The Hardacre Film Festival, now in its 16th year, was the first competitive independent film festival in Iowa and one of the longest-running in the Midwest. The Tipton Chamber of Commerce became the chief sponsors in 2007. The festival showcases independent films from around the world including features, short subjects, documentaries, experimental films, and animated films. Filmmakers are regularl
y in attendance and take questions from audience members following screenings. The festival also often features live entertainment and takes place during Tipton's Ridiculous Days event. Filmmakers submit entries for the following awards: Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Student Film, Best Animated Film, Best Experimental Film, the Troy Peters Best Iowa Film Award (named for the festival's founder), and the Audience Award (voted on by attendees). The festival is held annually in Tipton's historic Hardacre Theater, a locally operated movie palace that has been in operation since 1917 and continues to showcase first-run films daily. (To find out more about the fundraising drive to save the Hardacre Theater, go to: http://thehardacre.org/ )
