From scripts to screens: RiverRun’s nine-day movie marathon

The annual international film festival showcases new films from established and emerging filmmakers each spring.

WStoday: "If I Go Will They Miss Me" film photo

The film “If I Go Will They Miss Me?” features filmmaking alumnus Zach Seivers.

Photo courtesy of RiverRun Film Festival

For nine days this April, the Twin City will become the Film City. The 28th RiverRun International Film Festival will run from Friday, April 17, through Saturday, April 25. The festival showcases classic series, premieres, programs, and thousands of screenings across the Triad.

What to know before you go

  • Read the synopses and choose from ~175 film screenings.
  • Purchase your ticket early to ensure a seat in the theater. Bring a printed copy of your ticket or the QR code to screenings.
  • Get festival passes to access multiple screenings or purchase individual tickets, which cost $12.

Opening Night Film: “If I Go Will They Miss Me” | Friday, April 17 + Saturday, April 25 | 7 p.m. + 1:30 p.m.| $16 | Hanesbrands Theatre + UNCSA (Main Theater) | The story showcases a teenage boy who reimagines his neighborhood while dealing with his troubled father and learning to rely on his community.

Lone Rider | Saturday, April 18 + Sunday, April 19 | 6:30 p.m. + 1 p.m. | UNCSA (Babcock Theatre) | $16 | Watch a lonely millennial drift along through midnight summer drives, fleeting reunions, fractured friendships, old regrets, and the pull of roads that keep leading him back to the life he’s trying to outrun.

WStoday: Riveerrun Film Festival "Somewhere To Be" film

According to the film’s website, “Somewhere To Be” is a dark comedy short that portrays “an eight-year-old girl who has to grow up quickly during a tense car ride. Set in 1985.”

Photo courtesy of @somewhere_to_be_film

North Carolina Shorts 2026: Narratives Program 2 | Sunday, April 19 + Thursday, April 23 | 8 a.m. | $10 | These short-form films were created by NC filmmakers, who will stay after for a discussion with the crowd. Themes explore romance, family drama, and adventure.

Get red-carpet ready

Attend the closing night party on Saturday, April 25, at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, from 8:30 p.m to 12 a.m. Tickets cost $30. Screenings will be shown at the following venues:

  • a/perture cinema, 311 W. 4th St.
  • Forsyth County Public Library, 660 W. 5th St.
  • Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 251 N. Spruce St.
  • Kaleideum, 120 W. 3rd St.
  • Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, 1001 W. 4th St.
  • Marketplace Cinemas, 2095 Peters Creek Pkwy.
  • UNC School of the Arts ACE Cinema Complex (Main and Gold Theatres), 1533 S. Main St.
  • Carolina Theatre of Greensboro, 310 S. Greene St., Greensboro

Not able to attend screenings in person? You can get virtual access to some films for 72 hours through the Elevent TV app. Tickets cost $14.

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