The organizers of the 712 Film Festival announced that they have partnered with the Donna Reed Foundation to present this year’s film festival at the Donna Reed Theater in Denison on May 4.

“The 712 Film Festival showcases some of the wonderful filmmaking talent that resides in the 712-area code,” said 712 Film Festival Committee Member Greg Sextro. “The opportunity to present films in a historic theater in western Iowa will enhance the experience of the viewers as well as provide an attractive venue for student and professional filmmakers to showcase their films.”

The historic Donna Reed Theater, located at 1305 Broadway, is where film and TV icon Donna Reed saw her first movie before achieving legendary status as an Oscar winning actress and TV pioneer.

Mary Owen, daughter of Donna Reed and the treasurer of the Donna Reed Foundation, said, " The Donna Reed Foundation is thrilled to be hosting the 712 Film Festival. We look forward to supporting and energizing the innovative, creative and professional work of all filmmakers."

Student and professional filmmakers with a connection to Iowa are welcome to submit their short films for the festival to

grace-sextro@outlook.com. Films must be original work and 20 minutes or less. Submission deadline for films is April 1.

Theater doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and films will be presented from 1 to 4 p.m. on May 4. A reception for filmmakers will follow at 4:15 p.m.

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The organizers of the 712 Film Festival are Greg Sextro, an actor and writer; Ryan Runyan, a local filmmaker and high school film advisor; Grace Sextro, a filmmaker and professional editor; and Chuck Hughes, a screenwriter.

The 712 Film Festival was conducted for the first time in Manning last year, and committee members are eager to host the event again this year with hopes of expansion.

“Those who attended the film festival in 2023 gave rave reviews,” said Grace Sextro. “This year, we hope to present an even larger selection of films and share them with a bigger audience.” 

To stay up to date on this year’s festival, follow “The 712 Film Festival” on Facebook.

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