Student films shown at 2026 River Bend Film Festival

Goshen College film production students premiered their films at the 10th River Bend Film Festival hosted in Goshen on Thursday, Sept. 3. This was the second time this special program showcase, “Goshen College and Beyond,” was featured in the annual festival.

Kyle Hufford, chair of the communication department and chair of the River Bend Film Festival board of directors, said, “We want our students to understand that filmmaking isn’t something that happens in a classroom and then ends when the semester is over.”

The Goshen College and Beyond showcase featured films from five Goshen College students and one Film Production LA May Term class.

Isabel Massud ’26, one of the student directors, said, “Because of this proximity and connection between the festival and Goshen College, I was able to showcase my work to a real audience and get amazing feedback from community members and fellow filmmakers from the area.”

Ryan Carillo ’26, another student filmmaker, said, “I think it’s important for students to experience how audiences respond to their films outside of a classroom setting.”

 

Films showcased included:

• “The Display” by the Film Production LA May Term Class, World Premiere
  About the film: Linda, the owner of a charming clothing boutique, finds herself at a crossroads in her career. Faced with a challenging decision, she turns to an old friend who might hold the key to her future. As they reconnect, Linda embarks on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected opportunities, redefining her path and embracing new possibilities.

 

• “Burning” by Isabel Massud ’26, from São Paulo, Brazil
  About the film: The film follows a woman named Victoria as she takes unconventional measures to cope with the loss of her sister.

 

• “I See Color” by Ryan Carrillo ’26, from Goshen, Indiana
  About the film: After her mother’s death, Violet struggles with grief as her world begins to change color.

 

• “A Thousand Suns” by Matija Margetic ’26, from Zagreb, Croatia
  About the film: After moving to the U.S. and leaving behind his ill mother, a withdrawn teenager, Luka, bonds with his estranged uncle Dino over shared grief for their loved ones.

 

• “Qui Est Là?” by Jonam Sapkots ’26, from Kathmandu, Nepal
  About the film: A college student goes to the gym late at night and finds a strange mask in the locker room. After putting it on out of curiosity, the quiet gym begins to feel unsettling and nothing around him seems quite the same.

 

• “The Empty Chair” by Lindsey Daniels ’26, from Goshen, Indiana
  About the film: When a college student comes home to find her grieving parents locked in a silent battle over a place setting left for their dead daughter, she must force them to see each other — and her — before the family fractures completely.

The River Bend Film Festival, created in 2002 and held annually in downtown Goshen since 2016, showcases independent films from around the world while fostering connections between filmmakers, artists and audiences. The 2026 festival promised an exciting lineup of screenings, panels and special guest, Doug Jones, an acclaimed American actor, mime artist and contortionist.

The “Goshen College and Beyond” showcase was made possible through collaboration with the Goshen College Communication Department and the Community Foundation of Elkhart County.