An annual celebration of independent cinema & music from around the globe laced with special guests, workshops and filmmaker coffee talks every year in beautiful downtown Goshen, Indiana.

2023 Key Special Guest:
David Anspaugh (Director of Rudy & Hoosiers), accompanied with the 30th Anniversary screening of Rudy.

Awards & Prizes

Howard Hawks Award
Spirit of The Fest
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Indiana Film
Best Student Film

Screenplay Competition:
Judge: Stephen Susco, writer/director of THE GRUDGE, BEYOND THE REACH, UNFRIENDED: Dark Web

Rules & Terms

We are only accepting online submissions, please do not mail any physical material. Thank you.
44 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Andrew Howell

    Great festival! Thoughtful programming and great communication. Goshen is a very pleasant town and the festival draws a good, supportive audience. Honored to have been selected.

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Brian Steele

    River Bend is one of those festivals I wish I'd been able to attend. I wasn't able to make the trip from LA, but I found the communication from the festival team to be clear and filmmaker focused, with a lot of hospitality. I'm regretting not attending because a filmmaker friend that did get to go had great things to say about the programming and overall positive vibe. Thanks again River Bend for including our film this year, and hopefully I'll attend in years to come!

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Leo Majors

    Great, well-fun fest, especially for such a small town! I hope attendance continues to improve; can't wait to come back!

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Dom Udell

    The whole team at River Bend has curated a really great festival. The programming and the hospitality is always thoughtful. I'll continue to submit and hope to keep attending in the future.

    April 2023
    Helpful
  • Azwan Badruzaman

    River Bend Film Festival was fantastic! Our horror /comedy short Farmer Ed screened and everyone was very receptive, hospitable and kind! Great community of filmmaking talent and highly supportive staff. We will always have fond memories of RBFF and of Goshen, Indiana.

    April 2023
    Helpful