2025 Richmond International Film Festival announces program

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With more than 175 new films being screened, the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) will bring six days of films from two dozen countries to the area in September.

From Tuesday, Sept. 23, to Sunday, Sept. 28, the 14th annual festival will offer six days of award-winning films from around the world, with this year's theme -- Bare Naked.

According to a release, RIFF will explore "the raw essence of the human experience," with film and music programming, discussion panels and rich dialogue.

The festival will include 170 in-person premieres, varying in length and spanning multiple categories. With special guests presenting during festival week, the virtual edition will include another 65 films, per a release.

Some events this year are back by popular demand, including the 2025 Wrap Party on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Révéler.

The week will also include expanded live music showcases at the Vagabond, NY Deli Rooftop, and Révéler, starting on Wednesday, Sept 24.

RIFF will kick off with "Sally, Get the Potatoes" and a narrative feature of "Omaha" directed by Cole Wesley, at 7 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Byrd, before concluding the festival with the closing night film, "The Summer Book" directed by Charlie McDowell.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, the festival will conclude with the annual Red Carpet Awards, where prizes selected by the Grand Jury and audience members will be awarded in categories, including film, music and writing.

Individual tickets to the festival events range from $8 to $15 per person, and passes and VIP All Access festival badges range from $25 to $375.

For more information and to see a full schedule of the 2025 films and music events, click here.