Coming to Richmond: RIFF 2026 + The Launch of Lightmakers with Heather Waters

Send Johni & Jess a textWhat happens when film, music and storytelling become more than entertainment — and start bringing people together?This week on The Hook, Johni and Jess sit down with Heather Waters, Founder and Producer of the Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF), as the festival celebrates its 15th anniversary September 22–27.Heather takes us inside the incredible story of RIFF — from launching the festival just one week after moving to Richmond to building it into an international event featuring 180+ films from 30 countries and 60 events. She also introduces Lightmakers, her newest venture using music, film and dialogue to build bridges across cultures and borders.We get into the story behind this year’s theme, “Story Is Our Blueprint,” the films and experiences you won’t want to miss, and the special Lightmakers pre-launch featuring panels, a VIP mixer and live music from Rodney the Soul Singer, Kyle Davis, The Joey Davis Band,  plus appearances from Elana Lisa. Heather also opens up about her own unexpected path — from performing and touring to filmmaking, international relations and peacebuilding — and how the pieces that once seemed completely unrelated ultimately led her exactly where she was supposed to be.🎬 Richmond International Film FestivalSeptember 22–27, 2026🎟️ View the festival schedule & purchase tickets/passes:riff.aventive.org🎥 Learn more about RIFF:RVAfilmfestival.comFrom red carpets and international films to live music and conversations that cross borders, this is a look at the woman behind one of Richmond’s biggest arts events — and what she’s building next.Heather Waters, you’re on The Hook.Music has the power to bring people together — and this September, Lightmakers is doing exactly that.Join the Richmond International Film Festival Thursday, September 24th for the Lightmakers Signature Series, a special night of live music featuring The Joey Davis Band, Rodney Stith and Richmond’s own Kyle Davis.It’s all part of RIFF’s 15th annual celebration of film, music and creativity happening September 22nd through the 27th.Support the showThank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at: https://www.johniandjess.comFollow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.