RIDGEWOOD GUILD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS
APRIL 24, 2025

Celebrating our 14th anniversary, the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival has grown to a well-respected film festival celebrating and focusing on the independent film maker.

Some of our special events include Industry Panels/Master Classes as well as Networking events.

Since our movie theater has been shuttered, we screen our films at various venues within a short walking distance of each other. Some of our films screen at our library in town, often as part of our World Cinema Night or Human Rights focus. Whether you are a seasoned professional, an aspiring filmmaker or a student, our festival is your opportunity to screen your artistic vision. We have been showcasing creative and inspiring filmmakers and films from around the globe for a dozen years.

Our Festival programming provides film entertainment that covers a wide variety of genres, offering something for just about everyone. It gives independent film artists a platform for sharing their work with audiences that might not otherwise have the opportunity to see them.

At the RIFF, ALL films are fully reviewed ensuring that each film submitted receives fair and equal consideration. Films are eligible for jury awards. All jurors are industry professionals. The winners of jury awards receive outstanding personalized trophies for ‘Best of’ in their genres. Each year two $500 student scholarships are awarded to the Best Middle or High School filmmaker and the Best Undergraduate College Student filmmaker. We also award a cash prize to the most promising high school student filmmaker.

Our festival is the place to be for action and excitement in Ridgewood in the spring. With its Red Carpet, Launch Party, After Party, Press Coverage, Panels, Master Classes, Awards Ceremony, film screenings complemented by lively and informative Q&A sessions with cast members and filmmakers, the annual RIFF is highly anticipated by independent filmmakers, professionals, film lovers and enthusiasts as well as students.

With easy access to New York City by train and bus, and centered in Ridgewood surrounded by many popular restaurant options, RIFF is an ideal festival hub for both visitors and locals alike.

Awards & Prizes

Red Carpet Interviews of Filmmakers with Press on hand and some Celebrities. Personalized Awards for the 'Best of' Winners are presented at the Filmmaker's Award Ceremony & After Party. (One free pass per film.) Certificates of Participation and laurels are emailed to filmmakers who are accepted into our festival.

$500 is awarded to the winner of Best Film by a middle or high school student.
$500 is awarded to the winner of Best Film by an undergraduate college student.
$200 is awarded to the most promising filmmaker in high school (Lynne Clements Memorial Award).

* NOTE: ONLY STUDENTS CURRENTLY IN ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES ARE ELIGIBLE AND QUALIFY FOR ‘STUDENT FEE’.
* Eligible above-mentioned students, if they qualify, MUST include proof of current student status at time of production [copy of student ID or letter from current school and/or teacher].
*NOTE: ALL UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A 'REGULAR STUDENT FEE.' Any above-mentioned students who qualify, MUST include proof of current student status at time of production [copy of student ID or letter from current school].
*GRADUATE COLLEGE STUDENTS & FILM SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST PAY THE STANDARD FEE AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT THEIR FILMS IN THE STUDENT CATEGORY.

Rules & Terms

Each submission must include a short synopsis of the entry, a short trailer, a bio of the filmmaker, a photo of the filmmaker, the genre/category, the production year, DOWNLOAD BUTTON ACCESS MUST BE ALLOWED, a MPAA rating if any, and the length of film. Also, a designation of who is to receive an award if one is given to the film.

If selected, the filmmaker must grant permission for the materials to be used in all publicity and promotion pertaining to the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival, including before and possibly after that year's festival.

The act of submitting your film constitutes acceptance without reservation of all rules of the RGIFF.

NOTE: Entry fees are in U.S. Dollars, are per film and are non-refundable. The Festival reserves the right to disqualify a submission, without refund of any kind, if eligibility requirements are not met including if eligibility status changes post-submission.
*Each entry must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee. Entry fees are not refundable.
*Only entries with full payment and with all required information completed will be considered.
* Filmmakers MUST include their physical address. Please do not submit a film without giving us your address, which we need for our records and to communicate with you.
*If any materials need to be mailed, the cost of shipping an entry to the festival must be paid by the entrant. Collect or COD shipments will not be accepted.
*Student submissions:
ONLY STUDENTS CURRENTLY IN ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL IN THE UNITED STATES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A 'SPECIAL STUDENT FEE'. Any above-mentioned students who qualify, MUST include proof of current student status at time of submission [copy of student ID or letter from current school and/or teacher].
*ALL UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A 'REGULAR STUDENT FEE' Any above-mentioned students who qualify, MUST include proof of current student status at time of submission [copy of student ID or letter from current school and/or teacher].
*GRADUATE COLLEGE STUDENTS & FILM SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST PAY THE STANDARD FEE. They cannot enter their films in the college undergraduate category.
*Confirmation of the filmmakers' legal rights to all music, images and content in the submitted entry if not original music. (This is important.)
Applicants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in their films, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. RGIFF expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.
48 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Brian Plow

    Thank so much for a great experience. Our film's director attended the festival and was so moved by your hospitality and the quality of the experience.

    May 2025
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  • Dan Fried

    The Ridgewood Film Festival was absolutely outstanding. We were honored to have our film "Driven Out" screen at the festival and participate in a well-orchestrated Q&A. The communication between Jim Suozzo and his team was great throughout the process. They made a huge effort to make all of the filmmakers feel welcome and appreciated. From the early week screening, to the multiple venues, to the filmmaker meet & greet, to the red carpet with video interviews and multiple photographers, to the end of the night awards ceremony and gala. The Ridgewood staff dedicated tremendous time and effort to creating a professional but warm atmosphere for all the attendees. We will definitely be returning with future work.

    April 2025
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  • Gianna Desiderioscioli

    So fun! Had a really great time and it was so amazing to network with all the amazing filmmakers.

    April 2025
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  • Anthony Germinario

    Great festival. Very friendly people they treat everyone great!

    April 2025
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  • Cynthia Cai

    I am deeply honored that my film 'Echoes of Silk and Tides' was recognized as Best Student Film at the Ridgewood International Film Festival. The entire festival experience was exceptional, marked by outstanding organization and meaningful interactions.

    April 2025
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