The Ridgefield Independent Film Festival (RIFF) seeks to make the world a more compassionate place through the sharing of stories through cinema. RIFF celebrates independent films from around the world that enlighten, entertain, and inspire moviegoers through compelling visual storytelling, by bringing films, filmmakers and film enthusiasts to the culturally vibrant community of Ridgefield, Connecticut for an annual festival that includes screenings, panel discussions, special events, and parties.

This year RIFF is adding a BEST OF RIFF SHORTS festival to be held August 21st at The Ridgefield Playhouse. The Best of RIFF Shorts program will cull from past and present RIFF shorts to put together a 90 minute program followed by a panel discussion.

Filmmaker, Steven Hoffen, of the short film Growing Peace in the Middle East has been selected as a finalist.