VALENTINA / "Blush"

ABOUT THE EVENT: Created by and for Los Angeles–based independent filmmakers, RSFF is a non-competitive festival that brings bold, distinctive work to the big screen—and brings the people behind it into the community. Across four days, filmmakers and audiences gather to discover new voices, pack theaters and build the relationships that sustain creative lives in Los Angeles. From October 7–10, RSFF presents 19 short films and three features at the Egyptian Theatre and Los Feliz 3. This year’s program was shaped by a committee of alumni filmmakers, industry professionals and experienced programmers, including Festival Directors Page Brady, Nir Liebenthal, Noah Morse, Jeremy Roth-Rose and Dylan Trupiano; filmmaker and RSFF alum Calleen Koh; documentary filmmaker Aurora Brachman; producer Nuer Taqa; programmer Lily Bolton; Unapologetic Projects Creative Executive Kyle Bowles; Book of Shadows producer and executive Nix Santos; and Imani Davis on behalf of the American Cinematheque. ABOUT THE FILMS: “Blush,” 2025, Dir. Ana Chavez, 14 Min, Singapore In English, and Portuguese with English subtitles. Amidst the humidity of a bustling city-island, a group of teenagers navigates friendship, first love, and the messiness of growing up. “Blush” is an improvisational portrait of youth in Singapore — drawn from the real lives of its cast, and shaped by the moments between. FORMAT: DCP VALENTINA, 2025, Dir. Tatti Ribiero, 78 Min, USA In English, and Spanish with English subtitles. A series of bureaucratic mishaps plagues Valentina as she tries to tackle a simple to-do list at the El Paso-Juarez border. VALENTINA has played at and won awards at film festivals including the Austin Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Florida Film Festival, Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, Bentonville Film Festival and Seattle International Film Festival. Filmmaker Tatti Ribeiro won the Someone to Watch Award, which is given to an exceptional emerging director, at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards.