RICHMOND, Va. -- The Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) is scheduled to return to Richmond movie theaters September 7 - 12, 2021. Tickets are on sale now.
More than 150 films will be feature over the course of the event.
“This year we mark the 10th year of the festival with the theme, This is Richmond. It will be a very special edition as we not only celebrate the anniversary but all of our past distinguished guests and the festival’s impact on the arts and community," RIFF Founder and Producer Heather Waters said. "We are grateful for the opportunity to introduce Richmond to all of the talented filmmakers and musicians from across the world who showcase their work at our festival. And the growth we have experienced over the years would not have been possible without our loyal patrons and community partners. So this year, it will be a time of celebration for all of us collectively and for our remarkable city.”
Opening night will headline three Virginia-centric films.
GOOD ROAD, produced by Craig Martinand Earl Bridges and directed and written by Andrew Duensing. Recently nominated for a daytime Emmy, this docuseries focuses on reflecting the good road that everyday people around the world venture through despite some of today’s pressing global challenges.
MENDING WALLS, directed by PamHervey and Tod Hervey, follows popular artist Hamilton Glass as he challenges over 30 artists with different cultural backgrounds to collaborate on 16 different murals throughout the city of Richmond.
WELCOME TO THE SHOW, which is on a clear path to becoming a university cult classic. The film was written by actress and VCU professor Dorie Barton for her university students and it completed post during the pandemic. Filmed in Richmond, an invitation to a mysterious theatre piece, “The Show,” sends four best friends down a mind-bending rabbit hole of mistrust and madness as they try to figure out who are the actors, who is the audience, who is doing this to them, and why.
The late Academy Award-winning actress Olympia Dukakis will be honored with a Legacy Award. The Legacy Award honors an industry leader who has displayed an outstanding contribution to the arts.
"Olympia was set to receive the honor in person prior to her passing a couple of months ago," Waters said. "Her daughter Christina Zorich (director and co-producer on the film) will be accepting it on both of their behalfs at red carpet awards."
"This year's award is particularly special as we recognize the outstanding contribution of family legacy," Waters continued. "Through the lens of a Mother-Daughter relationship, The New Abolitionists, and their other humanitarian endeavors, we are reminded of the powerful influence we can have when joining together with family, the industry, and community to use our collective voice to make positive change."
The New Abolitionists will screen on Saturday, September 11, at 2 p.m. at the Bowtie Movieland Theater 15.
Click here for the complete RIFF schedule.
Click here to learn more about the featured films
