The Alternating Currents Film Fest is leveling up in 2025 with a bold expansion of programming, from electrifying indie premieres to behind-the-scenes panels and cult classic curiosities. Hosted at The Last Picture House, a state-of-the-art boutique cinema opened by Hollywood filmmakers and Quad Cities natives Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, this year’s fest offers a deep dive into film culture with a local heartbeat.Whether you’re into gritty thrillers, nostalgic VHS finds, or iconic music docs, the AC Film Fest blends art house vibes with Midwest soul - an all of it is FREE!
Featured Programming:
🎥 "Life and Special Features"
An inspiring, genre-hopping talk from filmmaker and preservationist Justin Beahm, who shares stories from his journey in documentary, horror, and film journalism — encouraging creatives to take big risks with even bigger heart.
📼 "Strange/Found VHS"
A mind-blowing archive dive with Joe Pickett (Found Footage Festival) and Scott Miller (Strange Tapes Zine), unearthing bizarre, never-digitized tapes from their 15,000+ VHS collection — from safety PSAs to lost horror gems.
🕵️♂️ CAP CITY – Midwest Premiere
A neo-noir political thriller adapted from a Mickey Spillane novella, written by Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition) and directed by David Wexler. Stick around for a post-screening Q&A with Collins himself.
🎸 PAVEMENTS
A visually rich doc that reimagines the story of indie rock legends Pavement, fusing scripted scenes, deep archival footage, and a soundtrack woven from their most iconic tracks.
+ MORE TBA
📲 Download the Alternating Currents App
Plan your weekend, build your schedule, and navigate the festival with ease:
Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alternating-currents-2021/id1387891547
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fm.golive.alternatingcurrents201835678b76
🌐 More info at alternatingcurrentsqc.com
ABOUT ALTERNATING CURRENTS
Founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), Alternating Currents is a free, multi-day festival powered by DDP in collaboration with placemaking partners Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance. With hundreds of events spanning music, film, comedy, and visual art, AC transforms downtown spaces into creative playgrounds for all.
Presented by: Regional Development Authority & Rhythm City Casino Resort
Major Partners: Rubberstamps.net, Scott County Regional Authority
Accessibility Sponsor: Bechtel Trust
Arts Partner: The Cultural Trust
Film Partner: The Last Picture House
Mural Fest Partner: Quad City Arts
Additional Support: Estes Construction, Iowa Arts Council Palmer College of Chiropractic, Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, MidAmerican Energy, Express Employment Professionals
Media Partners: KWQC, Quad-City Times & Dispatch-Argus, Townsquare Media, Planet 93.9, WQPT
Producing Partner: Hive Event Consulting
#AlternatingCurrentsQC | #FindYourVibe
🌐 alternatingcurrentsqc.com
The Alternating Currents app is the best way to stay up to date with all the latest information and changes. Download the app to explore the festival's lineup, get directions, and create your own unique experience. With the app, you'll be able to make the most of your festival experience!
Available on Apple and Android: https://bit.ly/ACQCApp
Event Venue
Quad Cities, USA, 400 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801-1403, United States
