WATERLOO -- Dozens of Iowa filmmakers are showcasing their work this weekend in the first ever Max Allan Collins Film Expo.

Collins, a Muscatine native, is most known for his novel "Road to Perdition" and his work on the Dick Tracy comic strip. Most recently he is writing for the popular CSI franchise. But, it is his love of independent films and everything Iowa that allowed the partnership to form between Collins and the Waterloo Center for the Arts. Chad Allen, WCA public program coordinator and another Muscatine native, said the match was a perfect fit from the start.

Neither party was interested in another film festival that awarded prizes to entrants based on the subjective views of a few judges. Instead, they wanted to create an expo where all film types were welcome and the prize was simply being able to share with others.

"The point of this festival is to provide another outlet to give our heartland, homegrown filmmakers the opportunity to show their work to an audience that is film-friendly and film savvy," Collins said.

The festival features everything from a five-minute family friendly flick about two kids with competing lemonade stands to a full-length documentary about the murders in Villisca, Iowa.

Todd Fossey, a Denver High School graduate who spent a decade in Los Angeles as an actor, writer, producer and director, said being part of this local festival is "extra special." His movie, "Overnight," will be shown Saturday night. He especially appreciates the festival format, which he said "celebrates the pure art of film making

"Most film festivals are like a trade show, a meat market. The spirit of the film maker can get easily lost," said Fossey.

The center rolled out the red carpet Friday night for the showcased filmmakers and area film buffs. The guests were treated to the Cedar Valley premiere of Collins' "Eliot Ness: An Untouchable Life" following an hourlong meet and greet. Another Collins' film, "Caveman: V.T. Hamlin and Alley Oop" will be shown this evening at 6 p.m. Collins will also be available for a question and answer session.

Following the film, another group of the festival's featured film makers will host a panel discussion. Collins said this kind of interaction between the film makers can often foster new collaborations and learning opportunities.

Collins said he hopes to see the expo become an annual event and a "premiere venue for Iowa film makers to show their projects."

"Conceptually, we are already there," he said. "… All it will take now is for Waterloo to come and put some butts in the seats."

The festival continues today and tomorrow at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. For a full schedule of events and movie descriptions go to www.waterloocenterforthearts.org/macfe.html. Tickets are $10 for the day or $15 for the weekend and are available at the door.

Contact Emily Christensen at (319) 291-1520 or emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.