Sep 23 - Sep 28, 2025
RICHMOND
INTERNATIONAL
Film festIval
BEST OF FEST COMEDY WINNER: BONJOUR SWITZERLAND
2025 FESTIVAL
The 14th Annual Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) will be held September 23 - 28, 2025.
Experience Festival Week: 170+ Films from the U.S. and over 25 Countries, Daily Live Music Performances & Special Community Events
THE 2025 OFFICIAL SELECTION FILM & MUSIC PROGRAM IS NOW LIVE!
Join us at THE BYRD THEATRE & BOWTIE CINEMAS for films and nightly music @ Révéler & vagabond
PLUS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND MORE FILMS IN THE 2025 VIRTUAL EDITION
TO VIEW THE FULL 2025 SCHEDULE & PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK BELOW
Richmond International Film Festival Mission Statement
The Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) is dedicated to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives from around the world through the power of film and music. Guided by a commitment to freedom of speech, RIFF welcomes films that reflect a wide range of viewpoints whether widely embraced or deeply debated while upholding principles of civility and mutual respect in the exchange of ideas.
Our mission is to provide a professional and creative platform where filmmakers and musicians are considered on the merits of their artistic vision, technical craft, and storytelling excellence. By respecting and supporting open dialogue, fostering cultural understanding, and championing courageous artistic innovation, RIFF seeks to inspire audiences, honor creative integrity, and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive global film community.
THANK YOU VIRGINIA FOR VOTING RIFF “BEST OF RICHMOND” AGAIN IN 2025!
FILM SUBMISSIONS FOR THE ‘26 FEST ARE NOW OPEN
festival highlights
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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, “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 film producer/writer/director, Waters can be seen working behind the scenes in a variety of film and music projects, and is known to be a strong promoter of fellow creatives.
In addition to producing RIFF, she is the President & Executive Director of the RIFF Arts Institute, Founder & CEO of the Media Industry Xchange (theindiemix.com) & FLOW Collective, and Co-Founder of the Creative World Awards. Additionally, Heather works to bolster production across Virginia, including as a past state President of the Virginia Production Alliance (VPA), a leading advocacy organization that brings production to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
PAST GUESTS, AWARDS & HIGHLIGHTS
“RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RE-BRANDING TO BE THE NEXT SXSW”