Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 5, 2026

Jefftowne

Jefftowne is a 1997 American documentary film shot, directed and edited by Daniel Kraus, and distributed by Troma Entertainment. It chronicles the life of Jeff Towne, a 40-year-old Iowa City resident who has Down syndrome, obesity, alcoholism, and circulation problems. The film opened at the Bijou Theater in Iowa City on September 8, 1997, and later screened at the Chicago Underground Film Festival in 1998.

Last revised
Jul 5, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
261 w
Citations
9
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Jefftowne
DVD cover
Directed byDaniel Kraus
CinematographyDaniel Kraus
Edited byDaniel Kraus
Distributed byTroma Entertainment
Release date
  • September 8, 1997 (1997-09-08) (Iowa City)
Running time
59 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Jefftowne is a 1997 American documentary film shot, directed and edited by Daniel Kraus, and distributed by Troma Entertainment.1 It chronicles the life of Jeff Towne, a 40-year-old Iowa City resident who has Down syndrome, obesity, alcoholism, and circulation problems. The film opened at the Bijou Theater in Iowa City on September 8, 1997,2 and later screened at the Chicago Underground Film Festival in 1998.345

Production

Kraus began shooting footage for Jefftowne in 1996.2

Towne died May 4, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics at age 59.6

Reception

Reception at the time of release is reported to have been mixed.2 A review of the DVD version for Horror Society, however, stated that the film was not a typical Troma production but added, "Fans of unusual cinema and strange documentaries need to check this one out. "7

References

References

  1. "Guide to the Daniel Kraus Papers, 1987-2016, SC.2020.01". digital.library.pitt.edu. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  2. Ulstad, Larissa E. (September 11, 1997). "UI student's film draws mixed reviews". p. 2A. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  3. Pride, Ray (1998). "Festival Roundup | Chicago Underground Film Festival". Filmmaker. ISSN 1063-8954.
  4. Koziarski, Ed M. (May 13, 2010). "Three Works About Work". Chicago Reader. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  5. "Filmmaker Bios". www.theclosershegets.com. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  6. "Jeffrey Towne Obituary (2018) - Iowa City, IA - the Iowa City Press-Citizen". Legacy.com.
  7. "Tromatic Thursday – Jefftowne (Review)". Horror Society. March 22, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
External links