Rome International Film Festival

Rome International Film Festival Founded in 2003, the Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) is Northwest Georgia’s signature film festival event.

The Rome International Film Festival is Northwest Georgia’s premier cinematic event, championing the art of filmmaking while fostering the growth of the film and entertainment industry in the region. Named as one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “Top 20 Festivals Worth the Submission Fee”, RIFF is proud to have shared independent films from dozens of countries across the globe with thousands of film fans and filmmakers from near and far over the last 19 years. Rome’s historic DeSoto Theatre serves as the central venue for the festival. Built in 1927, the DeSoto was the first cinema in the Southeastern United States to screen sound films. In addition to showcasing dozens of feature-length and short films every year, RIFF also provides networking opportunities, informative workshops, and cultural tourism.

We are thrilled to partner with Georgia Entertainment for their signature "From Story to Scale" event during the Toronto...
09/11/2026

We are thrilled to partner with Georgia Entertainment for their signature "From Story to Scale" event during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)!

Join the Creative Director of RIFF, Seth Ingram, in Toronto on September 12th on the rooftop at Earls King St. West.

This invite-only experience brings together leading creatives and executives shaping the industry today for VIP panel insights, Southern hospitality, and curated networking.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, September 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (VIP Panel: 5:00–6:30 PM | Networking Reception: 6:30–8:00 PM)
📍 Location: Earls King St. West (Rooftop), Toronto
👔 Dress Code: Business Casual
🥂 Light hors d'oeuvres and drinks provided
Space is limited for this exclusive gathering. Request your official invitation at the link below! 👇
https://rsvp.zkipster.com/_koong4

Flannery O'Connor is a Georgia-born literary icon whose intellectually layered, darkly humorous work explores the comple...
09/11/2026

Flannery O'Connor is a Georgia-born literary icon whose intellectually layered, darkly humorous work explores the complexities of the South, faith and religion, morality, human conscience, and the persistent curiosity surrounding grace, identity, and the contradictions of human nature.
Her legacy lives on through the Flannery O'Connor Award, which RIFF will present to Georgia native Danny McBride this November.
Danny becomes the 6th recipient since the award's 2021 induction, joining Billy Bob Thornton, Ethan Hawke, Maya Hawke, Tim Blake Nelson, and Jerusha Hess.
Six artists. One distinctly Southern legacy.

Your films aren't watched by just anyone. 🎬👀Behind the scenes at RIFF, the movies submitted by independent creators are ...
09/10/2026

Your films aren't watched by just anyone. 🎬👀

Behind the scenes at RIFF, the movies submitted by independent creators are evaluated by true industry veterans. We are incredibly honored to have Ethan Embry (Empire Records, That Thing You Do!, Vegas Vacation, and Scream VI) and his partner Sunny Mabrey (xXx: State of the Union, Snakes on a Plane, Hillbilly Elegy) on our official 2026 Jury.

The work they do helps determine the winners of our coveted Sylvia Statue. For filmmakers, this means your art is being seen, respected, and judged by peers who truly understand the grit and passion of storytelling.

Come join the fun at RIFF Nov 5–8. Secure your all-access festival passes today on our website! 👇

https://romefilm2026.eventive.org/passes/buy

09/09/2026

"Don't try to copy Hollywood."
We sat down with the brilliant Jerusha Hess (co-writer/director of Napoleon Dynamite, Gentlemen Broncos, and the Writer/Director of Austenland) and she dropped some incredibly powerful advice.
Want to connect with world-class filmmakers like Jerusha live in Downtown Rome this fall (Nov 5–8)? Secure your festival passes on our website today!

https://romefilm2026.eventive.org/passes/buy

09/06/2026

We are exactly 60 days away from opening night.
Get those RIFF All-Access passes. Do it now! riffga.com/tickets

09/04/2026

Independent film is where personal stories get told where audiences get to experience them together.

Jared Hess (The Minecraft Movie, Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, Don Verdean) shares why festivals like RIFF still matter, and why seeing a film with a room full of strangers can remind us of our common humanity.

And there is no better place to experience something like this than right here in Downtown Rome under the marquee at RIFF.

Secure your all-access festival passes today at our website!
https://romefilm2026.eventive.org/passes/buy

09/02/2026

This is how you teach basic filmmaking. I suspect to see old Don Gato at RIFF Nov 5-8.

Tonight, team RIFF is winding down with one of our absolute favorite modern Southern indie classics: The Peanut Butter F...
08/31/2026

Tonight, team RIFF is winding down with one of our absolute favorite modern Southern indie classics: The Peanut Butter Falcon.
Filmed right here in Georgia (along our beautiful coast), this story follows a young man who escapes a nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. It is funny, heartwarming, and a perfect example of the pure magic that independent cinema can capture.
We are always looking to expand our watchlists, so we have to ask: What have you been watching lately?
👇 Whether it is a hidden indie gem, a classic throwback, or something you just found on a streaming service—drop your recent watch recommendations in the comments below! 👇

Address

530 Broad Street
Rome, GA
30161

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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