According to a press release, the inaugural River Valley Film Festival, featuring 18 independent films, will begin at 5 p.m. July 18 in downtown Williamsport.

Presented by Lycoming Arts, the festival will open with the documentary “Rap Dixon: Beyond Baseball.” The lineup also includes six narrative short films, four narrative features, four additional documentary features, two music videos, and a documentary short.

Opening night will feature a First Friday-style event, closing West Fourth Street in downtown Williamsport from Hepburn to Elmira streets. What is dubbed Red Carpet Friday will start at 5:00 p.m. and feature film themed vendors, food and music, to celebrate the art of film and welcome the filmmakers to the City of Williamsport. There will also be a red carpet for the filmmakers.

Following Red Carpet Friday, RVFF will open its screenings with “Rap Dixon: Beyond Baseball.” The film tells the story of legendary African American baseball player, Rap Dixon a Pennsylvania native, chronicling his life, baseball accomplishments, and exploring how racism and segregation impact who’s remembered in history.

“I can’t be more proud of the lineup that we’ve produced for our inaugural year.” said Festival Director Cory Baney. “When I had the idea of the River Valley Film Festival in 2019, I never imagined the first year would include a street-closing opening night. With the incorporation into Lycoming Arts, the possibilities for RVFF have been amplified by their knowledge and expertise.”

“As the first International and multi-day film festival in Williamsport, the River Valley Film Festival will make an impact in the community with multiple films from outside of the US. Once again providing the city an opportunity to welcome the world to Williamsport, via the film community,” the press release said.

Following the opening night festivities, the River Valley Film Festival will begin screenings at 10:30 a.m. on July 19, with seven screenings throughout the day. Closing out the fest on Documentary Sunday will be three screenings beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Interested parties can purchase tickets via FilmFreeway, featuring the full lineup of films and their descriptions. All ticket proceeds help support Lycoming Arts, The River Valley Film Festival, and all of their initiatives they contribute to the community throughout the year as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

“Celebrating the 65th year anniversary of Lycoming Arts, the River Valley Film Festival is a perfect addition to the organization, as one that can bring together the community through the creative art of film,” the press release said. “Having established the Lycoming Arts Film Office, it also provides an opportunity to showcase the beauty and historic spirit of Williamsport.”