Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival to take place Nov. 3-9
The Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival is set for Monday to Saturday, Nov. 3 to 9, with events at the Cinema Art Theater and more local venues.
The 2025 program will feature more than 100 films spanning narratives, documentaries and shorts, complemented by engaging panels, special tributes and red-carpet events.
Opening the festival Nov. 3 will be “The Best You Can,” starring Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Judd Hirsch and Ray Romano.
Filmed entirely in Delaware, “Death on the Brandywine” will be screened Wednesday, Nov. 5. The film features Kate Burton, Tuc Watkins and Jay Huguley.
“Fantasy Life,” starring Holland Taylor and Amanda Peet, and “Inside,” featuring Guy Pearce, will be screened Thursday, Nov. 6.
A spotlight event is set for 4:15 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach. It will kick off with a screening of the Oscar-qualifying short film, “Elle Elle,” followed by a red carpet and soirée. At 6:30 p.m., U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride will introduce the documentary, “State of Firsts,” about her historic campaign and win.
Several family films will be screened Saturday Nov. 8, at the Lewes Elementary School auditorium.
“The Choral,” starring Ralph Fiennes, will headline the Nov. 8 program at the Cinema Art Theater.
The festival concludes Nov. 9 with three standout features: “She Dances,” written, produced and headlined by Steve Zahn with Ethan Hawke; Germany’s award-winning drama “Sound of Falling”; and Taiwan’s “Left-Handed Girl,” all of which are expected to make the 2026 Oscars shortlist.
Documentaries featuring powerful storytelling from around the world will include “Arrest the Midwife”; Northem Ireland’s “Afghanistan”; “The Work: A Conversation With …,” a heartfelt discussion among three distinguished acting professors from Juilliard; and “True Colors: A Conversation in Gender.”
Additional international highlights include Oscar submissions “Eagles of the Republic,” from Sweden, and “100 Liters of Gold,” from Finland.
“Each year, RBIFF transforms Rehoboth Beach into a destination for film lovers from across the country,” said Lisa Black, RBFS board member, artistic committee chair and seasoned producer. “As we celebrate our 27th year, we are committed to highlighting stories that spark conversation, inspire creativity and connect communities.”
Industry-leading panel discussions will include From Indie Festival to Mainstream, The Future of Independent Distribution, Writing and Directing for TV vs. Film, and Cinematography Excellence.
“With its curated programming, timely themes and films destined for awards-season recognition, RBIFF 2025 promises cinema with purpose and power — a weeklong celebration of stories that matter,” said Dave Bever, Rehoboth Beach Film Society executive director.
For details about festival admission and passes, go to rehobothfilm.com.
