Tipton theater brings cutting edge films to town

No need to live in a big city to appreciate fine films. The Hardacre Film Festival, held in Tipton each summer, is Iowa's longest-running independent film showcase. Now in its 15th year, the 2012 festival will be held Aug. 3 and 4 in Tipton's historic Hardacre Theater.

“When you attend the festival, expect variety,” says Will Valet, the festival director. The festival shows a variety of narratives, documentaries, animated films, and experimental and student films of varying lengths. He estimates several hundred films are submitted and evaluated each year with 20 ultimately selected to be shown during the festival.

The Hardacre Film Festival allows Eastern Iowans to be on the leading edge of new movie trends.

“In 2011, we showed our first outdoor film in the Cedar County Courthouse square,” explains Valet. “It was a black-and-white silent film style, and in 2012 “The Artist,” also a black-and-white film, won best picture. We showed our first 3-D film last year, too, so we offer cutting-edge experiences.”

In years past, filmmakers from not only Iowa and the U.S., but also from as far as away as Tel Aviv and New Zealand have taken part. As an added bonus, filmmakers are regularly in attendance to present their films and to interact with the audience afterward.

Movie buffs should mark their calendars for the Hardacre Film Festival's trivia night fundraiser on Saturday, May 12, at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Hall in Tipton. Call (563) 886-2485 to register.

The Hardacre Theater is located at 112 E. Fifth St. in Tipton. For more information visit

hardacrefilmfestival.com.