RIIFF Goes “Green” and looks at Current Environmental Concerns
Following a US Premiere Screening, the Festival will Host a “Green” Filmmakers Party sponsored by Cross Alert
No, it’s not a bad case of filmmaker envy. The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) will host a special environmental-themed “Green” filmmakers party at Gallery Z (259 Atwells Ave) on Thursday, August 9th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by Cross Alert Systems- an active alert system that helps to warn motorists when pedestrians are near a traffic intersection. In attendance will be filmmakers, local environmentalists, and representatives from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.
“The environment is at the forefront of the important issues being discussed in today’s media,” explained Producing Director, Adam Short. “Filmmakers are using the power of film to connect ‘Green’ topics with a larger audience. This event is an opportunity for filmmakers, environmentalists, government, businesses, and the curious public to connect and engage in dialogue.”
“Rhode Island is such a beautiful state- rich in diverse natural resources. We want to ensure that this delicate balance stays intact,” continued Mr. Short. “RIIFF has supported the development of environmentally aware filmmaking programs and discussions, starting with our KidsEye Filmmaking Summer Camp, for Children ages 9 through 15, and continuing through to our two-day industry Film Forum.”
The event immediately follows a screening of the environmental documentary “Escape From Suburbia: Beyond the American Dream” at 4:00 p.m. at the Columbus Theater Cinemathèque (270 Broadway). Tickets for the screening are $10 at the door. The Gallery Z event is free and open to the public; light food and beverages will be served.
Throughout the festival, RIIFF will be screening a selection of documentary films that examine important issues related to the environment. These films cover topics ranging from the production of hemp to the after-effects of the Chernobyl disaster. Included in the Environmental Sidebar are films such as:
Half Life: A Journey to Chernobyl August 8th, 1:00 p.m. Providence Public Library (150 Empire Street, Providence) David Bickerstaff & David Notman-Watt, directors 2006, 40 mins, USA/RUSSIA
This film tells the story of the people who dealt with the world’s worst nuclear disaster at ground level. Based on the award-winning poem by Mario Petrucci.
Who’s Got the Power August 8th, 3:00 p.m. Providence Public Library (150 Empire Street, Providence) Thomas Jewett, director 2006, 58 mins, USA
A film that energizes a fascinating, but neglected subject- solar power- and awakens the dialogue about man’s engagement with earth and the impact of architecture.
Escape from Suburbia: Beyond the American Dream August 9th, 4:00 p.m. Columbus Theater Cinemathèque (270 Broadway, Providence) Gregory Greene, director 2007, 95 mins, USA
Three characters and a small town are the symbolic wake-up call that signals the most dramatic transition in modern history: our shift from the illusion of never-ending growth to a sustainable civilization.
Union: The Business Behind Getting High WORLD PREMIERE August 9th, 9:00 p.m., Columbus Theater Arts Center (270 Broadway, Providence) August 11th & 12th, 8:00 p.m., The Shorebreak (Narragansett Pier, 3 Beach St., Narragansett) Brett Harvey, director 2007, 105 mins, CANADA
Filmmaker Brett Harvey examines British Columbia’s largest industry- the illegal growing of marijuana. By interviewing experts, politicians, law enforcement, and the growers themselves, he delves into the activities of Canada’s burgeoning cannabis market and explores the history of growing marijuana.
Cross Alert Systems provides an advance, active alert to approaching vehicles that bike/pedestrian path users are at or near a traffic intersection. The combined technologies of motion activation (infra-red detection), solar power, and radio communication make Cross Alert an affordable safety solution. For more information about the system, please visit www.crossalert.com.
