Rosemary Chesney, Campus Carrier arts and living editor

The annual Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) begins today at 4 p.m. and runs until this Sunday at 10 p.m. Showcasing films from around the world, the festival takes place in a variety of locations across Rome including The Claremont House, Desoto Theatre and Lewis Loft. Although no Berry students or faculty are entering material for this year, the Berry community has always been heavily involved in the festival.

Since its creation 19 years ago, RIFF’s purpose has been to gather filmmakers and film connoisseurs from across the globe to present various motion pictures. The festival kicks off this Thursday at The Cosmic Dog with a happy hour, followed by a red carpet walk and showing of the opening film titled “Her Name was Hester” at Desoto Theatre. 

Throughout the next few days, the festival continues showcasing various films, holding red carpet walks, presenting a panel discussing diversity, touring the Claremont House and having different socializing blocks. Event details and ticket prices, which average about $10 per movie, are found on riffga.com. Curt Hersey, associate professor of communications, said that many students will attend the festival in order to get connected with film producers.

“One of the purposes of RIFF is to get rising people in the film industry notice you,” Hersey said. “It’s a good place to get exposure and get your name out there.”

According to Hersey, Berry has been involved in RIFF since its inception. Brian Campbell, associate professor of environmental studies and anthropology, has had documentaries presented at the festival. According to Viking Fusion Advisor and tech specialist Steven Hames, various students have had content displayed at the festival as well including senior Matt Parks and alumni Ryan Simmons. 

“I hope that going to RIFF can aspire students to work towards a level of what other filmmakers are doing,” Hames said. “If students have a chance, they should definitely go check out the festival and see films they normally wouldn’t see.”

Simmons graduated from Berry in 2007 and became the executive director of RIFF from 2011 to 2013. After stepping down from his position as executive director, Simmons has continued as an auxiliary support role for RIFF by becoming a sponsor, connecting filmmakers to the festival and judging for various films. He said that he also attended RIFF and other film festivals as a student.

“One of the best things that film festivals do for students is offer them the opportunity to meet actual filmmakers,” Simmons said. “I know it can be challenging to venture out of the Berry bubble, but I would encourage students to come out and be part of the festival.”

Simmons said that people who volunteer at the festival not only get a free pass to all the films but also get invited to an afterparty in The Claremont House, the filming location in the television series “Stranger Things.” 

According to Hersey, another advantage of attending RIFF is the chance to see celebrities. He said each year one or two celebrities will attend. Actor Burt Reynolds has gone to RIFF in the past. This year, actor Billy Bob Thornton, and potentially, Shania Twain will be attending. Simmons said that his favorite part about RIFF has always been interacting with people from across the globe.

“It really brings people from all over the country and world for a fun experience to meet and interact with filmmakers, screenwriters and actors,” Simmons said. “I encourage students to approach filmmakers at the festival because they are always glad to meet students and share about their experiences.”