A Guide to RiverRun Film Festival
RiverRun returns April 17–25, 2026. Here’s what’s new (and how to make the most of It).
Each spring, something shifts in Winston-Salem. The lights dim. The screens flicker to life. And for nine days, the city becomes a gathering place for storytellers and film lovers from around the world.
Now in its 28th year, the RiverRun International Film Festival returns, April 17–25, with 178 films representing 47 countries, all carefully selected from nearly 2,000 submissions. It’s a global showcase of independent cinema, right here in Winston-Salem. With its Academy Award-qualifying status, the festival consistently attracts an impressive lineup of thought-provoking films, from emerging voices to visionary filmmakers.
But this year, RiverRun arrives with a renewed sense of energy. From new leadership to expanded programming and the return of a beloved venue, the 2026 festival builds on what longtime fans love while opening the door even wider for first-time attendees.
What’s New at RiverRun in 2026?
A Welcome Return to A/perture
For longtime locals, one of the most meaningful updates may also be one of the most understated. This year marks the return of downtown’s beloved indie theater, A/perture Cinema, as a primary festival venue. It’s a natural fit and, for many, a long-awaited one. With its intimate setting and deep ties to Winston-Salem’s film community, A/perture brings RiverRun back to the kind of space where independent cinema thrives.
A New Creative Vision
At the center of this year’s festival is new Executive Director Michael C. Morin, who stepped into the role in late 2025 after helping shape the nationally recognized Slamdance Film Festival. When asked what makes RiverRun special, he points to its universal appeal. “Film festivals can sometimes feel too exclusive or out of reach—but they shouldn’t. Film should be for everybody, and that’s what RiverRun is all about—there’s truly something for everyone.”
New Series, New Experiences
RiverRun has always invited audiences to experience film in different ways. This year builds on that idea with a mix of new and expanded series, including LIMITLESS: Stories Without Restraint, highlighting films centered on people with both visible and non-visible disabilities. Another addition, RE:VISION, is an independent feature competition showcasing six standout films.
Also new this year, RiverRun’s annual Saturday Morning Cartoons moves to Kaleideum, downtown’s interactive children’s museum. Screened inside the Digital Dome, the program creates an immersive, surround-style animation experience. It’s part of RiverRun’s free Kids Korner lineup, which also includes additional screenings at Marketplace Cinemas, including the 1940 Disney classic "Fantasia" and 2005 DreamWorks hit "Madagascar."
How to RiverRun (A Quick Guide)
Start with a Plan
With more than 150 screenings, the lineup can feel overwhelming in a good way. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or considering your first visit, a little strategy goes a long way. Scan the festival schedule, pick out a few must-sees, and leave room for something unexpected.
Be Open to Anything
Continuing that thought, RiverRun Marketing Director Tiffany Jones offers simple advice for first-timers: “Be curious. Try films you wouldn’t ordinarily watch. We offer a wide variety from around the world—you may discover a new genre, learn something new, or expand your worldview.”
Take Time to Connect
Between screenings, conversations, and special events, RiverRun is as much about connection as it is about cinema. While panels and workshops offer built-in opportunities to engage, the Filmmaker Lounge at the Milton Rhodes Center is a true insider spot—open daily for casual conversations with fellow attendees and filmmakers.
RiverRun 101: Know the Basics
Tickets + Pricing
Individual tickets, sampler packages, and all-access passes can be purchased online at RiverRun’s official website, with additional tickets available at venues prior to screenings based on availability. Single screening tickets are $14, with $7 matinee options, while Ticket Sampler packages range from $35 to $126. An All-Access Pass is $375.
Sold-Out Screenings (and How to Still Get In)
Popular films, especially Opening Night and special presentations, often sell out in advance, so it’s best to book early. That said, a sold-out screening doesn’t always mean you’re out of luck. RiverRun offers a standby line at each venue, typically starting about an hour before showtime, where any unclaimed seats are released on a first-come, first-served basis.
Main Festival Venues
While screenings take place at several locations around Winston-Salem, these core venues serve as the primary hubs for the festival.
>Milton Rhodes Center – The festival’s central hub downtown for gatherings and screenings.
>A/perture Cinema – An intimate downtown indie theater ideal for immersive viewing.
>Marketplace Cinemas – A comfortable, accessible multiplex offering a wide range of films.
> UNCSA Ace Theatre – A larger venue just minutes from downtown, home to marquee screenings.
2026 Highlights: What We’re Excited to See
With 178 films to choose from, narrowing a few must-sees isn’t easy. But if you're looking for a place to start, here are a few notable screenings and special presentations
If I Go Will They Miss Me (Opening Night Film)
A coming-of-age drama set in Los Angeles, where a young boy blurs fantasy and reality while searching for connection with his distant father.
Time and Water (Opening Film #2)
A poetic documentary blending climate science and personal loss, as an Icelandic writer reflects on melting glaciers, memory, and time slipping away.
Over Your Dead Body (Centerpiece Screening)
A dark, offbeat comedy where a troubled couple retreats to fix their marriage while secretly plotting each other’s demise.
Peter Asher: Everywhere Man (Special Screening)
From 1960s pop star (Peter and Gordon) to legendary producer, this documentary traces Peter Asher’s six-decade career shaping artists like James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt.
Gaslit (Special Screening)
Jane Fonda leads a probing documentary that confronts fossil fuel industry narratives, spotlighting frontline communities and the human impact of the climate crisis.
Raising Arizona (Film & Panel)
The Coen Brothers’ offbeat classic screens alongside a conversation with Master of Cinema honoree Michael Miller, followed by a Q&A and book signing.
Late Fame (Closing Night Film)
Willem Dafoe stars as a forgotten poet rediscovered late in life, forcing him to confront legacy, relevance, and the meaning of artistic success.
HoneyJoon (RE:Vision Spotlight entrant)
A layered dramedy set in the Azores, where a mother and daughter navigate grief in contrasting ways.
Crystal Cross (RE:Vision Spotlight entrant)
A darkly funny road trip story pairing a struggling Christian singer with a suicidal father.
Saturday Morning Cartoons (Kids Korner programming)
A lively collection of animated shorts from around the world, showcasing inventive styles and playful storytelling designed to delight kids and adults alike. The free screening will be at Kaleideum.
Disney's Fantasia (Kids Korner programming)
A groundbreaking 1940 classic in Technicolor, blending animation and classical music into one of the most visually ambitious films ever made. Presented for free at Marketplace Cinema.
Oscar-Qualifying Short Films (Documentary & Animated)
RiverRun is one of a select group of Academy Award–qualifying festivals, meaning winners in its Documentary Short and Animated Short categories become eligible for Oscar consideration. These programs showcase some of the festival’s most inventive storytelling, delivering powerful narratives in under 30 minutes and offering a glimpse at future Oscar contenders. (NOTE: There are multiple Documentary Shorts programs, all showing different films.
Beyond the Screen: Panels, Workshops & Events
RiverRun’s film screenings are just the beginning. The festival also features a robust lineup of panels, workshops, and special events that celebrate cinema while offering a deeper look into the industry. A few of the many highlights this year include:
15th Annual Pitch Fest (April 18 & 25)
One of the festival’s signature offerings, Pitch Fest (pictured above) invites student filmmakers to present original film concepts to a panel of industry professionals. It’s a fast-paced showcase of emerging talent, with real-time feedback and cash awards on the line.
Behind the Lens: BIPOC Voices (April 25)
Documentary filmmakers share candid insights on building careers in the South, covering funding, storytelling, and community engagement through lived experience.
The Art of Makeup & Wig Design (April 19)
A behind-the-scenes look at how makeup and wig design shape on-screen characters, exploring the creative process and technical skill behind film and television transformations.
Closing Night Party (April 25)
When the final credits roll, the celebration continues. RiverRun’s Closing Night Party brings festivalgoers together for music, drinks, and a lively sendoff at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts.
See You at the Movies!
Explore the full festival lineup, including screening times, venues, panels, and special events—and purchase tickets—on the official RiverRun website.
For real-time updates, make sure you’re following RiverRun's social media pages, including the festival's Facebook and/or Instagram page @RiverRunFilm.
Planning your RiverRun experience? Whether you’re a visitor who’s coming to town for the festival, or a nearby resident making a night of it downtown, explore our Plan Your Visit page for hotel options, dining spots, and ideas to make the most of your time in town.
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