2027 Film Fest: February 17-20
We have some major news! 🎬📣 The Ripley County Film Fest is officially moving from June to FEBRUARY 2027! ❄️🍿
So, the countdown starts now! ⏳ Because the festival is happening sooner, SUBMISSIONS ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN ON FILMFREEWAY and will close December 1! 🚨
Dust off those scripts, grab your cameras, and start filming. Whether it’s a drama, comedy, horror, or a documentary, we want to see your story.
2026 Film Fest: June 3-6
Best Story: Knees in the Dust, directed by Joe Herbert, Producer/Director Best Acting: Going Out, directed by Bonnie Weinzapfel Best Overall: Balloons, directed by Isaiah Henderson People’s Choice: Balloons, directed by Isaiah Henderson Best Overall: The Final Image, directed by Joe Herbert Best Use of Line: Boo!, directed by Elijah Mills Best Use of Prop: The Final Image, directed by Joe Herbert People’s Choice: Boo!, directed by Elijah Mills
Schedule of Events
Learn More About the Films
A Week of Storytelling, Connection & Community
The inaugural Ripley County Film Fest took place June 2–7, 2025, and wrapped up with resounding success, welcoming nearly 500 attendees during a week filled with creativity, connection, and community.
Hosted by the Ripley County Community Foundation, in partnership with The Gibson Theatre in Batesville and The Damm Theatre in Osgood, the festival celebrated the power of storytelling through film. The event showcased 16 original short films, spanning genres from heartwarming family tales and quirky comedies to thrilling mysteries and powerful dramas.
Main Festival Awards
· Best Overall: Joe Herbert for Charlie Moon Landing
· People’s Choice: Brady Domingo for Break the Ice
· Best Production: Kira Wilson for In Between the Lines
· Best Story: Conor Geary for Help Wanted
· Rising Star: Tristan Bennett for Haunted and The Eldridge Chalice
We’re proud to have spotlighted the next generation of filmmakers and can’t wait to do it again!
24-Hour Filmmakers Challenge
Adding to the excitement, the week featured a 24-Hour Filmmakers Challenge, hosted by Ripley County Tourism and Daniel Fayette, where creative teams had just one day to write, shoot, and edit a short film. These submissions were screened during the festival’s grand finale, culminating in a lively awards ceremony honoring standout filmmakers.
24-Hour Filmmakers Challenge Awards
· People’s Choice: Brady Domingo for Baby Blue
· Best Overall: Brady Domingo for Baby Blue
· Best Use of Prop: Conor Geary for Keep on Casting
· Best Use of Line: Conor Geary for Keep on Casting
A Unique Venue, A Lasting Impact
A key highlight of the Film Fest was its setting. Both The Gibson Theatre and The Damm Theatre are historic single-screen venues, rare gems in today’s entertainment landscape. For many filmmakers, seeing their work projected in these iconic spaces was a truly memorable experience. Beyond showcasing local talent, the festival also honored these theaters themselves, spotlighting their importance to the cultural fabric of Ripley County.
Activities are made possible in part by Columbus Area Arts Council, and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.
