rfn indie fest
Saturday, February 8 at The Park RVA
Saturday, February 8 at The Park RVA
REEL JUSTICE: The Documentary Films of Loki Mulholland
12 PM MAINSTAGE KEYNOTE CONVERSATION
LOKI MULHOLLAND
Join Loki Mulholland, the Emmy-winning filmmaker, author, activist, and son of Civil Rights Icon, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, for an insightful exploration of his work in documentary filmmaking, moderated by Dr. Sherri Mehta. This compelling segment will delve into Mulholland's motivation, his acclaimed films on race and social justice, and his creative process. Highlights include clips from his award-winning documentaries, including The Uncomfortable Truth, which has been viewed over three million times on Amazon, Emmett Till: White Lies, Black Death, The Evers, and "Dying to Vote," along with insights into his mission as the founder and Executive Director of the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation.
dr. sherri mehta
Dr. Mehta, an accomplished scholar and educator specializing in African American literature and history, will guide the discussion, blending her expertise with Mulholland's narrative on the craft of filmmaking and activism. Together, they'll illuminate the power of storytelling to challenge racism and inspire social change.
Don't miss this engaging dialogue at the intersection of history, art, and justice.
TRAILERS SHOWCASE
12 PM BREWS & VIEWS ZONE
Grab a drink settle in, and get ready for a sneak peek of the incredible films featured in this quarter’s RFN Indie Fest! In the Brews & Views Zone, we’re rolling out all of the trailers, back-to-back, so you can preview the talent, stories, and creativity that make this fest one to remember. Whether you’re scouting your next screening or just love the thrill of a good trailer, this mid-day session is the perfect way to soak in the indie film vibe. Cheers to discovering your new favorite film!
short circuit
2 PM MAINSTAGE
Inspiring Films. Unforgettable Stories. Real Connections.
Get ready for an electrifying lineup of bold, offbeat, and unforgettable films that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The Short Circuit screening block delivers a whirlwind of emotions and captivating stories. Quirky, chilling, surreal, and socially resonant—this block is a celebration of the indie spirit, blending humor, heart, and thought-provoking twists. Don’t miss this cinematic adventure! The Official Selections are:
After the screening, rate your favorite film to win the coveted Audience Choice Award! Then go beyond the screen and dive into the creative process as filmmakers share their journeys, insights, and the inspiration behind their work in the post-screening filmmaker talkback.
This is your chance to support diverse, independent voices and immerse yourself in stories that will move and inspire you. Space is limited, so secure your spot today and be part of the magic that makes the RFN Indie Fest an unforgettable celebration of film.
FOREIGN SPOTLIGHT: STORIES WITHOUT BORDERS
2PM BREWS & VIEWS ZONE
Travel the globe without leaving your seat! The Foreign Spotlight block showcases an extraordinary lineup of films from Egypt, Iran, and Switzerland, celebrating diverse voices and captivating storytelling from across the world. Stick around after the screening for an engaging filmmaker talkback, where you’ll get insider perspectives on the creative journeys behind these international gems. Plus, your voice matters—rate the films to help decide the winner of the coveted Audience Choice Award! Don’t miss this cinematic journey that bridges cultures and sparks conversation.
short cuts
4:30 PM MAINSTAGE
Inspiring Films. Unforgettable Stories. Real Connections.
This block dives headfirst into raw emotion, gripping tension, and unforgettable moments that will leave you breathless. The Short Cuts screening block offers a thought-provoking, cinematic ride through the highs and lows of the human experience. Bold and emotional, this lineup pulls no punches, exploring resilience, relationships, and the lengths we go to find meaning, justice, and connection. Prepare for an evening of unforgettable stories that will resonate long after the credits roll! The Official Selections are:
After the screening, cast your vote to crown the winner of the coveted Audience Choice Award! Stay for the post-screening filmmaker talkback, where you’ll hear directly from the creators as they share their journeys, insights, and the inspiration behind their work.
Celebrate diverse, independent voices and immerse yourself in stories that will move and inspire you. Space is limited, so don’t wait—reserve your spot today and become part of the magic that makes the RFN Indie Fest an unforgettable celebration of film.
POTPOURRI: A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING
4:30 PM BREWS & VIEWS ZONE
Looking for variety? The Potpourri segment has you covered! Featuring a dynamic mix of a trailer, comedy, and proof of concept horror, this eclectic block offers something for every film lover. After the screenings, dive into an insightful filmmaker talkback to learn more about the stories and creativity behind the films. Don’t forget to rate your favorites—your vote will help decide the Audience Choice Award! This is indie filmmaking at its most versatile and vibrant.
feature focus
7 PM MAINSTAGE
One Night. One Feature. Infinite Impact.
Close out the festival with a pulse-pounding finale that will leave you gripping your seat! Remote takes us deep into the shadows of a small-town mystery where danger lurks behind every corner. With suspense, razor-sharp storytelling, and an unforgettable climax, Remote is tension-filled with a thrilling conclusion to RFN Indie Fest. Don’t miss the festival's high-stakes finale that will keep you riveted until the very last frame!
REMOTE by Matthew Tribble,
cedar rapids - thriller 1:14:13
A TV reporter and a photographer must fight for their lives when their investigation into a murder uncovers dark secrets and violent grudges among the local residents.
After the screening, rate the film to put it in the running for the coveted Audience Choice Award! Then go beyond the screen and dive into the creative process as the members of the cast share their journeys, insights, and the inspiration behind their work in the post-screening filmmaker talkback.
This is your chance to support diverse, independent voices and immerse yourself in stories that will move and inspire you. Space is limited, so secure your spot today and be part of the magic that makes the RFN Indie Fest an unforgettable celebration of film.
meet the jury
At RFN Indie Fest, our esteemed jurors play a pivotal role in shaping the festival experience. Tasked with viewing and evaluating all film submissions, they carefully determine the Official Selections that will grace our main stage and Brews & Views screen. Additionally, our jurors determine award winners in numerous categories, honoring exceptional talent and storytelling across the entire season of four quarterly festivals. Their expertise ensures that every selection and accolade reflects the very best in independent filmmaking.
about rfn indie fest
Following the success of our inaugural Short Film Series, RFN Indie Fest is an experience that celebrates bold independent cinema in Richmond, Virginia. Season Two arrives February 8 with a refreshed format, expanded programming, and a new name to match our evolving mission.
Held quarterly on Saturdays at The Park RVA, Richmond’s premier entertainment venue, RFN Indie Fest offers immersive, day-long events featuring the best in independent cinema. Our lineup is crafted for the true cinephile—films that go beyond mainstream offerings and engage in fresh storytelling, daring themes, and visual eye candy. In addition to screenings, RFN Indie Fest offers dynamic programming such as live table reads, panel discussions, or filmmaker workshops, designed to entertain, inspire, and inform.
We believe community is as important as the art itself, and RFN Indie Fest is a perfect space to connect, collaborate, and engage with like-minded creators. Our quarterly format keeps the festival a constant cultural presence, making it a catalyst for collaboration and new ideas. It’s a space to experience impactful storytelling alongside a community of creators who may become your next collaborator. Whether you're a filmmaker looking to share your voice, or a film lover craving original content that reflects today's world, join us for a festival series where films, filmmakers, and fans come together, and leave inspired and ready to create!
Volunteer, partnership, and sponsorship opportunities available! Contact us for more information.
