The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and Iowa Public Television will host preview parties across the state

DES MOINES – From a classic horror story to an experimental film involving choreo-cinema, 13 independent short films by Iowa artists will be featured in two, one-hour episodes that launch next month on Iowa Public Television.

Showcasing the work of independent filmmakers based in Iowa,“The Film Lounge” is a new series produced by Iowa Public Television in partnership with the Iowa Arts Council and Produce Iowa, the State Office of Media Production, both divisions of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.

The collection of short films represent a wide range of artistic visions and forms - documentary, experimental, narrative, animation. The program explores film as an art form, highlights Iowa's vibrant film communities, and recognizes filmmaking for its contributions to the economic and cultural vitality of Iowa.

• The Film Lounge - Episode 101 will premiere at 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, following the popular PBS series "Masterpiece."
• The Film Lounge - Episode 102 will premiere at 10 p.m. the following Sunday, Feb. 19. Both episodes will have additional air times on IPTV WORLD (.3).

Watch parties scheduled for Iowa City, Des Moines and Sioux City will offer a sneak peek at the series. The public is invited to celebrate the work of filmmakers across Iowa and attend these free events.

The Film Lounge Watch Parties

Sunday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. FilmScene 18 East College St. Iowa City, IA

Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. Fleur Cinema and Cafe 4545 Fleur Dr. Des Moines, IA

Saturday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. Palmer's Pub, hosted by Sioux City International Film Festival Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center 300 Third St. Sioux City, IA

IPTV Air Dates

• February 12,10:00 p.m. - The Film Lounge - episode 101
• February 19,10:00 p.m. - The Film Lounge - episode 102

IPTV WORLD (.3) Air Dates

• February 14, 11:00 a.m. The Film Lounge - episode 101
• February 17, 11:00 a.m. The Film Lounge - episode 101
• February 21, 11:00 a.m. The Film Lounge - episode 102
• February 24, 11:00 a.m. The Film Lounge - episode 102

Selected Films

“The Gurgle”

2016 – an animated film that explores the classic horror story trope of something natural behaving unnaturally. Episode 101 Paul Huenemann, Cedar Rapids

“Ironhead”

2015 – a documentary film about Kelly Ludeking, a northeast Iowa artist who pours molten iron to create original works of art. Episode 102 Thomas C. Johnson, Decorah

“Cactua”

2010 – an art film that uses improvisation to meditate on the experience of being alone in a solitary environment. Episode 102 Kristian Day, Des Moines

“Everybody Rains”

2015 – a music video that uses puppets to personify a rain cloud and explore the common experience of crying. Episode 101 Christopher Ford, Des Moines

“Empty Basket”

2015 – a documentary art film that explores the act of observation and its relation to time by watching those who are watching. Episode 102 Ian Carstens, Dubuque

“The Waiting Room”

2015 – a film based on a radio play that captures the comedic hopelessness of dealing with authority. Episode 101 Paul Berge, Indianola

“The Simple Gift of Walnut Grove”

2015 – a documentary film about the life of Hans Hansen, an early 20th century Danish immigrant in Eastern Iowa. Episode 101 John Richard, Iowa City

“Three Boats-Iphigenia at Lesvos”

2016 – an art film that responds to the refugee crisis through the lens of the Iphigenia myth. Episode 102 Lisa Schlesinger and Irina Patkanian, Iowa City

“Husker Sand”

2015 – a documentary film that examines tradition and community through the century-old tradition of cornhusking competitions. Episode 102 Andrew Sherburne and Tommy Haines, Iowa City

“Eyes/Desires”

2014 – an art film that explores the control a filmmaker has over the expectation and experience a viewer has watching a film. Episode 101 Josh Thorud, Iowa City

“Body & Form”

2016 – an experimental film that studies the movement of a disjointed form through choreo-cinema, the combination of dance and film into a single work of art. Episode 101 P. Sam Kessie, Iowa City

“Lost and Found”

2011 – a fictional drama that explores anxiety and loss by following a father’s search for his daughter. Episode 102 Greg Best, West Des Moines

“The Sacrifice”

2010 – a hand-illustrated, animated film that is inspired by the story of Saint George and the dragon. Episode 102 Kathy Buxton and Steve M. Jennings, Winfield