Annually since 2002, RIFF has brought the best in contemporary international and independent film to the Inland Empire region of Southern California, the fastest growing area in America. In this, our 22nd year, RIFF seeks diverse and challenging films of social upheaval, human conflict, and the boldness of the human spirit. We also enjoy the best of comedy, mystery, science fiction. and horror. We particularly appreciate subtitled films, student films, and animation. A very high percentage of filmmakers and actors attend to present their films and to participate in workshops and forums.

Awards & Prizes

Awards to the Audience Favorite in the categories of Feature Film, Documentary, Short Film, Student Film, and Animation.

Jury Awards in Feature Film, Documentary, Short Film, Student Film, and Animation.

Awards for films in any category selected for the Founder's Award and the President's Award.

Rules & Terms

All entries must be submitted online. If your film is selected, we will require an online press kit. We welcome postcards for festival display. RIFF does not provide housing or transportation costs to filmmakers attending the festival.
32 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Goce Cvetanovski

    It was an awesome experience to have our film "The Business of Pleasure" featured on Riverside International Film Festival among other great movies. Communication process went great and apparently the projections were top notch. Would love to participate again.

    April 2024
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  • Harriet Marin Jones

    A big thanks to Jim, Max and all the RIFF team ! So grateful to have won Best Documentary Special Mention for my film King of Kings in this 22nd edition. It's a great honor!

    April 2024
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  • Lynn Tang

    Good international film festival to attend.

    August 2023
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  • Keith Wilhelm Kopp

    We had a blast at the 2023 Riverside International Film Festival. The team were excellent and there is a real sense of a filmmaking community in the town. We were so pleased to receive three awards for our film Translations.

    May 2023
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  • Colin Francis Costello

    We won the audience award at Riverside and we are so grateful! It was well worth the drive from LA!

    April 2023
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