Community Programs
Attend a scheduled event… or host your own fest!
Only the best in short films will do!
Best of the Fest Community Programs
Best of the Fest is your chance to…
Vote for the Best. Every year, every show, we give our audience members the opportunity to vote for their favorite films. These ballots determine the “Best of the Fest” audience favorites. We’ve compiled the winners from many years of festivals into a traveling library of audience picks that are available to be shown at scheduled RIFF Best of the Fest community programs or at your group’s private event.
Attend a Best of the Fest Community Program. Each year festival volunteers present Best of the Fest programs in a variety of locations such as public libraries and community centers. With selections from our Best of the Fest collection, these free programs are generally 60 to 90 minutes and are offered in late winter or spring prior to our annual festival. Check back here or on our Facebook page for scheduled programs available to the public.
Request your very own Best of the Fest Program for your group. Upon request and based on availability, a festival representative will present a program of selected films to your group or organization free of charge. Selections are made from our Best of the Fest collection and can be tailored to the interests of your group. Programs are suitable for showings to schools, universities, film groups, book clubs, senior centers, neighborhood gatherings, and other special interest groups. Host your own “mini fest” by requesting a Best of the Fest showing for your group. Send us an inquiry and select “Best in Fest” in our contact form for more information.
Best of the Fest, 2025-2026
scheduled programs (open to the public)
September
- Friday, September 12 at 1:00pm:
Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*
October
- Monday, October 6 at 7:00pm:
Irondequoit Town Library, 1290 Titus Ave, Rochester - Friday, October 10 at 1:00pm:
Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*
*Call 585-340-8655 to register
November
- Friday, November 14 at 1:00pm:
Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*
December
- Friday, December 12 at 1:00pm:
Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*
January
- Friday, January 9 at Noon:
Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield* - Tuesday, January 20 at 1:00pm: A Short Trip Around the World
Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd, Webster**
February
- Friday, February 13 at Noon:
Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield* - Thursday, February 19 at 4:00pm: Comedies
Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd, Webster**
March
- Friday, March 13 at Noon:
Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield* - Thursday, March 26 at 1:00pm: 2025 Festival Favorites
Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd, Webster**
April
- Friday, April 10 at Noon:
Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Rd, Penfield*
* For programs at the Penfield Community Center, please call 585-340-8655 to reserve your seat.
** For programs at the Webster Public Library, no ticket or reservation required, but people are asked to call 585-872-7075 (option 3) so the staff can make sure they have enough chairs set up.