The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival (RBIFF) has a rich history of bringing world-class films to the quaint and historic coastal towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for over 26 years! The festival attracts over 5000 attendees and offers seven days of 75 films, panels, Q&A's, fulfilling its mission to engage, enrich, and inspire people through the power of film. Films are screened IN PERSON at the Cinema Arts Theater (CAT) and our amazing festival hub where networking and shared collaborative discussions yield long lasting friendships. RBIFF operates under the governance of The Rehoboth Beach Film Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization.

The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival (RBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization committed to discovering and showcasing the finest in independent and international cinema. For the past 26 years, RBIFF has become a highlight of the Mid-Atlantic region, attracting thousands of film enthusiasts annually. This year's festival promises a rich blend of genres and film styles, as well as exciting events, parties, and tributes, all while fulfilling our mission to engage, enrich, and inspire our community through the transformative power of film.

Delaware's close proximity to major metropolitan cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and New York City historically attracts a wide range of festival attendees and industry professionals. Submissions are screened and judged by a pool of invited award winning film industry experts; from the official selections, RBIFF will choose the nominees and award winners.

The Rehoboth Beach Film Society is thrilled to invite Southern Delaware locals, returning society members, new friends from across the Mid-Atlantic region, and film lovers from around the world to join us. Prepare to be captivated seven incredible days, filled with the best in filmmaking. From inspiring documentaries and must-see narrative features to mesmerizing foreign films and a dynamic selection of award winning shorts, there’s something for everyone!

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Film
Best International Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Cinematography (sponsored by Panavision), $15,000 GRANT AWARD
Best Producer(s)
Blue Hen Award, DelMarVaPA Filmmakers **
Best Student Film, sponsored by Final Draft
Audience Choice Award

Rules & Terms

Please note the following guidelines for submitting your film to RBIFF:

- The submission fee is non-refundable.
- More than one entry may be submitted.
- Each entry must be accompanied by its own online entry and entry fee.
- Films that have been publicly broadcast in the United States and/or films that are publicly streaming online before the November 2025 film festival are not eligible.
- Films screened at other film festivals are ok to submit.
- Finished projects must be completed no earlier than December 2024 to be eligible for the 2025 film festival.
- Music videos or commercials are not eligible.
- The filmmaker is responsible for shipping materials and eMarketing materials to RBIFF if the film is selected.
- If your feature film is selected, you will be asked to provide digital stills from the film and one 27x40 printed posters (no foam core posters).
- Films produced in languages other than English must have legible English subtitles.
- Not all invited films officially selected will be eligible for competition.
- The selection committees' and juries' decisions are final.
- Entrants must assume all responsibility for clearing films through U.S. and/or foreign customs officials.
- RBIFF reserves the right to make any necessary changes in regulations or Festival scheduling.
- Students, submitting under student film are required to show proof matriculation.

**Exception for DELMARVA filmmakers:
Filmmakers, to be considered for the Blue Hen Award, filmmakers, writers, or (producer[s] and/or director) must have DELMARVA residence OR more than 50% of the film must have been filmed in the DELMARVA or South Eastern Pennsylvania Region. A separate waiver code will be provided by email.

Thank you.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Nick Natalicchio

    A fantastic festival run by people who care.

    December 2024
    Helpful
  • Rick Kain

    The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival was fantastic! Communication and organization are top notch from start to finish. The hup hotel was amazing! I had a great stay for the five days I was there. Great filmmaker mixers every evening after the screenings. Many great films were screened throughout the weeklong festival. All three of the screening venues had very good picture and sound quality. I Was very satisfied with the programming and technical aspects of the screenings. The was a wonderful awards brunch on the last day of the festival and the awards are very classy. I will be back for sure next year.

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Elizabeth Stuelke

    This was a fantastic festival. The organizers went out of their way to make sure that all filmmakers were included in quality screenings, networking opportunities, and industry panels. The location is fantastic - the Delaware coast is a unique and history-rich area. The locals are interested, knowledgable, and involved. They made the festival feel pertinent outside the festival circuit. The audience that participated in screenings, talk-backs, and logistics made a connection to the real world that is not often available at festivals that cater just to the “industry.” Participation by filmmakers and everyone in the world of independent film - from makers to audience members - made this a great experience. I can’t wait to do it again next year! Thanks for having Her Lover. Along with myself and many family members and friends in attendance, our cinematographer and one of our actors, along with many of their family members joined the event and echo these sentiments. I’d like to add a special shout out to Lisa Black, this year’s festival organizer, for a great job. This year put the festival on the map and is the first in what is sure to be a long run of great festivals!

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • MATHIOTE Pierre

    Dear Festival. I was honored for my documentary feature The River’s song to be selected into your Festival. So proud to be part of this programme. As a French producer and director, and given the difficulties in making I am very touched to be able to present my work outside of France. I hope this will help the film to be distributed and purchased by a broadcaster. Thank you very much again to your entire team and the quality of your communication. Pierre

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Chris Hirschhaeuser

    We are very honored RBIFF took our movie "Artist uncredited" into the line up with some many fine short movies. It was a great festival with amazing hospitality of the organizers who brought the filmmakers together and gave everyone a great feeling. Thank you very much to Lisa, Gordon, the board members and all the team for making our visit a great memorable experience !

    November 2024
    Helpful