Sep 23 - Sep 28, 2025
RICHMOND
INTERNATIONAL
Film festIval
Closing Night Film: THAT THEY MAY FACE THE RISING SUN Sep 29, 2024 @ the Byrd Theatre
2025 FESTIVAL
The 14th Annual Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) will be held September 23 - 28, 2025.
150+ Films from the U.S. and over 25 Countries, Live Music Performances & Daily Special Events
SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN: NEXT DEADLINE 1/15
2024 festival highlights
ANNOUNCING THE 2024 WINNERS:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS YEAR’S TOP GRAND JURY
AND AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD WINNERS
2024: 170 Films from the U.S. and 29 Countries, 30 Live Music Performances & Daily Special Events
“We are an arts organization that supports storytellers with diverse points of view from all countries. We will not discriminate based on race, gender, or country of origin. We support freedom of speech, respectful dialogue, and meaningful engagement.
Several embassies participate in supporting travel for artists and musicians from their country or hosting receptions. Everyone is welcome at RIFF.”
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LATEST NEWS
THE FESTIVAL & RVA
RIFF, one of the largest international competitive film festivals in the Mid-Atlantic, brings cutting edge film & music to the beautiful historic city of Richmond, Virginia.
RVA is a thriving arts, food, and craft brewery city in the U.S. and has been voted as one of the best places for moviemakers to work & live in the country, and top places for indie filmmakers to shoot their projects (Moviemaker Magazine). For more info on the city visit HERE .
6 days of films, music, panels & special events
“RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AND FOUNDER, HEATHER WATERS, FEATURED ON THE COVER OF RICHMOND MAGAZINE, “THE TOP PEOPLE AND PLACES TO WATCH.”
meet the founder
“A DRAW FOR FILMMAKERS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY, RIFF GIVES ATTENDEES THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE THE MAGICAL WORLD OF MOVIES.”
In 2011, Waters founded the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF). As a producer and director, Waters can be seen working behind the scenes in a variety of film and music projects, but is also known to be a strong promoter and developer of other creatives. In addition to producing RIFF, she is the President & Executive Director of the RIFF Arts Institute, Founder of the Media Industry Xchange & FLOW Collective, Co-Founder of the Creative World Awards, and past President of the Virginia Production Alliance (VPA), the leading advocacy organization responsible for bolstering film and developing crew and talent across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
PAST GUESTS, AWARDS & HIGHLIGHTS
“RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RE-BRANDING TO BE THE NEXT SXSW”