RIFE’s third edition will take place in Smolyan, Bulgaria from 6 to 9 July 2023.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The third edition of the festival contains three competition programmes which will present around 50 short, medium and feature-length documentaries from around the world. According to the festival’s regulations, the films must have been produced after 2021 so as to be eligible for the competition programmes. The focus of the festival is on the following countries – Germany, Greece and Turkey. A selection will be screened with some of the best premiere documentaries.


Rhodope International Documentary Film Fest (RIFE) revives one of the most emblematic international film events for young filmmakers in socialist Bulgaria held in the beautiful mountain town of Smolyan during the 1980’s and early 1990’s.
The idea for RIFE came as an answer to the need of documentary filmmakers to exhibit their films and to have a place where they can improve their abilities, learn more in their areas of interest, and hear the opinion of high-profile international film professionals.


FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT
The Smolyan region is extremely rich in cultural, historical and tourist attractions. There are hiking opportunities with different routes for adults and children, which will give the festival guests and their families the opportunity to get to know the region and the beauty of the Rhodopes. Another possibility is to visit the museums with extended exhibitions



All screenings are free.