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 the Ames Documentary Film Festival, debuting September 27, 2026, in conjunction with the long-standing Octagon Arts Festival.The Ames Documentary Film Festival showcases powerful nonfiction storytelling through short films; each under 40 minutes. Ames is home to Iowa State University and this festival is a nod to the university’s academic strengths and connects filmmakers, scholars, and the public to celebrate the art of documentary and the impact of higher education.Key festival milestones include:January 2026: Public announcement of the festivalMarch-June 2026: Call for films and filmmaker outreachAugust 2026: Final selections announcedSeptember 2026: Festival schedule releasedSeptember 27, 2026: Festival debutThe Ames Documentary Film Festival is supported by the Discover Ames Community Grant Program.