Independent Film Festival moving back to Mason City

The Board of Directors of the Iowa Independent Film Festival have voted to move the festival from Clear Lake to Mason City.

According to a statement posted on its website, several factors contributed to the decision, but the most important was the opportunity to relocate the festival to the newly restored Park Inn Hotel, the last remaining hotel in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The festival originated in Mason City seven years ago.  This year it will be held Oct. 25-27, which is also a switch from its summer dates.

“Essentially, the festival will take place in what, itself, is a work of art,” explained festival director Richard Schinnow.  “We love Clear Lake, but our venues were spread out and we had complaints about the comfortability of our seating.  At the Park Inn, all three venues will be under one elegant roof, and we’ll have the most comfortable seats we’ve had yet.”

The venues will include the ballroom, which comfortably seats 200, and two smaller 40 seat rooms. 

The festival plans to keep prices at the same $25 for the three-day pass, which provides access to all films, special events and parties, and a $10 day pass.

Submission dates for filmmakers have been changed accordingly and may be accessed elsewhere on the festival website, www.iowaindie.org.