Ripley County Film Fest Award Winners Announced

The Ripley County Film Fest ran June 2-7 in Batesville and Osgood.

Photo provided.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - The inaugural Ripley County Film Fest took place June 2-7 and wrapped up this past weekend with resounding success, welcoming nearly 500 attendees over the course of a week filled with creativity, connection, and community.

Hosted by the Ripley County Community Foundation, in partnership with The Gibson Theatre in Batesville and The Damm Theatre in Osgood, the Film Fest celebrated the power of storytelling through film, showcasing 16 original short films spanning genres from heartwarming family stories and quirky comedies to thrilling mysteries and compelling dramas.

Adding to the excitement, the week featured a 24-Hour Filmmakers Challenge, hosted by Ripley County Tourism and Daniel Fayette, where teams had just one day to write, shoot, and edit a short film. These submissions were screened during the festival’s grand finale alongside the highly anticipated awards ceremony honoring outstanding filmmakers.

“We had a great time connecting with all the filmmakers and creative teams during the 24-Hour Filmmakers Challenge,” shared Ripley County Tourism Bureau, Executive Director, Terri Trowbridge. “Many thanks to the Ripley County Community Foundation for supporting this event and helping create a new platform for filmmakers to shine alongside our painters, musicians, and other creatives.”

A key highlight of the week was the festival’s setting. Both The Gibson Theatre and The Damm Theatre are historic single-screen venues, a rare treasure in today’s movie landscape. For many filmmakers, seeing their work projected in these iconic theaters was a truly unforgettable experience. Beyond celebrating local talent, the festival also honored the theaters themselves, reminding the community of the vital role these spaces play in our county. The event helped shine a light on the importance of preserving and supporting these cherished arts venues and their rich histories.

“Having screened my work around the world, it was really special to have a film shown right here at home. Connection is key to an artist’s growth and success—especially in film—and the Ripley County Film Fest provides that opportunity,” stated Joe Herbert, Director of Charlie

Moon Landing. “Watching so many local, up-and-coming filmmakers come together made the event feel like a true celebration of storytelling and community.”

2025 Ripley County Film Fest Award Winners

Main Festival Awards

• People’s Choice: Brady Domingo for Break the Ice
• Best Production: Kira Wilson for In Between the Lines
• Best Overall: Joe Herbert for Charlie Moon Landing
• Best Story: Conor Geary for Help Wanted
• Rising Star: Tristan Bennett for Haunted and The Eldridge Chalice

24-Hour Filmmakers Challenge Awards

• People’s Choice: Brady Domingo for Baby Blue
• Best Overall: Brady Domingo for Baby Blue
• Best Use of Prop: Conor Geary for Keep on Casting
• Best Use of Line: Conor Geary for Keep on Casting

“We are immensely proud of the overwhelming success of the first Ripley County Film Fest. From the innovative short films to the exciting 24-Hour Filmmakers Challenge, the week was a powerful testament to the creativity and talent within our region. This event is just the beginning of our commitment to growing arts programming in Ripley County, as we believe that a vibrant arts scene is fundamental to fostering creativity, providing educational opportunities, and inspiring new audiences for generations to come,” stated Amy Streator, Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation.

The Ripley County Community Foundation hopes this is just the beginning for artistic film production in the region. The Ripley County Film Fest appreciates the support of the community and the generosity of our partners and sponsors, including Ripley County Tourism, Daniel Fayette, The Damm Theatre, The Gibson Theatre, Columbus Area Arts Council, and Indiana Arts Commission. Plans are already underway for next year’s Film Fest, with an eye toward growing opportunities for local filmmakers and inspiring new audiences.