REmind me, when is the festival?
Thursday, October 12 - Sunday October 15, 2023.
And, how many films will there be?
The festival features over 30 films, events and special experiences.
Will I be able to see them all?
Not all of them, but an Omnibus passholder could see 13 films and experience daily festivities.
Ok, so what are my pass options?
Festival passes come in three sizes. The Omnibus is all-access to movies in every time slot and all the festival parties and happenings, plus first dibs on choosing your films when the full slate is announced. The Avid and The Debut will get you eight films and four films respectively, including Opening Night and the Postscript Party, as well as a chance to choose your films before single tickets are on sale.
Passes go on sale annually in late spring, with an early bird sale period. You can purchase a pass right up until the festival, if they aren't sold out.
What if only want one ticket?
Individual tickets are available to the public once passholders have selected their tickets, provided they remain. Tickets are available at the door to the theater through the Rush Line if the theater has open seats.
When can I select my films?
Ticket selection week begins September 18. Omnibus passholders can make their film selections first,at 10am September 18 during a special booking period, followed by Avid for the following 24 hours and Debut for the remaining 24 hours prior to public sale. Public sale begins September 22.
What is Rush Line Ticketing?
If a film has no more reservable tickets, you can join the Rush Line.
The Rush Line is your chance to get into screening where all tickets have been sold. Rush Line numbers (numbered slips of paper) are distributed 30 minutes prior to the start of each film. We only give one number per person. With your Rush Line number in hand, you can use a few minutes to go grab a snack or use the rest room.
15 minutes prior to the start of the film, resume your place in the Rush Line and the line manager will release available seats. Don’t be late, or you might miss your number being called. Numbers from the Q will be let in by ascending order until all seats are filled. If your Rush Line number is called for seating, use your pass for admission, or, if you don’t have a pass, you’ll pay for your ticket at the door.
I reserved a ticket, am I guaranted a seat?
Your ticket guarantees you a seat up until 15 minutes prior to the scheduled showtime. Don't be late! 15 minutes prior to the show, the Rush Line will begin seating and you may lose your seat. Please be on time!
Can I volunteer for the festival?
Yes, absolutely, let us know you are interested by completing our
volunteer sign-up form.
We are grateful for the support of our local business and philanthropic community. Please email hayley@refocusfilmfestival.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Is there anything free at the festival?
Yes! Conversation events and other art exhibits will be open to the public as space and availability allows.
What if I need a break from movies?
Relax at the Ulysses Modern Lounge at The Chauncey, check out our pop-up University of Iowa Libraries exhibit, take in The Movie Orgy, or strike out on the town at one of the dozens of walkable coffee shops, eateries or retail shops. It's a walkable city!
Will I have a good time? Will the fest refocus my perspective on the world?
Absolutely!!!