Since the credits rolled on the RiverRun International Film Festival back in April, the nonprofit organization has been working behind the scenes and creating new initiatives ahead of its 2027 festival.

These initiatives include three new programs, a student-focused kick-off event in September, and the opportunity to submit films earlier and accessible entry pricing for filmmakers.

RiverRun’s 29th annual film festival will take place from April 16 to 24, 2027.

“Our new programming initiatives will pull back the curtain on the festival experience, offering filmmakers and audiences a clearer look at who watches submitted films, how programming decisions are made, and the values guiding RiverRun’s selection,” said Executive Director Michael Morin. “This next chapter strengthens RiverRun’s commitment to discovering exceptional work, championing artists, and creating meaningful access to cinema for the communities of the Piedmont Triad and beyond.”

To help with these new initiatives, RiverRun has hired Ben Umstead as director of programming and artist relations and Katherine White as director of development and operations.

New fall event will foster love for film year-round

As part of its mission to nurture the creative and filmmaking community in Winston-Salem, RiverRun has created a fall event with UNCSA and a/perture cinema called “Scene & Heard.” The inaugural event on Friday, Sept. 18, will screen “I Love Boosters,” followed by a conversation with writer and director Boots Riley. The film, which premiered in May 2026, has a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Scene & Heard” with Boots Riley will take place at UNCSA’s ACE Exhibition Complex. Tickets will cost $25 or $5 for students with a valid ID, on sale starting Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Three new programs will help guide RiverRun’s selection

RiverRun now has three programs that will bring in new voices to help decide on its curation of films and other festival activities. These programs are the Curiatorial Filmmaker Fellowship; a Community Programming initiative focused on regional arts leaders, local filmmakers, and cultural and community partners; and Youth Shaping Emerging Leaders in Exhibition and Curatorial Talent (SELECT).

The Curatorial Filmmaker Fellowship brings together six filmmakers from both documentary and narrative cinema who will also provide workshops, talks, and events during the festival.

The Community Programming panel utilizes talent and experience of leaders from the community. For 2027, programmers include:

Brittany K. Giles-Jones, arts consultant
Jake Laystrom, a/perture cinema curator
Christopher Everett, Southern Documentary Fund artistic director
Max Cullen, OUT at the movies operations and development director
Taja Seafus, D.O.S.E Artist Collective president and Arts District co-chair
Tiffany Albright, Queer Fear Film Festival founder

Finally, the YOUTH Select program will recruit students and local filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 26. Each programmer will be eligible for a stipend or course credit for their time helping to program RiverRun.

RiverRun will focus recruitment efforts in the Triad, but Morin hopes to expand this in future years to include other schools and regions in the state.

Email youthselect@riverrunfilm.com if interested in applying.

New deadlines, fees for film submission

RiverRun has opened its submissions for the 2027 festival, giving more time to filmmakers. Normally, the festival opens its submissions in September.

Through the end of the month, entry fees are $33 for shorts and $44 for features.

The early bird deadline is Monday, Aug. 31, and the regular deadline for submissions is Monday, Sept. 28.