Photos: Ripley County Film Fest celebrates local talent

"This event is just the beginning of our commitment to growing arts programming"

(OSGOOD, Ind.) – Nearly 500 people attended the inaugural Ripley County Film Fest which took place in Batesville and Osgood last week. 

The week-long event featured local talent who made short films that ranged from  family stories and quirky comedies to thrilling mysteries and compelling dramas.

It also featured a 24-Hour Filmmakers Challenge, hosted by Ripley County Tourism and Daniel Fayette, where teams had just one day to write, shoot, and edit a short film. These submissions were screened during the festival’s grand finale on Saturday. 

“We had a great time connecting with all the filmmakers and creative teams during the 24-Hour Filmmakers Challenge,” shared Ripley County Tourism Bureau executive director Terri Trowbridge. “Many thanks to the Ripley County Community Foundation for supporting this event and helping create a new platform for filmmakers to shine alongside our painters, musicians, and other creatives.”

A key highlight of the week was the festival’s setting. Both The Gibson Theatre and The Damm Theatre are historic single-screen venues, a rare treasure in today’s movie landscape. 

“Having screened my work around the world, it was really special to have a film shown right here at home. Connection is key to an artist’s growth and success—especially in film—and the Ripley County Film Fest provides that opportunity,” stated Joe Herbert, Director of Charlie Moon Landing. 

2025 Ripley County Film Fest Award Winners:

Main Festival Awards

• People’s Choice: Brady Domingo for Break the Ice

• Best Production: Kira Wilson for In Between the Lines

• Best Overall: Joe Herbert for Charlie Moon Landing

• Best Story: Conor Geary for Help Wanted

• Rising Star: Tristan Bennett for Haunted and The Eldridge Chalice 

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24-Hour Filmmakers Challenge Awards

• People’s Choice: Brady Domingo for Baby Blue

• Best Overall: Brady Domingo for Baby Blue

• Best Use of Prop: Conor Geary for Keep on Casting

• Best Use of Line: Conor Geary for Keep on Casting

  
  

“This event is just the beginning of our commitment to growing arts programming in Ripley County, as we believe that a vibrant arts scene is fundamental to fostering creativity, providing educational opportunities, and inspiring new audiences for generations to come,” stated Amy Streator, Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation.

The Ripley County Community Foundation hopes this is just the beginning for artistic film production in the region. 

Click here for more information about the Ripley County Film Fest or how to support future arts programming.

Here are more photos from the Ripley County Film Fest: