{"id":2074685,"date":"2025-10-07T11:49:06","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T11:49:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2074685"},"modified":"2025-10-07T11:49:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T11:49:06","slug":"from-cannes-to-iowa-city-how-refocus-film-festival-brings-global-cinema-to-the-midwest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/from-cannes-to-iowa-city-how-refocus-film-festival-brings-global-cinema-to-the-midwest\/","title":{"rendered":"From Cannes to Iowa City, how Refocus Film Festival brings global cinema to the Midwest"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">During the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.festival-cannes.com\/en\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cannes Film Festival;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Cannes Film Festival<\/a> and the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiff.net\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Toronto International Film Festival;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Toronto International Film Festival<\/a>, Ben Delgado sees nearly 30 films in a five-day stretch. The workday begins sometime between 8 and 9 a.m. and goes past midnight, all to curate the lineup for the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/refocusfilmfestival.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Refocus Film Festival.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Refocus Film Festival.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">As FilmScene\u2019s programming director, Delgado watches more than 400 films a year, some amid the grandeur of the festival circuit, but primarily through exclusive screeners. From scouting titles and rising talent to negotiating with distributors to assemble the final lineup, his work begins far in advance of the festival lineup announcement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Presented by <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/icfilmscene.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:FilmScene,;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">FilmScene,<\/a> the fourth annual Refocus Film Festival returns on Thursday, Oct. 9, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 12. This year&#8217;s festival features more than 20 film screenings and events, primarily in Filmscene&#8217;s five theaters at The Chauncey and on The Ped Mall. The four-day festival revolves around the central theme of \u201cadaptation,\u201d inspired by Iowa City\u2019s designation as a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iowacityofliterature.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:UNESCO City of Literature.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">UNESCO City of Literature.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><span class=\"exclude-from-newsgate\"><strong>More: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/news\/articles\/iowa-city-literary-roots-flourish-110135190.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Iowa City literary roots flourish at Iowa City Book Festival despite US exit from UNESCO;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">Iowa City literary roots flourish at Iowa City Book Festival despite US exit from UNESCO<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>&#8220;Train Dreams,&#8221; based on the beloved novella by Iowa Writers&#8217; Workshop alum Denis Johnson, will open the Refocus Film Festival Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Englert Theatre.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">While Refocus highlights literary connections to cinema, it also explores other mediums and how they can be adapted for the screen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cRefocus\u2019 definition of (adaptation) is about the interplay of art forms,\u201d Delagado said. \u201cSo an existing piece of art is used as either the primary source or a major part of what the film is. Now, a new thing has been created from it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Festivalgoers can experience films that embrace the traditional literary adaptations, including the opening night feature, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/tickets.refocusfilmfestival.org\/websales\/pages\/info.aspx?evtinfo=962226~73f00f5b-a703-472f-975d-5ae901133780&amp;epguid=e7729289-af2f-4f02-b142-c80ce8650e3d&amp;mdy=10\/9\/2025&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:\u201cTrain Dreams,\u201d;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">\u201cTrain Dreams,\u201d<\/a> adapted from Iowa Writers\u2019 Workshop alumnus Denis Johnson\u2019s acclaimed novella of the same name.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><span class=\"exclude-from-newsgate\"><strong>More: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/movies\/articles\/refocus-film-festival-announces-opening-104818091.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Refocus Film Festival announces opening night film with special connection to Iowa City;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">Refocus Film Festival announces opening night film with special connection to Iowa City<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Refocus also encourages audiences to challenge their understanding of adaptation, with screenings paired with live musicians or post-film artist talks, allowing Refocus to accessibly recreate the grandeur of festivals while also offering new experiences.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cThe point of a film festival is to take a chance. Close your eyes, go to the website, and just point and pick a film you have no idea about and go in blind,\u201d Delgado said. \u201cGoing into a movie as blind as possible, I think, is a fun experience. We\u2019ve worked for a while to curate this lineup; none of the films are going to disappoint.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Growing the Midwest film scene<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Now in its fourth year, Refocus continues to grow not only in the Midwest film festival scene but also as the place to be for directors and writers. Returning programming includes \u201c<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/tickets.icfilmscene.org\/websales\/pages\/info.aspx?evtinfo=966693~73f00f5b-a703-472f-975d-5ae901133780&amp;epguid=fe81eb8d-d59e-4671-9842-55348e673ec7&amp;mdy=10\/10\/2025&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Filmspotting Live,\u201d;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Filmspotting Live,\u201d<\/a> a fan favorite since year one of the festival. The live podcast from Adam Kempenaar and longtime Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips will discuss the University of Iowa and the state of Iowa\u2019s influence on literature and cinema by sharing their top movies adapted from Iowa writers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cWhen filmmakers come, they&#8217;re our biggest advocates for the festival out in the world later,\u201d Delgado said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"\u201cAriel\u201d follows the story of Agustina Mu\u00f1oz traveling across the Azores islands to perform in a production of \u201cThe Tempest.&quot; The story itself incorporates a variety of characters from Shakespeare\u2019s work, exploring the depths of the text.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"1422\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/o_51smBl65MDf7A1QXuXCQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0MjI7Y2Y9d2VicA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/iowa-city-press-citizen\/39aeba6e64ff2697141414b2a79b6810\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>\u201cAriel\u201d follows the story of Agustina Mu\u00f1oz traveling across the Azores islands to perform in a production of \u201cThe Tempest.&#8221; The story itself incorporates a variety of characters from Shakespeare\u2019s work, exploring the depths of the text.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><span class=\"exclude-from-newsgate\"><strong>More: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.press-citizen.com\/story\/entertainment\/2025\/10\/06\/new-york-times-best-100-books-of-the-21st-iowa-alums-iowa-writers-workshop\/74476782007\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Find out which UI alumni are featured on NYT's '100 Best Books of the 21st Century';elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Find out which UI alumni are featured on NYT&#8217;s &#8216;100 Best Books of the 21st Century&#8217;<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Refocus\u2019 growth is likely due to word-of-mouth from directors encouraging other directors to attend, based on their positive experiences, as well as Delgado&#8217;s persistence. That persistence allowed for Refocus to secure the U.S. premiere of \u201cAriel,\u201d a film that Refocus had been chasing since last year, and a film that encapsulates what Refocus is all about.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cAriel\u201d follows the story of Agustina Mu\u00f1oz traveling across the Azores islands to perform in a production of \u201cThe Tempest.&#8221; She soon meets Ariel, who serves as her tour guide on the islands where the real and imaginary blend. The story itself incorporates a variety of characters from Shakespeare\u2019s work, exploring the depths of the text.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Three films to take a chance on at Refocus<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">With more than 20 diverse films from over a dozen countries screening across four days, it can be challenging to pick where to start at the Refocus Film Festival. Delgado has some suggestions for films that embody what Refocus is all about.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"As part of Refocus, Ian Bell, director of \u201cWTO\/99,\u201d will be in attendance at the festival for both screenings, taking place at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"600\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/yXtp6H0fuax411fMoBDaxw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYwMDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/iowa-city-press-citizen\/532d02610ba5aaddbb1eb167eca7dced\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>As part of Refocus, Ian Bell, director of \u201cWTO\/99,\u201d will be in attendance at the festival for both screenings, taking place at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">\u2018WTO\/99\u2019<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cWTO\/99\u201d follows the 1999 protests that brought together 40,000 protesters in a historic demonstration against the World Trade Organization, warning of a multitude of issues from environmental collapse to rising authoritarianism, all through never-before-seen archival footage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;It fills you with rage, but also, like the collective action, the spirit that all those 40,000 people who are fighting against injustice, it is a reinvigorating movie,\u201d Delgado.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">As part of Refocus, Ian Bell, director of \u201cWTO\/99,\u201d will be in attendance at the festival for both screenings, taking place at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/tickets.icfilmscene.org\/websales\/pages\/info.aspx?evtinfo=965375~73f00f5b-a703-472f-975d-5ae901133780&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:6:45 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">6:45 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/tickets.icfilmscene.org\/websales\/pages\/info.aspx?evtinfo=965375~73f00f5b-a703-472f-975d-5ae901133780&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Catch \u201cThe Hips of J.W.\u201d at 9:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, or at 3:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 at Refocus Film Festival.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"600\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/Bkv1r7zGl1sksFe3vfVRUw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYwMDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/iowa-city-press-citizen\/d8afe0ae73992d5fbb40dd233023cc8b\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Catch \u201cThe Hips of J.W.\u201d at 9:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, or at 3:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 at Refocus Film Festival.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><span class=\"exclude-from-newsgate\"><strong>More: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/news\/articles\/lawsuit-filed-against-state-historical-195245735.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Lawsuit filed against State Historical Society over plans to close Iowa City location;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">Lawsuit filed against State Historical Society over plans to close Iowa City location<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">\u2018The Hips of J.W.\u2019<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cThe Hips of J.W.,\u201d directed by Jo\u00e3o C\u00e9sar Monteiro, is a surreal vignette inspired by a postcard that French critic Serge Daney sent to the director, recounting a dream Daney had about John Wayne. The film is a layered adaptation of \u201cInferno\u201d and is a meditation on art and performance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cI hope people aren&#8217;t too disappointed by the lack of John Wayne in this movie,\u201d Delgado said. \u201cIt&#8217;s very abstract. There are six different credited writers from texts spanning across decades and centuries. It&#8217;s a wacky, insane, and out there movie. I&#8217;m hoping people take a chance on it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Guests can see \u201cThe Hips of J.W.\u201d at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/tickets.icfilmscene.org\/websales\/pages\/info.aspx?evtinfo=965398~73f00f5b-a703-472f-975d-5ae901133780&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:9:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">9:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10<\/a> or at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/tickets.icfilmscene.org\/websales\/pages\/info.aspx?evtinfo=965398~73f00f5b-a703-472f-975d-5ae901133780&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:3:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">3:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12.<\/a><\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"\u201cSa\u00efd Effendi\u201d will premiere in North America for the first time 70 years after its initial release, with screenings happening at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, and at 3:20 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"699\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/4ojBPG7L18lnyHwY.UG6cA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY5OTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/iowa-city-press-citizen\/136fe42010c57e0634632a04403d44d1\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>\u201cSa\u00efd Effendi\u201d will premiere in North America for the first time 70 years after its initial release, with screenings happening at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, and at 3:20 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">\u2018Sa\u00efd Effendi\u2019<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Adapted from the short story &#8220;Fight&#8221; by writer Edmond Sabri, \u201cSa\u00efd Effendi\u201d blends neorealist influences to tell the story of a displaced teacher and his family as they strive to maintain dignity and unity in 1950s Baghdad, painting a profound portrait of family and community tensions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The film, newly restored by the Iraqi Cinematheque Project, will premiere in North America for the first time in 70 years after its initial release, with screenings happening at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/tickets.icfilmscene.org\/websales\/pages\/info.aspx?evtinfo=965398~73f00f5b-a703-472f-975d-5ae901133780&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:9:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">9:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10<\/a>, and at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/tickets.icfilmscene.org\/websales\/pages\/info.aspx?evtinfo=965398~73f00f5b-a703-472f-975d-5ae901133780&amp;\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:3:20 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">3:20 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cThe Iraqi Cinematheque has been restoring films for a few years now, and this is the first one in their project that&#8217;s coming out,\u201d Delgado said. \u201c\u2018Sa\u00efd Effendi\u2019 is the tip of the iceberg for Iraqi films; it is a blind spot for me in terms of knowing their cinema, and probably the case for a lot of folks, because they haven\u2019t had the opportunity to showcase their films internationally.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><span class=\"exclude-from-newsgate\"><strong>More: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/news\/articles\/johnson-county-withdraws-proposal-joint-165039921.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:Johnson County withdraws proposal for joint law enforcement facility with Iowa City;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">Johnson County withdraws proposal for joint law enforcement facility with Iowa City<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"A screen projection from FilmScene welcomes guests while construction nears completion, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019, at FilmScene in The Chauncey, along Gilbert Street in Iowa City, Iowa.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/cRHQtzu1306xBHhM5aNWKQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/iowa-city-press-citizen\/f2447b1af976a6d3ae19545cc4c7771f\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>A screen projection from FilmScene welcomes guests while construction nears completion, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019, at FilmScene in The Chauncey, along Gilbert Street in Iowa City, Iowa.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">How to score tickets to the Refocus Film Festival<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">While early-bird festival passes went on sale in September, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/refocusfilmfestival.org\/program\/films\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:ticket packages;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">ticket packages<\/a> are still available for purchase.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Omnibus package grants full access to the four-day programming and costs $225 for non-members. The Avid Ticket package costs $100 for non-members and grants access to eight film screenings and events, while the Debut package costs $60 and allows guests to see four films.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Tickets for single-film screenings are also available. To ensure the best possible movie-going experience, tickets should be purchased before the day of the screening.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at <\/em><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/movies\/articles\/mailto:JRish@press-citizen.com\" data-ylk=\"slk:JRish@press-citizen.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">JRish@press-citizen.com<\/a><em> or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.press-citizen.com\/story\/entertainment\/2025\/10\/07\/2025-refocus-film-festival-iowa-city\/86542388007\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:How Refocus Film Festival is turning Iowa City into a hub for cinema;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">How Refocus Film Festival is turning Iowa City into a hub for cinema<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>During the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, Ben Delgado sees nearly 30 films in a five-day stretch. The workday begins sometime between 8 and 9 a.m. and goes past midnight, all to curate the lineup for the Refocus Film Festival. As FilmScene\u2019s programming director, Delgado watches more than 400 films a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2074686,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25172],"tags":[389339,326557,389341,317163,354646,344916,378260,389338,389340],"class_list":["post-2074685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-ben-delgado","tag-cannes-film-festival","tag-delgado","tag-film-festival","tag-film-screenings","tag-iowa","tag-iowa-city","tag-refocus","tag-unesco-city-of-literature"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/From-Cannes-to-Iowa-City-how-Refocus-Film-Festival-brings.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2074685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2074685"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2074685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2074687,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2074685\/revisions\/2074687"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2074686"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2074685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2074685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2074685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}