from Lucius Pham is a music video that juxtaposes hip-hop artist Teller Bank$’s current state of opulence with flashbacks to past times of economic depression.

Welcome to a Better You from Jacob Withers is a comedy about a man who comes to believe that the clone his wife ordered to help around the house is there to replace him.

Filming in a Pandemic​ presents stories of how Iowa filmmakers were able to stay creative during the pandemic.

One Stolen Moment from Michael Runde is a documentary that focuses on four Loras College athletes whose competition schedules -- and athletic careers -- were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pressure Pointe from Aleesa Lavrenko is an art film that explores the thrill and motivation of ballet that won top honors at the 2020 Film Lounge Student Challenge.

Salt & Sea from Jack Sarcone is a lyrical film about the solitary life of Gerald, one of the last living lighthouse keepers in Ireland.

Ultra from Bruce James Bales is a high energy documentary that follows Caleb Smith's journey as he skates his way down the California Coastal Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Enjoy Your Evening from Justin Norman is a comedy about the awkward experience of small talk with a person you feel obligated to endure, regardless of how grating they become.

Hook from William Locker and Stefan Hansen is a music video shot entirely with a 360 camera to create a vibrant party for the eyes.