River Bend Film Festival Unveils Full 2026 Program

Doug Jones headlines the three-day cinematic celebration, featuring The Shape of Water and Richard Fallin’s Crystal Cross, more than 100 independent films, and special screenings across Goshen

The countdown is officially on!

Organizers of the 2026 River Bend Film Festival have unveiled the complete schedule for this year’s festival, transforming The Maple City into a celebration of independent filmmaking from Sept. 3-5.

Highlighting this year’s festival is featured guest Doug Jones, the internationally acclaimed actor and Indianapolis native best known for his unforgettable performances in The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy, Hocus Pocus, Star Trek: Discovery, and dozens of other film and television productions. Jones will participate in a signing session before joining audiences for a special evening screening, on Saturday, Sept. 5, of the Academy Award-winning Best Picture The Shape of Water (2017).

Festivalgoers will also enjoy a bevy of award ceremonies, and a special screening of Crystal Cross, directed by Richard Fallin. The unique comedy made its world premiere at the prestigious Austin Film Festival in October 2025, where it earned the Audience Award for Comedy Vanguard.

The River Bend Film Festival continues expanding beyond Downtown Goshen with free community screenings at Greencroft Goshen, featuring inspiring documentary programming that brings independent filmmaking directly to the senior care facility’s residents while furthering the festival’s mission of making outstanding cinema accessible throughout the community.

Buy YOUR tickets today, and experience one of the Midwest’s finest celebrations of independent film!

Curating the global and regional film landscape

This year’s Indiana Showcase features filmmakers from Goshen, Indianapolis, Carmel, Fort Wayne, Crawfordsville, Lawrenceburg, Syracuse, New Carlisle, Hartford City, North Vernon, Upland, and communities throughout the Hoosier State, reaffirming River Bend’s commitment to celebrating filmmaking talent close to home while introducing audiences to remarkable stories from around the globe.

Opening the festival on Thursday, Sept. 3, is Goshen College & Beyond, a special student showcase presented in partnership with Goshen College’s Communication Department and the Center for Community Engagement (CFEC). The free community event celebrates emerging filmmakers from Goshen College and beyond while giving the next generation of storytellers an opportunity to share their work on the big screen and engage with audiences during a post-screening discussion.

Goshen College & Beyond screenings

• The Display by the Film Production LA May Term Class
• Burning by Isabel Massud, a senior film production major from São Paulo, Brazil
• I See Color by Ryan Carrillo, a senior film production major from Goshen, Indiana
• A Thousand Suns by Matija Margetic, a senior film production major from Zagreb, Croatia
• Qui Est Là? by Jonam Sapkots, a senior film production major from Kathmandu, Nepal
• The Empty Chair by Lindsey Daniels, a senior film production major from Goshen, Indiana

The River Bend Film Festival also includes filmmaker Q&A sessions following many screenings, educational programming, networking opportunities, discussions, and audience awards, giving attendees unique opportunities to engage directly with the artists behind the films.

Tickets for the River Bend Film Festival are on sale now, with options ranging from individual screening tickets to all-access weekend passes, allowing movie lovers to customize their own festival experience or immerse themselves in every screening, filmmaker discussion, and special event throughout the weekend.

All tickets and passes purchased online will be available for pickup during the festival at the Goshen Theater Box Office, located at 216 South Main Street in Downtown Goshen. Attendees should bring a valid photo ID when picking up their credentials.

Festival supporters can also purchase the official limited-edition 2026 River Bend Film Festival T-shirt, with proceeds helping support future festivals and ensuring River Bend continues bringing world-class filmmakers, artists, and cinematic experiences to Northern Indiana.

2026 RBFF Schedule