About the Iris:
The Department of Communication and Culture's Iris Film Festival showcases innovative, inspired and engaging films and videos in the short format, many of which originate from members of the Bloomington and Indiana University communities. We provide a space where students and independent filmmakers alike can share the best of their recent work.
The story of the Iris begins in fall 2006 when Communication and Culture graduate student, Amanda Keeler was asked by one of her video production students, Matt Rice, "Why doesn't Communication and Culture have a film festival?" Amanda and Matt decided to work together to create a festival that would provide a venue for our students to showcase their talent, as well as celebrate the great film and video work created by independent filmmakers in the Bloomington community. Amanda asked her production students to come with a name, and they dubbed the event the Iris Film Festival.
The first Iris Film Festival was held on April 28, 2007 with 19 films screened and about 100 people attending. It has occurred every spring since, with increased participation and a new crop of award winners yearly!