Musicians’ Tales are told at the

11th Annual Rhode Island International Film Festival

The 11th Annual Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) recently announced its 2007 season, showing over 321 films from around the world in venues in Providence and throughout Rhode Island from August 7-12.

RIIFF has received national and international recognition and is a qualifying festival with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the Oscars™). The largest film festival in New England, it includes films from many genres, as well as gala events and educational workshops.

RIIFF has always endeavored to integrate music into the Festival and this year is screening some of the best film stories about several legendary musicians, both from the past and present. Come and explore the fascinating lives of these musicians from around the country and the world.

Highlights of this year’s films include:

The Golden Voice
Providence Black Repertory Theater
Friday, August 10 at 6:00 pm

This narrative short reenacts the story of talented and beautiful Cambodian singer Ros Sereysothea, who was captured by the Khmer Rogue during the last stage of her life. In the wake of Pol Pot's genocidal rule, her music survived only on rare bootlegged cassette tapes and vintage vinyl kept hidden during the Communist years. Learn about a tragic piece of her captivating life and hear her “golden voice”.

Been Down That Muddy Road: The Legend Of Joe Barry       
Providence Black Repertory Theater
Wednesday, August 8 at 6:00 pm

Joe Barry, the legendary blues musician from Southern Louisiana and Southeast Texas, struggled with personal and professional demons, giving up on music several times to pursue careers as diverse as pimp, preacher and mercenary. This documentary weaves the stories of his songs into the colorful tapestry of a remarkable man who has done it all.

Sounds of a Miracle
Providence Black Repertory Theater
Wednesday, August 8 at 6:00 pm

(Precedes “Been Down That Muddy Road”)  This documentary film explores the world of Earnestine Rodgers Robinson.  Despite no formal music training, with her faith and family, she rises from her humble southern roots to become an amazing composer of classical music that takes her to Carnegie Hall and Prague…Hear and a see a miracle!

Na Kamalei: Men of Hula  
The Shore Break Cinema (Naragansett, RI)
Friday, August 10 at 7:00 pm

In the 1970s, Robert Cazimero played a key part in the resurgence of Hawaiian music and culture. That resurgence began a career that many years later is stronger than ever. Musician, composer, and master hula teacher...his work in all of these areas is well-known throughout the world. This documentary film explores the revival of men who dance the hula as they prepare to compete in the world’s largest hula festival.

Note that venues and times may change. 

The 11th Annual Rhode Island International Film Festival will run from August 7th-12th with a wide range of films being screened during the week, at venues across the state.  Recognized as the largest film festival in New England, RIIFF prides itself in celebrating the art of independent filmmaking.  The 2007 Festival will screen over 300 films that reflect a variety of styles, perspectives and genres: documentaries, features, animation, and shorts.  Many of the filmmakers are expected to attend the Festival making for a lively audience experience and an opportunity for interactions, questions, and discussions.

The Rhode Island International Film Festival is supported in part by the City of Providence, the Providence Tourism Council, the Providence Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism, WJAR TV10, Motif magazine, Clear Channel Communications, Sony, SAG/INDIE, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, Amtrak, URI's College of Arts and Sciences, URI's Feinstein College of Continuing Education, the URI Film Media Program, Rule Broadcast Systems, Radio Disney and contributions from members and community supporters.

The Rhode Island International Film Festival is produced by the Flickers Arts Collaborative- an organization with 25 years of experience presenting major artistic events and independent and foreign films to the public.

Advance ticket sales for screenings and special events are available through the RIIFF website <www.RIFilmFest.org>.  Student, group, and senior discounts are also available with advance booking.  To purchase tickets or obtain more information about RIIFF, call 401-861-4445