Ripley County Film Fest Moves to February 2027, Film Submissions Now Open

Film submissions are open now, and close December 1, 2026.

Photo provided.

(Osgood, Ind.) - The Ripley County Community Foundation is excited to announce that the third annual Ripley County Film Fest is officially returning February 17-20, 2027, marking a new chapter for one of Ripley County’s fastest-growing arts and culture events.

Filmmakers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels are invited to submit their original short films, and audiences are encouraged to mark their calendars for a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community.

Since its launch, the Ripley County Film Fest has become a platform for filmmakers to share their stories on the big screen while inspiring new artists to explore the craft of filmmaking. Whether you are an experienced filmmaker, a student experimenting with video production, a content creator making social media reels, an organization producing a public service announcement, or someone with a story to tell, the Film Fest welcomes your creativity.

The festival will once again be hosted at two of Ripley County’s historic venues: The Damm Theatre in Osgood and the Gibson Theatre in Batesville. These iconic single-screen theaters provide filmmakers with a rare opportunity to see their work screened in an authentic movie watching setting while helping preserve important landmarks in the community.

The decision to move the Ripley County Film Fest from June to February was made with several goals in mind. First, the Community Foundation hopes to create additional arts and cultural opportunities during the winter months, when community events are traditionally less frequent. Second, hosting the Film Fest in February provides meaningful support for the Damm Theatre and the Gibson Theatre – as January and February are the slowest and worst months for major new movie releases. Finally, the new schedule aligns with and compliments other community events taking place throughout the month, helping to build a vibrant winter season in Ripley County.

“Storytelling connects people, inspires imagination, and strengthens communities,” said Amy Streator, Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation. “The Ripley County Film Fest was created to celebrate creativity and provide filmmakers with a platform to share their work. We encourage everyone, whether you have made dozens of films or never made one before, to tell a story and submit a film.”

Past festivals have featured short films created by professionals, students, hobbyists, and first-time directors, proving that great stories can come from anywhere. Festival organizers hope the event continues to spark interest in filmmaking throughout the region and encourage more people to pick up a camera, write a script, gather some friends, and create a unique film. Films of all genres are welcome, and selected films screened during the festival will be eligible for recognition in multiple award categories.

All are invited to participate in the Film Fest by attending the screenings and supporting local artists. Festival attendees will have an opportunity to meet filmmakers and enjoy cinema in two historic single-screen theaters.

Film submissions are open now, and close December 1, 2026. Submission details and festival updates are available at https://rccfonline.org/impact/initiatives/ripley-youth-outreach/.