The festival will take place June 2-7, 2025 at the Gibson Theater in Batesville and the Damm Theater in Osgood.

(Ripley County, Indiana) – The Ripley County Community Foundation is excited to announce the first-ever Ripley County Film Festival, celebrating local filmmakers and creativity right here in our community! The festival will take place June 2-7, 2025 at the Gibson Theater in Batesville and the Damm Theater in Osgood, featuring an exciting lineup of short films submitted by local talent.

Making the festival a reality: support from the Indiana Arts Commission

This exciting new venture 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 grant program to support artistic projects aligns perfectly with the vision of Film Fest, as it aims to provide the general public with access to quality artistic activities, with particular 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 extremely grateful for their support in helping us bring this event to life.

Preserving history, celebrating creativity

The Damm Theater and Gibson Theater are two of the only remaining single-screen movie theaters in the area, making them treasured landmarks that continue the charm of classic cinema. Hosting the Film Fest in these historic locations makes the event even more special, providing audiences with a rare and authentic cinematic 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 films. The excitement will culminate on Saturday, June 7 with a grand final screening 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 belonging,” said 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 to share their stories. We encourage everyone to participate and enjoy this exciting new event!

Whether you are an experienced filmmaker, a student, or a storytelling enthusiast, everyone is invited to submit a short film! The Ripley County Film Fest is open to all ages and experience levels, making it an inclusive event designed to showcase the creativity and imagination of our community. The submission deadline is April 1, 2025.

For more information about 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 about causes that matter and is located at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville. To learn how you can invest in Ripley County’s future or leave your legacy, contact the Ripley County Community Foundation at (812) 933-1098 or visit www.rccfonline.org.