The Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) will screen the film “Just Mercy,” a biographical legal drama featuring the all-star cast of Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson.

The screening will take place on Thursday, March 19, in the Rome City Auditorium at 7 p.m., and will be followed by a question and answer session led by local leaders. The event is free and open to the public.

The event is co-sponsored by One Community United, 100 Black Men of Rome-Northwest Georgia, the Rome Chapter of the NAACP, Georgia Highlands College, The Envision Center and Georgia Highlands African American and Minority Male Excellence.

After five days of screening top-notch independent films, 11 filmmakers are now proud owners of the Rome International Film Festival Sylvia Award. 

This year, RIFF partners with a variety of local organizations for films that share their mission and focus. As the festival shines the red carpet spotlight on timely issues, it is able to elevate the values of regional non profits and charities that work toward bettering the Northwest Georgia community all year long.

The public - along with their furry, four-legged family members - is invited to a free, Rome International Film Festival event to see “Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero,” an award-winning animated feature based on the incredible true story of history's most decorated military dog.

“Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero” will be projected on a large screen for the slew of viewers on Thursday Nov 7th, 7:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Rome Riverwalk in Downtown Rome.

The lively rhythm of conga drums and the sounds of trumpets will have audiences itching to get up and dance during the award-winning documentary film “Rubén Blades is Not My Name,” by Abner Benaim at the Rome International Film Festival. The film follows the legacy of Latin American icon Rubén Blades who grammy-award winning music brought Salsa music to an international audience. The film will screen at the Rome City Auditorium on Friday, November 8th at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a Salsa dancing party at the Brewhouse Music & Grill on Broad Street at 9 p.m. 

For its 16th festival, The Rome International Film Festival will roll out the red carpet for the biggest stars of America – Her veterans. RIFF announces one of its marquee presentations, “Sgt. Will Gardner” by Max Martini. The film explores the struggles of a troubled Iraq veteran who finds it difficult to reintegrate into society and sets out on a cross-country journey with the hope of reuniting with his son. The film was written and directed by Martini, who is also the film’s star.

As its 16th year promises a fresh and diverse lineup of top-notch films, the Rome International Film Festival announces major growth within its board of directors, welcoming 11 new members to a board of 18 dedicated professionals. In all, a team of 37 business and film industry leaders work to make RIFF possible. 

RIFF will host a Student Film Contest as part of the RIFF Academy in its ongoing efforts to engage with young filmmakers in the Northwest Georgia region and beyond. The film contest is currently accepting submissions online until midnight on Friday, Oct. 4.