The Story of the Richmond Film Network
As we approach our third anniversary in August, we reflect on where we are and where we began.
Founded in 2022 by Lisa Giles—who created Virginia’s high school state championship in film in 2015 and has been producing the Richmond 48 Hour Film Project since 2017—the Richmond Film Network (RFN) emerged from a simple need: to create a networked, collaborative community for independent filmmakers. While producing the Richmond 48, which attracts well over a thousand local storytellers annually, Lisa receives countless requests for recommendations for crew and cast for separate creative projects. Recognizing a gap in the local filmmaking ecosystem, she launched the Richmond Film Network: a semi-private, algorithm-free, and supportive online platform designed to connect filmmakers, actors, and crew members in a thriving, accessible community.
This mission quickly grew beyond digital connections. In November 2022, RFN began hosting its monthly Short Film Series, offering an inclusive stage for works that might not otherwise find a home. Over seven consecutive months at Bow Tie Movieland, RFN showcased 44 short films representing voices from across the globe—17 from Virginia and DC, 21 across the U.S., and six internationally. The series welcomed underrepresented voices, including women, creators of color, and the LGBTQ+ community, reinforcing RFN’s commitment to authentic representation and the power of diverse storytelling.
In May 2023, a pivotal dinner with members Jeramy Moore, Matthew Tate, Chris Abaya, and Foster Solomon sparked an expansion of RFN’s programming that would support the essential voices of screenwriters. By June 2023, the RFN Screenwriters' Lab had launched, convening monthly at Henrico County libraries. These labs have since become a cornerstone of RFN’s programming: spaces for writers to share their work, receive constructive feedback, and refine their scripts in an environment built on respect and collaboration. To date, the lab has met for 24 consecutive months and workshopped 46 scripts by 22 different writers—testaments to the passion and persistence of our creative community.
Recognizing the transformative impact of critique and revision, RFN also launched FIRST PAGES, a literary magazine highlighting the evolution of scripts through the Lab—presenting the original first pages of scripts alongside their revised versions. This initiative underscores RFN’s belief in the enduring value of nurturing bold ideas.
In addition to the Lab, RFN has brought scripts to life through live public table reads, enlisting talented local actors to give voice to characters on the page. This spring, RFN also introduced the Screenwriting Showdown script competition, designed to further amplify writers’ work and foster a spirit of discovery within our community.
This month, RFN expanded its reach with the launch of the RFN Podcast, featuring conversations with filmmakers and creators from Richmond and beyond who bring their cinematic visions to life. Each episode delves into the creative identities of guests, exploring their inspirations, their challenges in securing funding, and their journeys from script to screen at festivals and streaming platforms. The podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify, offering a dynamic way for audiences to engage with the voices shaping independent cinema today.
We know that when dreams are supported, dreams become realities. RFN exists to help storytellers do exactly that: to fuel their inspiration, to find their collaborators, and to see their projects come to fruition.
At its heart, RFN is about transforming inspiration into action—by connecting storytellers to the people and resources they need to bring their visions to life.
As a small, woman- and minority-owned enterprise, RFN thrives on the generosity of its volunteers. And we invite partners and sponsors to support this vital work—so that together, we can continue to foster a dynamic, inclusive community where every voice has the power to captivate, connect, and inspire.
