Riverside International Film Festival Returns

From the Riverside International Film Festival: Since 2002, the Riverside International Film Festival has brought the best in contemporary international and independent film to the Inland Empire region of Southern California—the fastest growing area in America.

The Riverside International Film Festival (RIFF) strives to feature films that address the conflict of cultures, the human situation worldwide, and the best of local filmmakers. The festival high-lights diverse and challenging films of social upheaval, human struggle and the boldness of the human spirit, particularly on such topics as U.S. immigrant experiences, veterans’ concerns, and overcoming adversity. We also enjoy the best of comedy, mystery, science fiction, and horror. The festival also features student films, animation and subtitled films.

This year’s foreign film selection will celebrate contributions from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, France, India, Iran, The Philippines, Poland, Sweden, The United Kingdom, United Arab Emirate, and of course the USA. Those in foreign languages all have English subtitles.

A very high percentage of filmmakers and actors attend the festival to present their films, interact with audiences and other filmmakers, and participate in workshops and forums.

Among this year’s entries, is an exceptional feature film entitled Baby. It is about a girl in foster care who is about to age out and becomes involved in dog racing; another entry titled Special Unit, is a police comedy which portrays a group of differently-abled adults bringing special skills to a detective unit. In addition, a local film, Love in Moreno Valley, is a convincing portrait of contemporary teens.

The festival will also spotlight a section of films relating to veterans and the military, including one documentary entitled American Veteran, featuring a quadriplegic veteran from Murrieta. Other documentaries will include both historical topics such as the Armenian genocide; the sending of Native American children to remote boarding schools; and a very contemporary film about the Standing Rock pipeline issues.

For fans who are drawn to science fiction and horror films, this year’s film festival will include a selection of science fiction and horror films.

It is the goal of the festival to offer 4 consecutive days of complimentary film screenings for all active & retired military personnel as well as all adults over the age of 65. Tickets are available online here.

The Riverside International Film Festival 2017 is presented with the support of Riverside County’s Economic Development Agency/Riverside County Film Commission.

Flyer image courtesy of the Riverside International Film Festival