The River Bend Film Festival, an annual celebration of independent filmmaking, is excited to announce its return for 2024, bringing together filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and industry professionals from Indiana, and around the globe. This year’s festival promises an extraordinary lineup of screenings, filmmakers panel, special guests, kickoff mixers, red carpet events, awards, closing concert and networking opportunities, set against the vibrant backdrop of downtown Goshen, Indiana.
A Cinematic Showcase
This year’s River Bend Film Festival will feature an eclectic mix of films, including critically acclaimed works, music videos, and groundbreaking short films. With genres ranging from drama and comedy to documentary and experimental, the festival will offer something for every cinephile. Audiences can expect to discover new voices in filmmaking, with a focus on innovative storytelling and diverse perspectives.
Special Guests and Panels
The festival is proud to welcome an impressive roster of special guests, including award-winning directors, producers, and actors. Attendees will have the chance to engage with these industry leaders through the festival’s annual Coffee Talk filmmakers panel. Additionally, after each block screening, Q&A sessions, providing unique insights into the art and business of filmmaking.
This year’s special guests include Nathan Bechtold, President of Indiana Filmmakers Network, Tamika Katon-Donegal, LA filmmaker (Film: Hold You So Tight, actor, executive producer), Liann Kaye, New York filmmaker (Film: Seoul Switch, director) *Next-Gen Auteur Award* recipient, Sam Mirpoorian, Indianapolis filmmaker (Film: Saving Superman, director) *Best Documentary Award* recipient, Eric Rudnick LA filmmaker and actor (writer, actor, producer Hold You So Tight, producer for popular shows; Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, Nailed It, and more).
New York filmmaker Liann Kaye, director of Seoul Switch, is one of this year’s Festival guests.
Festival Honorees and Awards
The 2024 River Bend Film Festival honorees are FOOD ROOTS Spirit of The Fest Award screening Friday night at 6:45pm.
The Next-Gen Auteur Award will be presented to filmmaker, Liann Kaye. Kaye’s film stars Kpop star, Kevin Woo (of UKiss fame) entitled Seoul Switch, screening Saturday in the 11am block.
Best of the Fest award winners are Layaway Best Student Film, Gunslinger Best Indiana Film, Saving Superman Best Documentary, In Too Deep Best Narrative Short, and OK2Day Best Music Video.
The documentary FOOD ROOTS wins the Spirit of The Fest Award and screens Friday night 6:45pm.
Community and Collaboration
The River Bend Film Festival is more than just a celebration of film; it is a celebration of community. The festival will feature a variety of events that encourage collaboration and networking among attendees.
From mixers to post screening Q&As, there will be ample opportunities to connect with fellow film lovers and industry professionals. Festival locations include Goshen College Umble Center, Goshen Theater, Ignition Music Garage, and Goshen Brewing Company.
Festival Schedule and Highlights
Thursday, August 29, 2024
At Goshen College Umble Center, starting at 6:00pm, are red carpet photos for the public and filmmakers, followed by a block of Goshen College student short films. This event is free to the community.
Friday, August 30, 2024
at the Goshen Theater, 9:00am the box office opens, 10:30am Narrative Shorts Block #1, 12:45pm Student Shorts Block (*Best Student Short will be awarded), 3:10pm Film Indiana Block #1,8:45pm Narrative Shorts Block #2.
Friday, August 30, 2024
6:45pm Special Opening night performance by Des Dance company, followed by Featured Film, FOOD ROOTS Spirit of the Fest Award Winner.
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Ignition Music Garage at 9am, is Coffee Talk – Filmmakers Panel with industry professionals: Liann Kaye (Seoul Switch, director and festival honoree), Tamika Donagel (Hold You So Tight, producer and actor), Eric Rudnick (Hold You So Tight, writer, producer, actor, Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen, producer), Sam Mirpoorian (Saving Superman, director and *festival honoree), Nathen Bechtold (President of Indiana Filmmakers Network) moderated by Dave Kendall. This event is free to the public.
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Film screening begins at 11am at the Goshen Theater, 11:00am Narrative Block #3 (*Next-Gen Auteur will be awarded), 1:20pm Indiana Film Block #2 (*Best Indiana Film and *Best Music Video will be awarded), 4:15pm Documentary Shorts, 6:30pm Narrative Shorts block #4 (*Best Narrative Short will be awarded).
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Starting at 9pm at Goshen Brewing Company lawn is the closing night concert featuring four local artists, Abraham Medellin, Daisy, Shiny Shiny Black, Jake Miller with The Midwest Heat, and Atlanta based artist, Rose Hotel. All of these bands have Music Videos screening in the festival. The outdoor concert is free to the public. 9pm in the GBCo taproom lounge will be a festival wrap party for All-Access Pass holders, which includes food and drink specials. Lounge vibes provided by Picked-Goshen.
Tickets and Passes
Tickets and All-Access Festival Passes are now available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to secure their spots soon.
For more information on the lineup, special events, and ticketing, please visit riverbendfilmfest.com, goshentheater.org, or the Goshen Theater box office.
About River Bend Film Festival
Founded in 2002, the River Bend Film Festival has grown into one of the Midwest’s premier film festivals, dedicated to showcasing independent films and incorporating a variety of art mediums— visual, performance, and music. The fest has hosted numerous Cannes, Sundance, and Oscar award winning filmmakers. RBFF is rated in the top 100 festivals to attend by Filmfreeway, and garners a consistent five star rating from filmmakers. The festival is committed to fostering a creative environment that promotes artistic expression and encourages the exchange of ideas. For more information, visit riverbendfilmfest.com and for the latest updates, follow @riverbendfilmfest on FB and IG.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Carrie Lee Bland-Kendall, Festival Producer
574-312-5372
[email protected]