'SHIFT: The RAGBRAI Documentary' named one of the best documentaries of the year

The Des Moines Register’s “SHIFT: The RAGBRAI Documentary” has been selected as one of the best documentaries of the year by the prestigious National Press Photographers Association.

An internationally recognized industry group, the NPPA “promotes the highest standards in visual journalism,” and its annual contest attracts tens of thousands of entries from both large-scale news networks such as CNN and storied publications with global reach like the New York Times.

“SHIFT” placed second in the Documentary Long Form category, which recognizes in-depth works that explain complex issues with dramatic impact.

Particular importance was “given to documentaries with stellar photography or videography that elevates the presentation without distracting from the story,” according to the association.

"The Register staff is thrilled to see "SHIFT" honored by the NPPA," Des Moines Register Executive Editor Carol Hunter said. "Our hope was to capture on film the spirit of RAGBRAI and what it has come to mean to Iowa and Iowans. It's gratifying to see our staff's efforts recognized in this way.

"One thing we learned along the way is that it takes a village to make a documentary. Much of the credit goes to co-directors Courtney Crowder, the Register's Iowa columnist, and Kelsey Kremer, our former photo editor. They led a team that encompassed 10 Register staffers, six Register alumni, seven other USA TODAY Network journalists and five RAGBRAI staffers who received credits on the film. And we benefited from great partners, such as Iowa PBS, which helped with the final editing, and the Varsity Cinema in Des Moines, which hosted the premiere."

The photographers association nod comes on the heels of “SHIFT” being selected as the opening feature for the esteemed Oneota Film Festival in Decorah, where the movie was also named the Walter Ordway Best of Fest winner in the documentary category, the highest distinction given to any nonfiction work in the festival.

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 a 400-plus-mile adventure through the heart of rural America.

"SHIFT” also touches on some of today’s most-discussed social justice issues. 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, the Cedar River Film Festival, the Farm to Film Fest and the Bicycle 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.

Support the film

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, including a streaming option. We’ll post updates on DesMoinesRegister.com/RAGBRAIdocumentary as they are available.

“SHIFT: The RAGBRAI Documentary” was created with the belief that the film’s message of personal achievement through 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.

Learn more about distribution or donations by emailing ragbraidoc@gannett.com.

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, better known as RAGBRAI.

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 has become a cherished institution drawing thousands of participants from around the world to rural Iowa annually.

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' named one of the year's best docs