'SHIFT: The RAGBRAI Documentary' wins esteemed award ― beats Taylor Swift at one box office
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
After a summer of showings in cinemas big and small all across Iowa, “Shift: The RAGBRAI Documentary” is making its way through the film festival circuit.
“Shift” ― which tells the story of three bicyclists and a pair of community leaders seeking peace, redemption and clarity during a weeklong ride across Iowa ― was selected as the opening feature for the prestigious Oneota Film Festival in Decorah.
The film was also honored as the Walter Ordway Best of Fest winner in the documentary category, the highest distinction given to any nonfiction work in the festival.
Directors Courtney Crowder and Kelsey Kremer will appear at the opening night screening at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb 29, and be available for a post-film discussion.
Film subjects Andrew Boddicker and Ian Zahren ― who led the Lansing RAGBRAI committee, one of the most successful town boards in the ride’s 50-year history ― will appear at a second screening at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 3.
"We're so pleased that 'Shift' is being honored by the respected Oneota Film Festival," said Carol Hunter, executive editor of The Des Moines Register. "The film has a lot of heart. It celebrates the fun and frivolity of RAGBRAI but also the opportunity the ride offers for personal growth."
Using groundbreaking photography and intimate interviews, “Shift” explores the space ― both literal and metaphorical ― that RAGBRAI offers riders and volunteers to sift through life’s joys and challenges during on a 400-plus-mile adventure through the heart of rural America.
"Shift," which touches on some of today’s most-discussed social justice issues, dovetails with the Oneota Film Festival’s mission — to show “films that illuminate the human condition” and engage in critical issues of our time.
While chronicling the main subjects’ hard-fought wins and devastating setbacks, audience members see them grappling with racial disparities in outdoor recreation, LGBTQ+ rights, opioids’ effects on families and the difficulties faced by minorities in rural America.
“Shift” was previously selected for the Iowa Independent Film Festival, the LaCrosse Adventure Film Festival and the Cedar River Film Festival. Producers hope to hear back from more festivals and events soon and will update the film's website ― DesMoinesRegister.com/RAGBRAIdocumentary ― as information become available.
Purchase tickets or learn more about the Oneota Festival at OneotaFilmFestival.org.
What if I can’t be there in person?
For those who can’t make it to eastern Iowa, “Shift” is also screening virtually with the Bicycle Film Festival through February.
The festival, celebrating “the bicycle through music, art, and, of course, film,” is making available “Shift” and a dozen of other cycling-focused movies for streaming by digital festivalgoers.
Purchase tickets or learn more about the Bicycle Film Festival at BicycleFilmFestival.com.
But I want to watch ‘SHIFT’ over and over and over. Help!
You can always own a copy of “Shift”! DVDs remain on sale at RAGBRAI.com.
The producers behind the film also are working to secure larger distribution. We’ll post updates on DesMoinesRegister.com/RAGBRAIdocumentary as they are available.
Wait, what about Taylor Swift?
“Shift” was proud to partner with movie theaters in every corner of the state during the film’s initial run, but our hometown indie theater, The Varsity Cinema in Des Moines, was a champion, going above and beyond. In addition to hosting our premiere event, The Varsity extended “Shift” showings multiple times, resulting in a nearly two-month run.
And you, the audience, responded!
“Shift” was the fourth-most-seen movie at The Varsity in 2023. Ahead of the RAGBRAI documentary were “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer” and Wes Anderson’s latest, “Asteroid City.”
Coming in fifth was Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour.”
Hey, Swift may have made billions this summer, but at one movie theater, our RAGBRAI documentary came out ahead!
Support the film
“Shift: The RAGBRAI Documentary” was created with the belief that the film’s message of personal achievement through the magic of bicycling would be strong enough to support its production. We are still seeking funds to cover the costs of making this movie.
Please support our work by making a tax-deductible donation to Des Moines Film. Online donations may be made by visiting desmoinesfilm.org/shift-the-ragbrai-documentary. Checks made out to Des Moines Film with "Shift Documentary" in the memo line may be mailed to Des Moines Film, 1207 25th St., Des Moines, IA 50311.
Want to host a screening?
Email ragbraidoc@gannett.com with a link to your local theater, and we'll reach out.
Tell me a little bit more about the movie and the ride
"Shift," produced by the Des Moines Register, is the result of a more than yearlong project undertaken in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.
It follows three riders making the seven-day, cross-state journey in 2022, enjoying the camaraderie of the ride and the hospitality of Iowans as they tell their stories along the way. It also shares the anticipation of a couple preparing their small Mississippi River town to host the terminal tire dip.
Above all, it's a glimpse of how an improbable event dreamed up in 1973 by a pair of Register journalists, John Karras and Donald Kaul, has become a cherished institution drawing thousands of participants from around the world to rural Iowa annually.
RAGBRAI, which draws nearly 30,000 people a year, boasts riders and teams from all 50 states and more than 20 countries. The ride, which is the world’s oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle ride, will roll out across Iowa again July 20-27.
Courtney Crowder, the Register's Iowa Columnist, traverses the state's 99 counties telling Iowans' stories. Reach her at ccrowder@dmreg.com or 515-284-8360.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 'Shift: The RAGBRAI Documentary' earns screenings at film festivals
