The White River Indie Film Festival in Vermont is all about combining humor, love, and political resistance. They want people to feel hopeful and inspired after watching the movies, not hopeless. The festival starts on February 8th with a film about Louis Armstrong's trip to the Congo during the Cold War. There will also be a stand-up comedy show with Paul Ollinger, a Tuck School of Business graduate. The festival also includes a PitchFest where new filmmakers pitch their ideas for a chance to win support from JAM. The goal is to help local talent and offer resources to budding filmmakers. They want to give everyone a chance to show their work, not just a select few. The festival continues with screenings of winning films from an Emerging Filmmakers Contest, open to filmmakers from New England and Quebec. The festival aims to support artists of all ages and backgrounds. They want to create a supportive and encouraging community for filmmakers to thrive in. Throughout the festival, there will be events like a Valentine's Day party and a yoga session to help audiences relax and enjoy the films. There will also be discussions on art and activism, as well as installations reflecting on important issues like the war in Gaza. The festival ends with a series of global and local features, including a film from Zambia. The goal is to showcase films from countries that may not have much support for filmmaking. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online. The White River Indie Film Festival is all about celebrating creativity, diversity, and community. It's a place where filmmakers and audiences can come together to appreciate the power of storytelling through film.