Film Festival FAQ

Film Showings:

Typically, independent films from around the world are shown in different venues in Lancaster’s downtown corridor, and festival-goers can meet the filmmakers after their showings, as well as throughout the town. For a digital festival, guests will instead use their ticket purchases to gain access to a digital streaming platform to enjoy the films from the comfort of their own homes. Filmmakers are encouraged to participate in streaming calls and other interactive methods of meeting their audiences.

Additional Information:

The Red Rose Film Festival brings filmmakers and the Lancaster community together to enjoy the wonderful stories that can be told through the medium of film. Festival attendees will enjoy a variety of shorts, documentaries and feature-length films, as well as panel discussions. If we are permitted by local and state laws, we may consider adding physical events.

Ticket information and offerings will be updated later this year.

Film Categories:

Best Feature Film 

Best Short Film

Best Documentary

Best Student Film

Honorary recognition will be given to the winners of these film categories:

The Red Rose Award (Best Local Film) 

The NextGen Award (Best Regional High School Film)

See the About page for more description of each film category.

Film Ratings:

The Festivals’ Selection Committee reviews all films and rates them accordingly:

F (Family): Suitable for any age; very little to no potentially objectionable content.

G (General Audience): Some scenes may include violence (implicit or explicit), sexual themes, drug use or mild adult language.

M (Mature): Multiple/prominent scenes including explicit violence, sex or sexual themes, drug use and/or adult language.

What will tickets look like this year? Will I have the option to buy an all-access pass like last year?

We are still determining what types of tickets to offer for a digital festival, as well as pricing. Regardless of those decisions, we are committed to providing access for our community to a wonderful film experience.

Will you have discounts for seniors/students as you did last year?

We are working through the types of tickets and available discounts for community members. It's a high priority for us to ensure that everyone who wants to attend this digital festival has an opportunity to do so.

Are the festival dates/film submission dates changing?

We have no plans to shift the dates. The festival is still scheduled November 6–8, 2020, and all relevant filmmaker deadlines can be found on the "Submit" page and on our FilmFreeway page.

Will you host physical screenings at venues if social distancing and similar restrictions are eased by November 6?

We prioritize the safety and comfort of all festival attendees, which means that we are deeply invested in ensuring a healthful standard for RRFF. To that end, the RRFF Board of Directors decided in June 2020 to convert the festival to a digital format. If community conditions improve and restrictions allow for more interaction in physical settings, we will consider adding events. 

We are operating under the logic that we can always add celebrations, screenings, panels and sessions, but we would hate to schedule them and then need to cancel abruptly.

What streaming platform will you be using? What technology will I require to enjoy the festival? 

We have not yet chosen a platform, but we have many great options available to us as festivals globally have innovated a variety of options for this very purpose. When we know, you'll know too.

Can I still be a sponsor/donor?

Yes, absolutely! More than ever, RRFF relies on the generous spirit of community members like you. We still have sponsorship opportunities for branding and advertising, and donors may contribute via the GoFundMe account, the PayPal account or by contacting ryan@redrosefilmfestival.com.

Do you have volunteer opportunities this year?

We have not decided what kinds of opportunities will be available to volunteers in 2020. We had an amazing team of volunteers for our inaugural season in 2019 and we believe in the power of a volunteer cohort, so we're always looking to recruit. We'll keep everyone posted.

What's the best way to learn about updates and news for RRFF 2.0?

We encourage you to join our email newsletter (found on our home page) and our social media platforms (links at the bottom of each page) to keep abreast of everything RRFF.

Who made the decision to shift the festival from a physical to a digital setting?

RRFF's Executive Director, Creative Director, Board Chair and Board Vice Chair began discussions in the spring about the potential need to create a digital platform for 2020. In June 2020, a vote was held by the full RRFF Board of Directors, and the motion to convert to a digital festival passed unanimously.

Will the festival permanently shift to a digital setting? What about 2021 and beyond?

That is not our intent. We are firm believers in the theater experience, and we have dedicated ourselves to creating a physical festival in the heart of Lancaster that brings people together under the auspices of film and community. We cannot pretend to know what challenges lie for us in 2020, 2021 or any future festival year, but you can be certain that RRFF will rise to meet and surpass them.