Rochester
International
Film Festival

Presenting the best in short films since 1959

Attend the 2026 Festival!

Come To Our 2026 Festival!

April 30, May 1 & 2

The Best in Short Films

Join us! All four distinct screenings are FREE to attend at the George Eastman Museum’s famed Dryden Theatre 900 East Avenue in Rochester, New York.

  • April 30 Thursday, 7:30pm
  • May 1 Friday, 7:30pm
  • May 2 Saturday, 2pm matinee
  • May 2 Saturday, 7:30pm
3 DAYS. DOZENS of FILMS. Hundreds of FILM LOVERS.

Donations welcome. We are an all-volunteer non-profit organization.

Attend the 2026 Festival
View Programs from Previous Fests

Attend
a scheduled
Best of the Fest
community event

Learn More about Community Events

Best of the Fest, 2025-2026
scheduled programs (open to the public)

September

  • Friday, September 12 at 1:00pm:
    Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*

October

  • Monday, October 6 at 7:00pm:
    Irondequoit Town Library, 100 Titus Ave, Rochester
  • Friday, October 10 at 1:00pm:
    Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*
    *Call 585-340-8655 to register

November

  • Friday, November 14 at 1:00pm:
    Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*

December

  • Friday, December 12 at 1:00pm:
    Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*

January

  • Friday, January 9 at 1:00pm:
    Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*
  • Tuesday, January 30 at 1:00pm: A Short Trip Around the World
    Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd, Webster**

February

  • Friday, February 13 at 1:00pm:
    Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*
  • Thursday, February 19 at 4:00pm: Comedies
    Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd, Webster**

March

  • Friday, March 13 at 1:00pm:
    Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*
  • Thursday, March 26 at 1:00pm: 2025 Festival Favorites
    Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd, Webster**

April

  • Friday, April 10 at 1:00pm:
    Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*

* For programs at the Penfield Community Center, please call 585-340-8655 to reserve your seat.

** For programs at the Webster Public Library, no ticket or reservation required, but people are asked to call 585-872-7075 (option 3) so the staff can make sure they have enough chairs set up.

Raves & Praise

Audience members rave about our carefully selected programs of films from around the world. Many attend all four festival shows each year, year after year, and look forward to voting for the “Best of the Fest.” We hope this year you’ll be among them!

Kudos from RIFF Audience Members 2024-2025

“I have attended the RIFF each year for more than a decade and have never been sorry. It’s always an interesting mix of films from around the world. I am already looking forward to next year’s event!!
A big thank you to all the filmmakers and the volunteers who make this event possible.”
– RIFF attendee 2025
“Year after year, we love going to the Rochester Film Festival. The films are diverse, clever, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always intriguing. The Dryden is the perfect venue with palpable excitement as the curtain literally rises. We appreciate the behind the scenes work to curate each show and to bring filmmakers to town.”
– Karen R.
“What an accomplishment! We haven’t been to the film fest for quite a while and never attended all four sessions. Well, this year we went 4 for 4 and loved it. Such interesting films that I continue to think about and look forward to seeing some of them in the Best of the Fest series. Next year’s RIFF is already on our calendar. Thank you for supporting RIFF for so many years – it is quite a treasure.”
– Sue
“I have attended the RIFF for many years and I always enjoy the variety of films. I love movies that are inspired by true stories – they stay with me long after I’ve left the theatre. This year, two films inspired me. Lollie was so heart-warming. The young woman who formed a friendship with Lola and went out of her way to help her, really moved me. I truly believe that the young woman was an angel on earth. They Call Me The Cross Man truly touched my heart. Mr. Ennciso honored so many people that lost their lives. I especially loved that he built the crosses himself.”
– Colleen Shaughnessy
“The tireless effort, joy and time put in by the film’s writers, directors and actors was both striking and impressive! I was fascinated by the original and various subject matters. It was great that some of the film’s creators were able to visit the Rochester International Film Festival and speak directly to an eager audience. Overall, the Rochester International Film Festival staff and volunteers did an outstanding job organizing the Rochester International Film Festival.”
– Anthony Levatino
“We have been attending RIFF for many years. We truly look forward to this event and try to see as many shows as possible. The films can be funny, sentimental, deep, educational, beautiful, confusing, humbling, tough to watch at times and thought provoking. The films most appreciated and memorable are those you can’t wait to chat about afterwards! What was the hidden message? Did you understand everything the filmmaker was trying to convey? We always walk away knowing our eyes have been opened to a new and/or different world and for this we are very grateful!”
– Scott and Janet Rosenberg
“We eagerly anticipate the RIFF every year and are never disappointed. Such a great event for our community! We thought the films this year were outstanding!”
– Eileen Blakely
“The foreign films in this year’s festival provided unique insight into different cultures around the world.”
– Anonymous Film Fan
“The RIFF films are highly professional. They are short, but succeed brilliantly in both entertaining and making their point. No wonder this festival has been so successful for so many years.”
– Chris Pruszynski Director, Tom Hope Memorial Media Scholar Program
“The films were fabulous–great show.”
– Anonymous Film Fan
“Thank you and the filmmakers – so very excellent and uplifting.”
– Anonymous Film Fan
“It was a pleasure to attend the well-organized, well-attended, well-curated 2024 Rochester International Film Festival. An added bonus was that so many filmmakers were able to attend from all corners of the earth!”
– Taylor Whitney

Raves & Praise from Participating Filmmakers 2024-2025

Filmmakers appreciate the thoughtful feedback, audience reception, and engaging activities we offer them. Here’s how they describe some of the highlights that make coming to our festival a unique experience for them.

“Attending the Rochester International Film Festival was an absolute joy from start to finish. The organizers and volunteers truly went out of their way to create an unforgettable experience for the filmmakers. You can feel the deep respect this community has for the history of art and film. More than just a screening opportunity, this festival is a great opportunity for connection and inspiration. Highly recommended to any filmmaker looking for a warm, film-loving community that truly shows up.”
– David Gelb, “Laika” (2025)
“Truly a one-of-a-kind experience, especially for up and comers that should not be missed when given the chance. I could write a novel, but I think the other reviewers are already doing that, so I’ll leave mine brief; one of the best film festival experiences ever, without question.”
– Mason Beck, “Your Last Wishes” (2025)
“I have written, produced and directed 9 short films and attended numerous festivals. I can honestly say this was one of our best festival experiences by far. Marilyn, Donna, Bill and the RIFF team go all out, know how to run a first-class festival, and truly respect filmmakers. All films are screened in the famed Dryden Theatre with exceptional projection and sound, every screening is full… RIFF is a top notch festival and will always be a must submit for us.”
– Alfred Thomas Catalfo, “Mars Hill Bait and Ammo” (2025)
“Amazing festival, exclamation point! The staff was unbelievably hospitable, creating a wonderful environment and experience for everyone. The film selection was of unusually high quality, showcasing great works from around the world. It was a special experience that I will never forget.”
– Dylan Levine, “The Clock Painter” (2025)
“Lovely film festival. Each of the four blocks of short films were screened in a beautiful theater with a packed audience. The organizers (all volunteers) provided home stays, all meals, tours of Eastman Kodak factory and museum as well as RIT, and multiple filmmaker networking events. They really show their love of film and filmmakers! A truly unique festival!”
– Gabrielle Kardon, “Through Thin Ice” (2025)
“For three days, RIFF organizes immersive tours and local experiences at places like Kodak and the George Eastman Mansion. You’ll come away knowing every filmmaker by name — it’s intimate, personal, and community-driven in a way that few festivals are. For me, returning to Rochester — where I once worked as a news reporter — made this feel like a true homecoming. Having THIRTEEN screen here was deeply meaningful, and I will carry the memories of this weekend with me forever.”
– Allison Norlian, “Thirteen” (2025)
“If you are accepted to RIFF, beg or borrow the money to attend. This is a festival where the filmmakers are truly valued. The hardworking festival board and volunteers are film lovers who select a wide range of interesting and unpretentious shorts which will appeal to their appreciative audience. It was the best three days I’d had in a long time. Many thanks.”
– Mhairi Kerr, “The Loving Couple” (2025)
“One of the best festivals I ever attended. The organizers are so communicative and supportive. The festival selection quality itself is very high with many international filmmakers attending. The films are screened at a cinema-grade theater with over 300 seats. Over 3 days, the auditorium was sold out each night. It’s definitely worth it.”
– Sargon Saadi, “Mystery of the Flower” (2025)

“A one-of-a-kind festival with a long and rich history, curated and organized by a team of hardworking, deeply-caring volunteers. With three jam-packed days of screenings, meals, and educational tours, there were many opportunities for growth and to get to know other filmmakers. For 2024, the program was full of thought-provoking films by filmmakers from diverse backgrounds with unique viewpoints and voices. Thank you to the Rochester Film Festival for bringing us all together.“
– Sebastian Boneta, “Runaway” (2024)

“This one is magic. This is the only festival where I left knowing every single other filmmaker there by their first name. Even the most hardened introvert will have trouble not making friends here. This is the only festival where I saw every single other film. This is one of only a handful of festivals that has created a true, authentic sense of community that, from here on out, you will be part of. It is truly unique, top to bottom, from the selection process, to the format, to the people running it. In a world of cookie cutter McMansions, you have just found that perfect little historic bungalow with authentic character. Submit! And if you get in, GO! Definitely, GO!“
– Kemp Brinson, “Just Laugh” (2024)

“Dating back to 2010, I’ve been in attendance at dozens of film festivals all across the US. I can only think of one other festival that cared so deeply and so personally for each and every filmmaker at the fest. From the homestay program to the amiability of each and every one of the veritable army of volunteers that makes the festival a success. I felt loved even before I showed up in Rochester, but once there was really treated as if I were a family member. I was also pleasantly surprised with the quality of the programming – again selected by volunteer jury members. This level of attention, volunteerism, and care is rare in my experience and it has me wanting to return to Rochester as soon as I can finish my next short!”
– Ryan Steven Green, “It’s for You: Ephemeral Art & the Death of the Public Phone” (2024)
“Rochester truly outdoes the festival experience. From the curation, to the networking events, to visiting Kodak and the outstanding hospitality, I can’t wait to keep going back every time I make a film. Much love to… all the volunteers who make it happen.”
– Jhanvi Mota, “Mirage” (2024)
“(There was a ) “jaw-dropping level of hospitality and support that came from the coordinators and volunteers of RIFF. Of ALL the festivals I have attended, this was certainly the best – and the reviewers have vast experience in film, production, and are extraordinarily generous with their time, knowledge, and making one feel welcome in Rochester. The conversations/interactions (with other filmmakers) were priceless. What an unforgettable experience.”
– James Middleton, “Political Asylum” (2024)
“An amazing and very family friendly festival. We have been fortunate, as distributors and as authors, to have been able to attend the festival several times and we can say, without hesitation, that it is one of the best festivals that are held and where they take the best care of the short filmmaker.”
– YAQ Distribution, “This Is Not Norway” (2024)

“I could not recommend this festival more! In fact, it was one of the highlights of my film-festival going experience. Rochester International takes care of the filmmaker in a way I’ve never experienced at another festival: every day is planned out and includes tours, meals, networking events, art galleries, and of course the screenings at the beautiful Dryden Theater. Plus, the screenings were filled with audience members! It was the kind of festival that encouraged genuine relationship building with other filmmakers. Rochester is worth the entry fee!“
– Doron Drew Feldman, “Pivot Pals” (2023)”

“As co-directors, we went in 2023 to the 65th Rochester International Film Festival and loved the whole experience! We had quality time with filmmakers from all over the world, to share, learn and build rapport during many fun and well-organized events. The festival took good care of all of us and provided host families to stay with, who are also film lovers and big supporters of the fest. It was heart-warming to attend and be welcomed into this community. We were excited to see all the films and appreciated high local attendance at the screenings.“
– Leslie Dann, “A Colonial Trading Woman: Margaret Hardenbroeck Philipse” (2023)

Are You A Filmmaker?

Learn More About Submitting a Film