Ripley Co. Community Foundation Launches First-Ever Film Festival

The festival will run from June 2-7, 2025, at the Gibson Theatre in Batesville and Damm Theatre in Osgood.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - The Ripley County Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the first-ever Ripley County Film Fest, celebrating local filmmakers and creativity right here in our community! The festival will run from June 2-7, 2025 at the Gibson Theatre in Batesville and Damm Theatre in Osgood, offering an exciting lineup of short films submitted by local talent.

Making the Festival a Reality: Support from the Indiana Arts Commission

This exciting new endeavor is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency dedicated to supporting the arts and cultural development in Indiana. Their Arts Project Support Grant program aligns perfectly with the vision for the Film Fest, as it aims to provide the general public access to quality arts activities, with special attention to underserved communities, and to support local or Hoosier artists who are a vital part of Indiana's economy and community life. We are incredibly grateful for their support in helping us bring this event to life.

Preserving History, Celebrating Creativity

The Damm Theatre and Gibson Theater are two of the only remaining single-screen theaters in the area, making them treasured landmarks that carry forward the charm of classic cinema. Hosting the Film Fest at these historic venues makes the event even more special, giving audiences a rare, authentic movie-going experience. Their unique role in the community makes them the perfect place to celebrate storytelling and support local talent.

Throughout the week, attendees can enjoy nightly screenings of locally submitted short films, followed by Hollywood movies. The excitement will culminate on Saturday, June 7, with a grand finale showing of the winning films for a day of ‘Film Fest fun’!

Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker and Submit Your Short Film

“The arts are a vital part of any community, fostering creativity, imagination, and a sense of place,” stated Amy Streator, Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation. "We are excited to support the Ripley County Film Fest as a way to celebrate the talents of our local filmmakers and provide a platform for their stories to be shared. We encourage everyone to participate and enjoy this exciting new event!"

Whether you’re an experienced filmmaker, a student, or someone with a passion for storytelling, everyone is welcome to submit a short film! The Ripley County Film Fest is open to all ages and levels of experience, making this an inclusive event designed to showcase the creativity and imagination of our community. The submission deadline is April 1, 2025.

For more information on the Ripley County Film Fest and to submit a short film, visit our website at https://rccfonline.org/impact/initiatives/ripley-youth-outreach/. Join us in celebrating the vibrant stories and talents of Ripley County!

The Ripley County Community Foundation is committed to Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter and is located at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville. To learn how you can invest in the future of Ripley County, or to leave your legacy, contact the Ripley County Community Foundation at (812) 933-1098 or visit www.rccfonline.org.