Downtown Rome will roll out the red carpet Nov. 6-9 as the Rome International Film Festival returns to Broad Street with Georgia-made movies, student films and special guests across multiple venues including the DeSoto Theatre, Pam Studios and Screen 417.
This year’s festival highlights Georgia-made films, regional talent and educational programs that connect filmmakers and students from across the state.
The events begin Wednesday, Nov. 5, with The Local Student College Shorts showcase at 8:15 p.m. in the DeSoto Theatre. The program will feature short films from Georgia Highlands, Berry, West Georgia and the University of North Georgia.
History professor Bronson Long will lead a Q&A after a screening of “Ken Burns’ The American Revolution.” Admission is free for GHC students.
The official kickoff will take place Thursday, Nov. 6, starting at 4:30 p.m. with a Georgia Entertainment Magazine event hosted by Southern Isle Productions. The panel will highlight GHC students and filmmakers.
That evening’s opening film, “Signing Tony Raymond,” premieres at 7:10 p.m. at the DeSoto.
The movie was produced by Film Chair Seth Ingram and directed by Glenn Owen of Cartersville. It was filmed entirely in Georgia and features Rob Morgan, Brad Carter and NFL Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, who also helped produce the project.
Ingram said the film came together after years of collaboration within Georgia’s film industry. “We’ve known each other a long time,” he said. “Champ’s involvement really gave it the push it needed.”
Friday will feature the cult comedy “Gentlemen Broncos” at 7 p.m., followed by a Q&A with writer and director Jerusha Hess, who co-wrote “Napoleon Dynamite.”
Earlier that day, two students and a faculty member from Sapir College in Israel will present a block of student films focused on post-production and animation.
Saturday’s schedule includes “On the End,” starring Tim Blake Nelson, from 4:15 to 6:25 p.m. at the DeSoto. The evening will continue with a “Napoleon Dynamite” retrospective presented by Nelson and Hess. Director Josh Waller will also appear to discuss “Lone Samurai.”
The festival will close Sunday, Nov. 9, with “The Other People,” a psychological thriller directed by Chad McLaren, at the DeSoto. The weekend will end with a screening of “Austenland” in honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. The comedy, written and directed by Hess, features Jennifer Coolidge.
Atlanta Rhythm Section will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Rome City Auditorium. The concert, sponsored by Ready or Not Productions, will include local keyboardist Lee Sheely.
Outside of the screenings, the Media Innovation Academy, formerly the Student Film Academy, will take place Oct. 31 at Georgia Highlands College’s Floyd campus.
Led by Emily Harris and Nathan Ploeg, the academy introduces high school students to digital storytelling, podcasting and film.
“RIFF was the one that started the academy years ago,” Harris said. “Now, with GHC support, it’s grown into something bigger than film. It’s about storytelling across all media.”
Guest presenters will include Evan Hodges, who composed for MTV’s “Catfish,” Cooper VanRossum on esports, Michael Tucker on podcasting and Jessica Bennett on camera stunts.
Harris, who also serves as volunteer coordinator, said she looks forward to meeting new and returning RIFF volunteers. “RIFF is so dependent on volunteer work,” she said. “It’s what makes the festival happen.”
For four days, downtown Rome will turn into a hub for filmmakers, students and storytellers celebrating Georgia’s growing film industry.
Festival details, film posters and event times are available at riffga.com.
