River Bend Film Festival

The 2026 River Bend Film Festival is bringing the magic, the mystery, and the masters of storytelling back to the big screen right here in Goshen, Indiana. This year, the River Bend Film Festival—the only festival of its kind in the Michiana area—once again presents a cinematic experience like no other, and we are beyond thrilled to announce a truly iconic special guest. Highlighting this year’s festival is featured guest Doug Jones, the internationally acclaimed actor and Indianapolis native best known for his unforgettable performances in The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy, Hocus Pocus, Star Trek: Discovery, and dozens of other film and television productions. Jones will participate in a signing session before joining audiences for a special evening screening, on Saturday, Sept. 5, of the Academy Award-winning Best Picture The Shape of Water (2017). Festivalgoers will also enjoy a bevy of award ceremonies, and a special screening of Crystal Cross, directed by Richard Fallin. The unique comedy made its world premiere at the prestigious Austin Film Festival in October 2025, where it earned the Audience Award for Comedy Vanguard. The River Bend Film Festival continues expanding beyond Downtown Goshen with free community screenings at Greencroft Goshen, featuring inspiring documentary programming that brings independent filmmaking directly to the senior care facility’s residents while furthering the festival’s mission of making outstanding cinema accessible throughout the community. Highlighting this year’s festival is featured guest Doug Jones, the internationally acclaimed actor and Indianapolis native best known for his unforgettable performances in The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy, Hocus Pocus, Star Trek: Discovery, and dozens of other film and television productions. Jones will participate in a signing session before joining audiences for a special evening screening, on Saturday, Sept. 5, of the Academy Award-winning Best Picture The Shape of Water (2017). Festivalgoers will also enjoy a bevy of award ceremonies and a special screening of Crystal Cross, directed by Richard Fallin. The unique comedy made its world premiere at the prestigious Austin Film Festival in October 2025, where it earned the Audience Award for Comedy Vanguard. The River Bend Film Festival continues expanding beyond Downtown Goshen with free community screenings at Greencroft Goshen, featuring inspiring documentary programming that brings independent filmmaking directly to the senior care facility’s residents while furthering the festival’s mission of making outstanding cinema accessible throughout the community.