FEBRUARY 8 FEST
- December 8, 2024 submission deadline
- January 8, 2025 notification date

MAY 17 FEST
- March 17, 2025 submission deadline
- April 17, 2025 notification date

AUGUST 9 FEST
- June 9, 2025 submission deadline
- July 9, 2025 notification date

NOVEMBER 15 FEST
- September 15, 2025 submission deadline
- October 15, 2025 notification date

RFN Indie Film Fest is where visionary storytellers and film enthusiasts converge to experience innovative independent cinema. Each quarter, we showcase a carefully curated selection of short and feature films that push the boundaries of storytelling, followed by insightful filmmaker talkbacks that spark conversation, connection, and community.

In addition to films, audiences can enjoy live table reads featuring local writers and actors, our highly anticipated Short Script Showdown screenwriting competition, and the Emerging Voices showcase, highlighting fresh talent. With an atmosphere charged with creativity, RFN Indie Film Fest offers the perfect mix of entertainment, community, and inspiration for both creators and cinephiles alike.

Our quarterly format keeps the festival a constant cultural presence, making it a catalyst for collaboration and new ideas. Whether you're a filmmaker looking to share your voice, or a film lover craving original content that reflects today's world, RFN Indie Film Fest is the place to be.

We encourage submissions from women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and the Virginia/DMV community. We celebrate diverse voices across genres and backgrounds, ensuring every audience member sees themselves represented on our big screen.

The Park—Richmond's premier entertainment venue—sets the stage for unforgettable cinematic moments, offering free parking and a range of food and beverages to elevate your experience.

Our fest prioritizes substance and quality over quantity. In our first season, we screened 44 films from seven countries and 11 states, with winners crowned in 13 categories. For our second season, spanning four months, expect to see 50 shorts and four features on our main stage, and dozens of trailers, proofs of concept, and more in our Brews and Views Zone.

Join us, and be part of a movement that’s shaping the future of independent film!

Official Selection filmmakers enjoy complimentary admission to the fest for which their film is selected to screen.

An Audience Choice Award is selected at each quarterly fest.

At the conclusion of the Season, the following achievements are recognized:

Best Film
Best International Film
Best DMV Film
Best Director
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Screenplay
Best Production Design
Best Score/Music
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress

Trophies for these standout achievements are presented to the winners.

As we are a quarterly series festival, submissions are open for the entire Season. Due to the current limitations of FilmFreeway, submission deadline, notification date, and event date for each fest is not listed on the landing page. Here is that information:

FEBRUARY 8 FEST
- December 8, 2024 submission deadline
- January 8, 2025 notification date

MAY 17 FEST
- March 17, 2025 submission deadline
- April 17, 2025 notification date

AUGUST 9 FEST
- June 9, 2025 submission deadline
- July 9, 2025 notification date

NOVEMBER 15 FEST
- September 15, 2025 submission deadline
- October 15, 2025 notification date

Submissions are considered for programming in any one of the four months in the Series. It is possible for a film not to be accepted for the next scheduled fest, but be accepted for a subsequent fest considering thematic programming dynamics.

Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

While we accept films of any length, shorts no longer than 25 minutes and features no longer than 90 minutes may have a greater chance at being selected and programmed.

Although not mandatory, Virginia premieres are preferred.

Submissions must be in English, subtitled in English, or silent.

If selected, submissions must not be accessible online from time of notification through the date of its screening with us (generally a period of one month).

Shorts, features and television episodes are screened on our main stage. Trailers, proofs of concept, and music videos are screened in our Brews & Views Zone.

We cannot accept works in progress given the tight turnaround to produce a quarterly Series. Consider submitting after your film is complete.

Submitters must have a complete FilmFreeway profile for their film with standard Electronic Press Kit assets including, but not limited to: film, trailer, poster, stills, director headshot, director bio, logline, cast and crew credits, etc. These help us properly promote your film.

Submitters must have rights to the work submitted and understand that submission of the work authorizes the Richmond Film Network Indie Film Fest to screen the work and use the work for any exhibition, education and/or publicity purposes. RFN Indie Film Fest is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits or royalty infringement related to the work. A signed contract to this effect is required upon acceptance.

Submission fees are non-refundable.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I was unfortunately unable to attend Richmond Film Network for my short FARMER ED but they really know how to make their filmmakers feel like rockstars regardless. I am so grateful to this team of film lovers to pour all their energy into this festival and bringing the community together. Thank you Richmond!

    July 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Azwan, it was our pleasure having "Farmer Ed" screen with us. We hope to see more of your work in the future! TOTAL rockstar!

  • Cory Stonebrook

    Richmond Film Networks Short Film Series was a wonderful experience. They are very communicative, friendly and run a great event. We were excited to be nominated for their awards and to screen with other great shorts!

    July 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Cory, thank you so much! It was truly wonderful being able to share FLORENCE with Richmond. We are major fans of the entire Yeah Yeah Yeah Films team!

  • The Richmond Film Network doesn't just make the filmmakers feel like a superstar, but also any guest who attends this event will be treated the same. It is a fun and encouraging network that only wants to encourage filmmakers not only in Virginia but around the world. Lisa Giles and her team always make you feel special and want you to be proud of the film you made no matter what.

    June 2023
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    Response from festival:

    You ARE a superstar, Sam! Thanks for always making us laugh… usually inappropriately! 😆

  • Will Dunlap

    Terrific presentation by Lisa and her team. Honored to share the stage with other devoted Virginia filmmakers. Strongly recommend.

    June 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Will, thank you so much for sharing Gary & Celeste with us. The honor is ours.

  • Great festival. Great communication. Great people. I would highly recommend. Thanks for including us

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much, Rickey! It was such a delight sharing Naked Zombie Girl is Back! with Richmond!