IFC Events

Since 1993, IFC members have produced close to 2,000 short films and about 15 feature films, all of which have screened at IFC, greater Kansas City, regional, national and/or international film festivals. Some of the films have won local, national and/or international awards. At least 95% of these films are produced in the cooperative spirit the IFC fosters of filmmakers helping filmmakers gratis.
To encourage its members to submit films to regional, national and international film festivals, the IFC pays half of each entry fee to an out-of-town film festival that screens an IFC member film – thereby showcasing local talent around the world.

By sponsoring four of its own film competitions annually, the IFC provides opportunities for hands-on filmmaking education, enhancing filmmaking skills, and producing films that can go on to other festivals. These competitions culminate in public festival screenings so filmmakers are guaranteed audiences for their works.

Current IFC film competitions/festivals, which each draw 25-35 entries, include:
Bentley Film Festival in December (since 1993) – To put into practice essential pre-production skills, entrants get a role of Super 8mm film, shoot their film as they intend for it to look on the screen, and turn in the completed film unprocessed. The IFC processes and screens the films for the first time the night of the festival.

One-Night Stand Film Festival in June (since 2001) – For a condensed version of a filmmaking boot-camp, filmmakers get 10 hours during a Saturday to write, shoot and edit a 5-minute film. Entries are shown that very night.

Every Picture Tells a Story Film Festival in August (since 2003) – As part of our outreach to local and regional artists, filmmakers find regional artists whose original works are featured in the films, which “tell the story behind the artwork” in creative narrative works or documentaries. The film festival draws audiences from various artistic fields.

A fourth competition has included, over the years, the Kansas City Comedy Arts Fest, Page One, IFC KIFF Short Horror Film competition and the 3-5-7 Film Festival. Future competitions under consideration include ones for documentaries, music videos, films about jazz, and a group film project.

Many representatives from the Kansas City-area film community have served as judges for the IFC events.

In 2004, the IFC released a DVD entitled The Best of the IFC: Volume 1. A public screening of the 22 films on the DVD took place on Aug, 11, 2004, at the Tivoli at Manor Square in Kansas City, MO. The DVD and the event showcased the talents of Kansas City-area filmmakers to a wider audience. The IFC also gives a DVD to filmmakers of national and international renown who visit Kansas City.