Headlining the festival for 2025 is Space Cowboy, the award-winning documentary about Skydiving by Joe Jennings. This inspiring film follows former Ridgewood resident Joe Jennings, a pioneer of skydiving cinematography, as he looks back on creating iconic moments in film and television while trying to turn a dreamlike vision into reality.
The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival spans three evenings, showcasing independent films from around the world. Tickets are required for the main program on April 24; $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased through Film Freeway by clicking the link. 2025’s RGIFF schedule includes:
· Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at The Ridgewood Library. A selection of this year’s short film entries. Q&As with attending filmmakers will be held throughout the evening. 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Free event.
· Thursday, April 10, 2025 at The Ridgewood Library. Select short film entries and a screening of Golden Years (2022; NR; 1h 30m; Switzerland). Peter and Alice celebrate retirement with a cruise trip through the Mediterranean but wind up going on separate journeys of self-discovery. Discussion with Library Director Lorri Steinbacher to follow. 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Free event.
· Thursday, April 24, 2025 at The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood and Rose Persian Grill. The RGIFF main evening will feature red carpet interviews with filmmakers and screenings of most festival entries, including short films, student films, and Space Cowboy (2024; NR; 1h 38 m; United States).
o 4:00 – 5:10 pm Student film screenings. Distinct schedules at each location
o 5:20 – 6:00 pm Student filmmaker red carpet & media interviews
o 6:00 – 7:00 pm Filmmaker red carpet & media interviews
o 7:00 – 10:00 pm Film screenings and filmmaker Q&As. Distinct schedules at each location
o 10:00 pm – 12:30 am After Party & Awards Ceremony at Rose Persian Grill (Open to the public. Separate admission required.)
Tickets and information about the full program of events, including dates, times, film synopses, and screening locations, can be found at https://ridgewoodguildfilmfest.com/
About The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival
The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival (RGIFF) has become a renowned showcase for independent filmmakers from around the world. Now in its 14th year, the festival maintains its small-town feel while expanding its scope to include independent films, documentaries, foreign-language films, student shorts, animations, and music videos by local, national, and global filmmakers. RGIFF programming includes screenings and premieres, as well as exclusive interviews and panels with famous and emerging filmmakers and actors. Notable attendees at past RGIFF have included Oscar®-nominated actors Eric Roberts and Danny Aiello, SAG Award® nominee David Krumholtz, two-time Tony Award® winner Christian Borle, several cast members from The Sopranos, and best-selling author and storyteller Harlan Coben. For updated information, visit https://ridgewoodguildfilmfest.com/
Web: https://ridgewoodguildfilmfest.com/
Instagram: @ridgewood_intl_film_festival
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TRGIFF