New panels on Hometown Filmmaking and Film Publicity debut July 18-19 in Williamsport, PA
Williamsport, PA | June 16, 2026 – The River Valley Film Festival (RVFF), presented by Lycoming Arts, will expand its second-year lineup with the debut of two industry panels featuring award-winning filmmakers, leading entertainment journalists, and film publicity professionals whose work spans major studios, streaming platforms, and Academy Award winning campaigns. The panels will take place July 18 and 19 at 10:00am at The Otto Bookstore in downtown Williamsport and will also stream live on RVFF’s social channels. There is no admission fee, seating is first come first served.
Hometown Filmmaking Panel | July 18 @ 10:00am
The Hometown Filmmaking panel explores how filmmakers can build sustainable careers outside traditional industry hubs, highlighting both the challenges and creative advantages of working in emerging production regions. The conversation features Emmy Award winners Bobby Yan and Joshua Butler, award-winning filmmaker Thomas Koveleskie, and Chapman University professor and former New Line Cinema marketing president Russell Schwartz, who oversaw campaigns for films including The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Art of Film Publicity Panel | July 19 @ 10:00am
The Art of Film Publicity panel offers a behind the scenes look at how films break through in a crowded marketplace, from festival strategy to awards campaigns. Featuring award-winning entertainment journalists Ethan Alter (Gold Derby) and Eric McClanahan, alongside veteran publicist and awards strategist Sara Vahabi, whose campaigns have included multiple Academy Award-winning and nominated films. The panel will explore how filmmakers can secure press, build momentum, and position their work for long term success.
“Publicity can determine whether a film is discovered or overlooked,” said Festival Director Cory Baney. “At the same time, we’re committed to building a creative ecosystem here in PA. These panels reflect both sides of that mission, empowering filmmakers to create and giving them the tools to be seen.”
RVFF also announced its 2026 Grand Jury, featuring Russell Schwartz, Joshua Butler, Sara Vahabi, and Ozon Film Group’s Ray Izad-Mehr, a multiple award-winning writer, director, and producer whose work spans independent cinema, international co-productions, and globally distributed feature films and documentaries. With backgrounds spanning major studios, international productions, and award-winning film campaigns, the jury will lean on their experience to present awards for Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Documentary Short.
All selected films are eligible for both Grand Jury and Audience Awards in their respective categories. RVFF will also present the Millionaire Award to the film with the highest overall audience score.
