Established in 2002, the River Bend Film Festival originated in South Bend, Indiana, as a collaborative effort by a dedicated team of filmmakers and film enthusiasts. In 2016, the festival relocated to Goshen, Indiana, where its opening season surpassed all previous attendance records, and it has continued to flourish ever since.

The Festival is a four-day event that brings together independent filmmakers in a celebration of cinematic artistry. Each year, the festival showcases between 50 and 75 films spanning various genres, including narrative, documentary, experimental, music video, animation, student, features, and short films. With a focus on promoting local and regional talent, the festival also features films from across the United States and around the world. 

Today, the festival takes place at the historic Goshen Theater, along with seven additional venues in downtown Goshen, showcasing over 80 films from 15 different countries. Through screenings, workshops, and special events featuring industry guests, the River Bend Film Festival has fostered a vibrant community of filmmakers and film lovers for more than two decades.