Ray McKinnon, Danny McBride, Jerusha and Jared Hess Headline 23rd Rome International Film Festival

The Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) returns to downtown Rome, Georgia, Nov. 5-8, 2026, celebrating its 23rd year with four days of film screenings, celebrity appearances, filmmaker conversations, networking opportunities, parties and special events. Recognized as one of the Southeast's notable film festivals, RIFF brings together acclaimed actors, directors, producers, emerging filmmakers, students and film enthusiasts for an exciting celebration of independent cinema and storytelling.

Headlining this year's festival is actor, writer, producer and filmmaker Danny McBride, who will attend on Saturday, Nov. 7, to receive the prestigious Flannery O'Connor Award for Storytelling. Presented with permission from the Mary Flannery O'Connor Charitable Trust, the award honors artists whose work reflects the originality, distinctive voice, humor and complexity associated with the legendary Georgia author. McBride joins previous recipients Billy Bob Thornton, Ethan and Maya Hawke, Tim Blake Nelson and Jerusha Hess.

Opening night on Thursday, Nov. 5, features The Accountant, starring McKinnon and Walton Goggins. The film won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 2002. 

The festival will present a special selection of McBride's work during the weekend, along with opportunities for festival attendees to hear from him about his career in film and television. Select meet-and-greet opportunities will also be available for Rome Film and Entertainment Society passholders.

McBride will participate in a special festival talkback and Q&A as part of RIFF's headline programming.

Filmmakers Jared Hess and Jerusha Hess will also be featured guests during the festival.

Jared Hess is the writer and director behind films including "Napoleon Dynamite," "Nacho Libre," "Gentlemen Broncos" and "A Minecraft Movie," and is currently involved with its upcoming sequel. Jerusha Hess, the 2025 recipient of RIFF's “Flannery O'Connor Award for Storytelling,” is the writer and director of "Austenland" and has collaborated with Jared on several of their most beloved films.

The Hesses will present their 2015 comedy "Don Verdean," starring Sam Rockwell and Jemaine Clement and featuring Danny McBride, as part of the festival's Friday, Nov. 6, programming.

Jerusha Hess will also unveil her new short film, "Your Daughter Clytnyann," starring Edi Patterson and Tony Hale, during the festival.

Beyond its celebrity headliners, RIFF showcases an international selection of narrative features, documentaries, animated films, student productions and shorts. Featured programming includes Once Upon a Time in Macon, Slay, starring Jimmi Simpson, and the closing-night feature Frogtown. The festival also highlights Georgia filmmaking through The Red Clay Rumble, a special collection celebrating productions created in the state.

RIFF's industry jury includes French Stewart, Vanessa Stewart, Ethan Embry, Lisa Ferrell and Sunny Mabrey. Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, red carpets, networking receptions and opportunities to connect with entertainment professionals.

The festival concludes Sunday, Nov. 8, with "Rome Remembers Dolly: A Tribute to Dolly Parton," a special closing-night concert celebrating the legendary entertainer's music and enduring cultural influence. Whiskey Revival will serve as the house band, joined by talented singers and musicians from Rome and Northwest Georgia performing beloved Dolly Parton songs.

Set against the backdrop of historic downtown Rome, RIFF offers an intimate, walkable festival experience combining cinema, music, Southern hospitality and community. The nonprofit organization remains dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers, encouraging artistic discovery and bringing world-class entertainment to Northwest Georgia.