The largest film and art festival in North Carolina returns to William Peace University’s campus on October 2-4, 2026. The 14th annual Raleigh Film & Art Festival (RFAF), featuring film screenings from local and national directors, slam poetry, visual art displays, and more, returns to Peace for its second year after a successful partnership in 2025. This year’s event will include stronger academically aligned offerings and expanded opportunities for Peace students and community members.
Roger Christman, executive director of the Peace Film Initiative and professor of communication and simulation & game design, is leading planning for the event’s academic initiatives. His goal is to encourage all students to recognize the festival’s value, regardless of their majors or interests.
“This year, we’re working with colleagues to have students from various disciplines attend these films and connect them to their majors,” Christman said. “Then they can bring their reflections back to class and take full advantage of the immersive learning this festival provides.”
Christman also wants community members outside Peace to attend this renowned festival in downtown Raleigh, offering them as many immersive learning opportunities as students.
“It’s a chance to watch short films on many subjects — things you won’t typically see in theaters, on TV, or online,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to engage with creators, interact with attendees, and share your thoughts. That’s what makes it special. It brings the community together through storytelling, whether art, poetry, or film.”
Immersive Opportunities on Campus
As part of the collaboration, Peace will host various events on campus, including film screenings in Kenan Hall, Artspace, and Drewry J. Jones Lecture Hall. A director’s lounge on the second floor of Belk Dining Hall will offer open dialogue among filmmakers, attendees, and behind-the-scenes staff, such as creative directors, production staff, and videographers.
A unique addition this year is a script-to-screen workshop: a collaboration of three Peace students and nine local high schoolers. The group has been meeting once a week to prepare a short film that will debut at the festival.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring high school students to campus and get them excited about Peace, while involving current students and giving them space to work on a unique project,” Christman said.
The Oak City Poetry Slam is another new opportunity at RFAF this year. This immersive workshop lets attendees watch a short film, write an accompanying poem, and perform it live. The slam will award $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place.
Free Admission to Creative Exploration
The festival is open to all, but Peace students, faculty, and staff get an added benefit — admission is completely free. With the waived fee, Peace community members get VIP access to all weekend events, offering ample opportunities to explore RFAF’s offerings.
“At the end of the festival, I want students to walk away thinking about how cool it is to have this opportunity right here on campus,” Christman said. “This is the 14th year of the festival, and we want to make it the biggest and best experience yet. Word has spread to filmmakers nationwide, so the selection committee can be picky and choose excellent films. I want everyone who attends to appreciate the art of film, storytelling, art, and poetry.”
The full film guide and ticket information are available now online. Peace community members, contact Roger Christman to learn how to waive your ticket fee.
