THE FESTIVAL RAG was formed in February 2003 by co-founders Markus Varjo, Gil S. Ripley and myles samuel iezzi. Based in New York City, the Rag is dedicated to supporting and promoting independent films and filmmakers on the festival circuit.

Varjo and Ripley had a combined 17 years' experience in the entertainment industry when they self-published the first issue of the Rag in early 2003 as a test of the indie-film climate. The one-pager received an overwhelming response from filmmakers and festival directors alike, and the two journalists launched the Rag proper immediately thereafter. Via their relationship with Myles Iezzi (founder of the KeMeK Production Network), they assembled a core team of "Ragstaffers" to actively track and trail film festivals worldwide, and signed a multi-year deal to publish and distribute the Rag through the online entertainment portal KeMeK, a proud champion of truly independent art and artists.