The 2026 River Bend Film Festival Announces Featured Guest Doug Jones

The 2026 River Bend Film Festival, Sept. 3-5 in Goshen, Indiana, is proud to announce that acclaimed American actor, mime artist, and contortionist Doug Jones will appear as the featured guest.

Renowned for his transformative performances in films such as The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Hellboy, Jones—born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana—has built a celebrated career bringing complex, otherworldly characters to life through physical performance and expressive movement.

At the 2026 River Bend Film Festival, Jones, whose unique artistry has made him one of the most recognizable and respected performers in genre cinema, will be one of a selection of special guests to participate in special events, live Q&A sessions, and in-depth artist talks exploring the creative process, individual highlights, and the craft of acting.

Organized by Goshen Arts & Events—which recently received a $5,000 Community Partnership from the City of Goshen in support of the festival—River Bend serves up memories and exciting moments for film lovers, highlighted by the opportunity to engage directly with Jones and gain insight into his work across film and television.

“We are excited for our 2026 edition, and we’re thrilled to welcome Doug Jones to Goshen,” said Festival Director, Neil King. “His extraordinary talent and dedication to performance art embody the creative spirit that the River Bend Film Festival celebrates each year. Doug has been in so many memorable films, and he has so much experience to speak to. He’s going to have a lot to share with our audiences. On top of that, our festival will once again have something for everyone. We encourage film lovers throughout Elkhart County and the entire region to circle the dates on their calendars and follow us on social media to stay current with ticketing news and information.”  

Held annually in downtown Goshen, the River Bend Film Festival showcases independent films from around the world while fostering connections between filmmakers, artists, and audiences. The 2026 festival promises an exciting lineup of screenings, panels, and special events, with Jones’s appearance serving as one of the highlights.

“The River Bend Film Festival and The Maple City have continued to build a very special connection since the festival moved here in 2016,” said Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty. “We value the festival’s commitment to diverse voices, accessibility, and artistic expression, and we’re proud of its contribution to Goshen’s unique cultural identity and vitality. We look forward to once again hosting film lovers from around the world, and screening films inside our historic Goshen Theater.”  

Additional details, including festival dates, ticket information, and a full schedule of events, will be announced in the coming months.