From a haunting, emotional opening night film about a great American songwriter to a closing night film that features “Heathens and Thieves,” the Rome International Film Festival brings a wealth of independent films to downtown Rome this weekend.

Starting today, films will be screened at various venues downtown and Rome residents can purchase tickets to see short dramas, experimental films, documentaries, comedies, and even a thriller and an animated film.

The festival begins today with the opening film “American Songwriter” being screened at the DeSoto Theatre starting at 7 p.m. followed by the opening night gala at Swift & Finch on Broad Street and ends with the narrative feature “Heathens & Thieves” set in the Wild West starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the DeSoto. This year’s closing night gala takes place at Rose Hill Manor, 312 East 4th Ave.

In between those two films, the Rome Area History Museum and the DeSoto Theatre will share screenings of the festival’s 88 films representing 13 different countries. Several of those films are Georgia-made including “Blue,” a short drama, “Caves: the Social Underground,” a short documentary and “Love’s Got My Goat,” a short drama. All three films will be screened at the DeSoto on Saturday.

But Georgia films are only one highlight of this year’s festival which also features “Cluck,” a short drama from Ireland about a most unusual arrival at an orphanage. In the Iranian short drama “Suddenly Zinat: Naagahaan, Zinat…” Simin’s world is turned upside down when the biological mother of her daughter wants her back. The Italian feature drama “Duck Hunter: Il Cacciatore Di Anatre,” gives us the story of four friends in the countryside of northern Italy, each with their own dream. Set during World War II, the tragic events of the period will end by sweeping away everyone and everything.

The 9th Rome International Film Festival runs today through Saturday. Tickets are $2 for students, $6 for adults, $25 for a day pass and $50 for a weekend pass. To order tickets online, visit romeinternationalfilmfestival.com or call 706-204-2295. Tickets will also be on sale during the festival at the Rome Area History Museum and the DeSoto Theatre lobby.

Festival booklets are also available at any of the screening locations. Booklets contain film schedules, a map of downtown Rome, sponsor information and other festival information.