This was one of the best festivals I attended. The team behind it are very professional, they really care about the filmmakers and do their best to give the films the screening they deserve. The hospitality from the community is overwhelming and I can easily say it was nice to spend the weekend there with the people of Rochester. The team planned a whole weekend full of events and mixers parties, including visits to Kodak Planet, George Eastman Museum and Mansion, and MAGIC Center at RIT. I highly recommend submitting to this festival and do your best to attend it.

Waleed Bedour
 2023 Filmmaker

“The 61st ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL gave us a home away from home. It was an absolute privilege to showcase our film ‘TO REMEMBER ME BY’ at the prestigious Dryden Theatre and visit the George Eastman Museum. 

Our Gratitude to Josephine Perini and the entire team for putting up such a great show not only for the filmmakers but for the audience.

All the films screened were Top of Line. We got to visit some extraordinary places and even do a Press Interview. 

I can’t tell how much this has helped our film. Emails for more International festivals have started pouring in. A special thanks to our wonderful host Cathy Feinen, we love you and all the volunteers. 

There is no better place to visit and showcase your film then the Rochester International Film Festival.

We will eternally be grateful to you all. Hope to return soon with another film.

GO RIFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” –

 Rahoul Daswani
“To Remember Me By”
(2019)

We’ve just returned from the 55th Rochester International Film Festival, which is a thoroughly amazing fest. One of my personal favorites on the circuit. The films curated were a truly impressive slate from all around the world with very distinct and compelling voices.

I always find it inspiring to be touched by the films that come from worlds away. We screened at the historic Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman House. It’s a stunning, fully-refurbished, 500-seat theatre. The festival does a great job packing the house. Audience attendance was phenomenal.

There’s something magical that happens when the lights go down and the hush comes over the crowd and the music begins and, if you’re lucky, you get to watch just the movie. Not the work, not the blood, sweat and tears or 18-hour days that went into the making of the damn thing.

We got lucky on this one and saw a beautiful film full of heart and soul. One that looked gorgeous up on the big screen. The audience was audibly engaged with huge gasps during the fight sequence. And when the jokes landed, it was like thunder.

I gotta admit that, when you get to see one of your films at a Prestige Festival such as this one, the 18-hour days don’t seem so crazy. And the blood, sweat and tears are worth it.

Sincerely,
Jim Thalman
“The Poker Lesson”

I wanted to offer a very belated thank you for awarding our film an Honorable Mention from your 53rd Annual festival season. It was a unique pleasure corresponding with your committee, as your festival was the only one that we dealt with which truly cared about cinema apart from a puerile business or marketing perspective. You continue to embody what is best in festivals.

The industry should take note of your dedication and commitment to (independent) film, as far too many festivals of all sizes have become simplistic business entities which place films and filmmakers at the bottom of their priorities. Your award means a great deal, knowing that it comes from a festival that is still a festival and from people who still care about films.

Tony Myles

I wanted to let you know what an extraordinary experience Nardeep and I had at Rochester a few weeks ago. The way the festival was organized and scheduled — the dinners, tours, parties and events — were such tremendous fun and so exceptionally rewarding to be a part of. It was really encouraging and educational to meet the other filmmakers and really get to know them and talk to them throughout the festival weekend.

This was one of our first festival experiences and yet Nardeep and I felt so comfortable and at home the entire time. As a first time filmmaker, I cannot even begin to describe how exhilarating the experience was of walking into the breathtakingly beautiful Dryden Theater, seeing it packed with audience members and having my film play out up on the screen. I really cannot thank you enough for the gift of a such a gratfying and memorable moment.

My experience at Rochester has provided me with so much inspiration for the future, I am determined to make two short films this year and I’ve got my fingers crossed that one of them will allow me to attend RIFF again. Finally, I must mention how thankful Nardeep and I are for all of the festival organizers’ kindness, generosity and hospitality.

We are especially grateful to Cathy F. for letting us stay in her beautiful home and play with her awesome, awesome dog.

Sincerely,
Suraj Das

I just had to write and tell you what a great experience I had at the Rochester Int’l. Film Festival. I only wish I could’ve stayed longer. The activities you planned were fabulous. The selected films were top notch and the people were wonderful and friendly — I go could on and on! Oh, and you had a fantastic audience for opening night!

Since coming home, I have told everyone about your festival — I wore the T-Shirt to some networking events and got a lot of great comments and questions, which allowed me to talk about the festival. I also spoke about it at length last night at my marketing class with an indie film Casting Director and a number of Actors and Filmmakers.

Thanks again for putting on such a great festival! You deserve kudos!!!

Sincerely,
Kathi Carey

“WORTH”