Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF)
Virginia's most important film festival, held annually in April in Richmond, with Academy Award-qualifying short film competitions and a focus on independent filmmaking in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Overview
The Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) is Virginia's most important film festival. Founded in 2007 and held annually in April in Richmond, Virginia's capital city, the festival is Academy Award-qualifying in its short film categories and serves as the primary international film platform in the Mid-Atlantic South.
Richmond's history as a former Confederate capital, its growing creative economy, and its large African American cultural community provide a distinctive context for a film festival that engages with American history and contemporary storytelling. The city has developed a vibrant arts scene that provides a foundation for the festival.
Key Sections
- Feature Film Competition -- narrative and documentary features
- Short Film Competition -- Academy Award-qualifying programs
- Virginia Film Competition -- films by Virginia-based filmmakers
- Documentary Competition -- nonfiction features
- Special Screenings -- events and Q&As
What Filmmakers Should Know
RIFF accepts open submissions. The Academy Award-qualifying short film competition is the most strategically important element. For Virginia and Mid-Atlantic filmmakers, the festival provides regional recognition and exposure.
Major Awards
- Best Narrative Feature -- jury prize
- Best Documentary
- Best Short Film -- Academy Award-qualifying
- Best Virginia Film
- Audience Award
Festival History
RIFF was founded in 2007 and has grown into Virginia's premier film festival.
See Also
For Mid-Atlantic independent filmmaking, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
