Join with friends, family, and admirers of Denis Johnson (author of Train Dreams) for readings, personal stories, and even a surprise or two to honor his legacy. Johnson, a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and a famed Iowa City resident, left an indelible mark on the literary world over the course of a career that included novels, essays, poems, plays, journalism and more. Guests: Red Danielson, James Galvin, Cindy Lee Johnson, Chris Offutt, Will Patton

Co-presented with Iowa City Book Festival and University of Iowa Office of Writing and Communication

Admission: Reservations for passholders only. Rush line free and open to the public!

Join co-host Adam Kempenaar (UI professor) and longtime Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips for a special live taping! Inspired by Opening Night film Train Dreams, Adam and Michael will celebrate the state’s – and the school's – outsized influence on literature and cinema by sharing their Top 5 Movies Adapted from Iowa Writers. Filmspotting has produced "weekly installments of affable, insightful film analysis since 2005" (The New York Times).

Admission: Reservations for passholders only. Rush line free and open to the public!

Witness the culmination of a four-week screenwriting class taught by novelist and screenwriter Camila Urioste as actors perform short scenes from the scripts created in the workshop. Experience firsthand how text comes to life when writers and actors collaborate. Co-presented with PorchLight Literary Arts Center

Admission: Free and open to the public

Take a break and mingle with Refocus Film Festival filmmakers, artists, and musicians plus Iowa City Book Festival VIPs. Enjoy a cocktail and delicious appetizers while chatting with fellow fest participants.

*Invite Only + Omnibus Passholders

Join us before the first film of the festival for drinks, small bites and mingling with festival guests, sponsors, passholders and staff as we raise a glass and celebrate the start of a cinematic weekend. Hosted by James Investment Group.

*Invite Only + Omnibus Passholders

Mingle with fellow festival goers to celebrate opening night of the fest! Chat about the opening night film and compare plans for the rest of the fest. Sip on a cocktail. Listen to live music. Relax in the Ulysses Modern Lounge created just for fest weekend.

Party starts immediately following the opening night film at The Englert Theatre.

Admission: Open to all Refocus passholders and Opening Night ticket holders.

Join us for a night of storytelling with guests of Refocus Film Festival to hear their war stories about creating art and getting it out into the world while sipping some Woody Creek Distillers whiskey! Guests: Charlie Shackleton, Ian Bell

Admission: Reservations for passholders only. Rush Line free and public.

Had a big first day at Refocus? Go wind down at the Green House Unfocus After Party from 10pm to 12am. $1 off drinks for festival goers plus complimentary desserts! Have a nightcap and listen to Ayron Messerschmitt while you recap the first full day of Refocus.

Refocus Passholders can visit The Green House all weekend and show their pass for $1 off any drink! Plus, Omnibus passholders get a voucher for one free drink valid during the festival.

*Must present Refocus pass or ticket for entry.  All party goers must be 21 or older.

Start your morning with a coffee from fix! and conversation. Join these young filmmakers in a discussion about working in low or no-budget cinema in today's ever changing cinematic landscape.

Guests: Bethany Michalski, Charlie Shackleton, Mamadou Yattassaye

*Open to the public. Free drip coffee for passholders.