NWGA Film Festival receives grant, announces plans for growth

ROME, GA — Northwest Georgia’s premiere film festival has been awarded a grant that will foster artistic growth in a younger generation of artists and filmmakers throughout the region and beyond.

The Rome Area Council for the Arts has named the Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) the recipient of a $2,500 grant to enhance its new RIFF Student Scholars program which is geared toward high school and college students region-wide. The grant makes it possible to offer film festival passes to 100 students at a reduced rate, creating a unique opportunity for those who qualify. 

“This is an educational and networking opportunity unlike any other offered in the area,” said RIFF Executive Director Seth Ingram. “This not only encourages teens and young adults to get involved in film and media arts, but presents scenarios for them to network with filmmakers and other industry professionals.”

RIFF Student Scholars will have access to all film screenings as well as workshops led by film industry experts during RIFF, which is slated for November 6th-10th at the Historic DeSoto Theatre and Rome City Auditorium.

RIFF’s grant opportunity is just one of several new changes that strengthen the festival - now in its 16th year -  with more advanced, user-friendly technologies as well as substantial operational growth. 

“We have several announcements coming down the pipeline,” said President of RIFF’s Board of Directors Jesse Bishop. “Every one of these new changes will benefit our film festival, but for now, all we can say is ‘stay tuned’.” 

Festival Passes are now on sale at www.riffga.com/passes. All-Access Passes and Film & Workshop Passes grant admission throughout the entire festival, but individual day passes and screening tickets may be purchased.