The River Bend Film Festival returns to Downtown Goshen, Aug. 28-30, with one of the most dynamic, intriguing, and well-rounded programs in the event’s 22-year history. A celebration of independent film, the three-day festival features special guests from the world of film and television, lively mixers, Q&A sessions, red carpet events, and three days of film screenings—including the Friday, Aug. 29 Late Night Double Feature Picture Show at the Goshen Theater.
Rocky Horror Takes Center Stage
The Aug. 29 double feature, starting at 9 p.m., presents rising feature film selection Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, directed by special guest Linus O’Brien—son of The Rocky Horror Picture Show creator, Richard O’Brien. After a 20-minute Q&A session with the director, the festival—in honor of Linus O’Brien’s participation—presents a late-night screening of the elder O’Brien’s legendary cult classic film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Scheduled to appear at several other notable film festivals, Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror presents a warm and insightful insider’s look into the cultural and societal phenomenon that is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The documentary includes interviews with Tim Curry, Richard O’Brien, and Susan Sarandon, as well as a rare appearance by Peter Hinwood.
“Once we knew Linus would be here, we made it a priority to screen The Rocky Horror Picture Show to give his fantastic film even greater context and create a more immersive experience for the audience,” said Festival Director, Joni Earl. “We are grateful to our staff and volunteers, and everyone involved, for helping to make this double feature—and our whole 2025 event in general—a substantial reality. There is no other festival like River Bend in the area, and we take pride in organizing this event to support filmmakers and entertain the many independent film fans all throughout our area and our region.”
Filmmaker Linus O’Brien, director of Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, is one of this year’s Festival guests.
Special Guests and Featured Films
The 2025 festival includes stories from around the globe, filmmaker panels, and special guests including intimacy coordinator and actor—and former Goshen resident—Sydney Renée Cox, the aforementioned O’Brien, screenwriter and longtime festival supporter Stephen Susco, and the trio of filmmakers behind River Bend feature film selection, Drink and Be Merry.
Musician Wharton Tract, will perform an acoustic set on Friday evening at The Goshen Theater.
Starring Yellowstone’s Jefferson White, Drink and Be Merry is a holiday comedy created by River Bend special guests Adam Volerich (director), Brenden Hubbard (producer), and Leo Winters (writer). The three filmmakers, along with musician Wharton Tract—whose song “Man Among Men” is part of the film’s soundtrack—take part in a Drink and Be Merry Spotlight Session at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29. The spotlight session is free and open to the public and includes talkback time with the filmmakers and a set of acoustic music by Tract, who has performed with such blues greats as Sonny Rhodes, Carey Bell, Junior Wells, and Ruth Wyand.
Hoosier Films Take the Spotlight
Along with its array of free events, movie blocks, talkback sessions, feature presentations, and Pass Holder opportunities, the 2025 River Bend Film Festival also presents, for the very first time, two entire blocks of films created by Hoosier filmmakers.
“We saw such an increase in submissions of films made in Indiana—so much so that this year we actually were able to devote two entire blocks of screenings to Hoosier-made films,” said Earl. “That has never happened. It means a lot to us because festivals like River Bend, that celebrate the work of independent filmmakers, are crucial to inspiring the next generation of filmmakers right here in our area and our region. Getting so many Indiana submissions makes us feel like we’re getting through and making an impact.”
Tickets and Festival Details
All-Access weekend passes and single-block tickets are available through the River Bend Film Festival website. A single ticket grants admission to any one block of Short Films or one Feature Film screening on any festival date. All-Access Passes are available and offer entry to all River Bend Film Festival screenings and special events.
All Tickets/Passes purchased online are available for pickup during the River Bend Film Festival, at the Goshen Theater box office, at 216 S. Main St. in Downtown Goshen. Purchasers are asked to bring a valid photo ID; tickets will NOT be available for pickup before the Festival.
Goshen Theater Box Office/RBFF Hours:
- Thursday, August 28: 6:45 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday, August 29: 9 AM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday, August 30: 9 AM – 9:15 PM
Screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and River Bend feature selections Test Screening and Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror are not recommended for young audiences. These films are Rated R and may contain nudity, sexual situations, violence, and/or language inappropriate for children.
Opportunities to Get Involved
For individuals who’d like to be involved in bringing the festival to life, there are volunteer opportunities available. Local and regional businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate as sponsors. Sponsorship of the River Bend Film Festival demonstrates a commitment to the local arts community and offers local entities the chance for increased visibility and representation.
About the River Bend Film Festival
The River Bend Film Festival is a celebration of independent filmmaking that brings creators and audiences together through the power of storytelling. Held annually in Downtown Goshen, Indiana, the festival features screenings, workshops, filmmaker panels, guest appearances, and special events—all designed to foster connection, creativity, and community. The festival—known for its welcoming atmosphere and its commitment to emerging talent and creative risk-taking—highlights the work of local and regional filmmakers while also screening bold, original stories from across the country and around the world. RBFF is organized by Goshen Arts & Events, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and supported by grants, sponsorships, and a dedicated community of supporters and volunteers.