Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of writer/director, Blake Edwards who passed away today at the age of 88. Blake was the recipient of our Lifetime Achievment Award in 2001. His gracious wife, Julie Andrews was on hand to speak about Blake and his career and it was an evening no one present has forgotten.Blake's selection that evening for our Opneing Night was his black comedy," S.O.B." which was so fitting given our screening was at the Columbus Theatre Arts Center. He was an amazing talent who shared the joy of laughter with audiences across the globe. What a gift. He will be missed!
7 Day PSA Awards Presentation in Boston A Huge Success!
FLICKERS is pleased to announce the winners of this year's Boston edition of our 7 Day PSA Program. The awards ceremony was held at our exclusive media sponsor's studio: WCVB-Channel 5. Some of the great prizes lined up for the Boston event included Final Draft, Virtual Pitch Fest, MGM-HD, and Movie Maker Magazine. Winners are eligible to be submitted for Hatch, Emmy and Telly awards. Rule Boston Camera presented the first-ever, "Rule Cinematography Award." Our Boston edition marks the third regional 7 Day PSA competition held this year. The premiere edition took place in Rhode Island in February and the second took place in Maine in June. Kudos to Duncan Putney, Andrew Stark, our Boston host—Wednesday Morning Productions, and all the team leaders and non-profit participants! Go to the Facebook Group Page.
See the previous Maine winner, Planet Dog, below:
2010 Horror Film Festival Winners Announced
PROVIDENCE,
RI • (November 6, 2010) -The eerie, macabre and bizarre in the world of cinema were given their due with the wrap of the 11th Annual FLICKERS: RI International Horror Film Festival through adjudicated awards. From an entry base of 347 entries, 50 films were screened during the cinematic symphony of horror, October 21-24th at the VMA Arts & Cultural Center, the Bell Street Chapel Theatre, the Barrington Public Library and the Providence Public Library. This year’s event was sponsored in part by MGM HD, the Providence Phoenix, WJAR TV 10, Cox on Demand, Cox Media and Amtrak.
The Festival opened with a special World Premiere screening in High Definition of the newly restored Roger Corman classic “The Fall of the House of Usher,” starring Vincent Price. This year’s Festival was sponsored by MGM HD, the Providence Phoenix, WJAR TV 10, Cox Media, Cox Digital, Cronksoftware, the VMA Arts & Cultural Center and Amtrak.
“This was an exceptionally strong year for entries and quality genre films, specifically those coming from international directors,” said J. Scott Oberacker, RIIFF’s Educational Outreach Director, and programming head for this year’s Horror Festival sidebar. “The films featured strong storylines, exceptional effects and memorable performances from such actors as Keira Knightley, Simon Callow, Warwick Davis, Christopher Eccleston, James D'Arcy and Danny Elfman.
William Torgerson from Stratford, Connecticut was the Grand Prize Winner for this year's 2010 FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) Screenplay Competition. The awards announcement was made Monday by George T. Marshall, RIIFF Executive Director. The winning screenplay “Love on the Big Screen” chronicles a college freshman whose understanding of love has been shaped by late-eighties romantic comedies. It is a story of friendship, dangers of romanticized love, and what happens to one young man as he finds out that life is nothing like the movies he loves.
Thirty Screenwriters from across the globe were selected as semi-finalists at this year's FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival Screenplay Competition. The Festival received 327 entries this year, a record number. Screenplays were judged on creativity, innovation, vision, originality and the use of language. The key element was " communication" and how it complements and is transformed by the language of film. The thirty one semi-finalists will be narrowed down for the approximately eight top awards (with 11 winners) offered by the Festival. The finalists reflect an international mix including work screenplays from Germany, Australia, the United Kinhgdom, Thailand and the United States.
The winning screenplays entered into the competition were adjudicated by a distinguished panel of industry professionals, educators, peers and film fans. The Grand Prize winner will become a central focus during ScriptBiz™ the screenplay pitch forum held during the Festival in 2011. The list of winners include those who entered into side-bar competitions such as the Barren Branches GLBT Competition and the Short Screenplay Competition.
To see of of this year's winners and semi-finalists, click here.
October 21-24th:
FLICKERS: RI International Horror Film Festival
Now in its 11th ghoulish year! This year's programming promises to be truly amazing with major premieres, a book signing, a walking tour and much much more. There will be something for everyone with our expanded programming that will take place across the state. It's four days of horror, murder, mayhem and the best independent film work that has been submitted to us from around the globe. Ground zero for this event will once again be the spookily historic Bell Street Chapel Theatre in Providence. PLUS: IN BREAKING NEWS: Our Opening Night Spooktacular will be at the amazing VMA Arts & Cultural Center, thanks to a great partnership with MGM HD. Click here to learn more...
SPECIAL EVENT:
October 22nd:
H.P. LOVECRAFT WALKING TOUR
Special tour will explore Lovecraft’s favorite Providence haunts
Providence native and cult horror writer H.P. Lovecraft will be the subject of a special walking tour and film series during the 11th annual FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival (RIHFF), October 21 – 24th. The tour will take place on Friday, October 22nd. Following the tour, which begins at 3:00 p.m. and lasts for approximately 90 minutes, participants will be treated to a special screening of films at the Bell Street Chapel Theatre in Providence later that evening. Click here to learn more...
SPECIAL EVENT:
October 24th at 12:30 pm.
ZOMBIETHON BATTLE
Special programming and display by the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA)
The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Their "Known World" consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Members, dress in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events that feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, various classes & workshops, and more.
Local members will provide a demonstration of some of the many activities practiced by the SCA, including both heavy and light armored combat and for this year’s Horror Film Festival: a Zombie Battle Royale. Free to the general public. Location: Outdoors at The Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street, Providence, RI.
September 12th:
RIIFF at the Providence Public Library Open House
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is proud to partner with and support our great public library system. The Providence Public Library is a jewel in the crown of the state's capital city and today is the day for discovery with their "Open House." RIIFF will be hosting a free afternoon of screenings of some of the best films from our 2010 Festival that complement the theme of "Healthy Planet, Healthy Living." Programming starts at 1:15 p.m. The location: Providence Public Library, Empire Street, Providence, RI.
August 28th :
KidsEye™ Movie Premiere Night
Come see the world premiere of all three movies made this summer at the annual KidsEye™ Summer Filmmaking Camp. Along with the films, you'll have the opportunity to ask the campers questions about the camp and their experience with KidsEye.Location: Kirk Hall- Cherry Auditorium (URI)
Upper College Rd
Kingston, RI. Showtime at 7:00 p.m. Free.
August 10-15th:
14th Annual FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival
2010 promises to be a truly amazing event with major new work, expanded networking opportunities for filmmakers and audiences, educational programs, an industry symposium, parties, awards, our Opening and Closing Galas, conversations with honorees, morning coffee talks/breakfast gatherings, and a celebrity sighting here and there. We are very proud that we have created new partnerships with regional non-profit service and social organizations that will allow RIIFF and its audiences to reach out to those in need, showing how that arts can indeed have an impact. Our screenings will once again take place across the state of Rhode Island. For more details, please click here...(this is an evolving page)
Coming August 11th to RIIFF with special guest, film director, Don Hahn who oversaw the
productions of two landmark animated Disney features: "Beauty and the Beast" (1991) and
"The Lion King" (1994)
August 14-15th
THE NEW ENGLAND STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL
Exciting, provocative and smart are words that best describe the work from students at our New England colleges and universities. This two-day sidebar will feature film work by tomorrow's leaders in the field.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Date: Saturday/Sunday, August 14-15, 2010
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: URI Feinstein College of Continuing Education Auditorium, 80 Washington Street, Providence, RI
Cost: $10 w/student discounts
Sponsors: URI College of Arts and Sciences, URI Feinstein College of Continuing Education, and the URI Film Media Program
SPECIAL EVENT:
August 14th
H.P. LOVECRAFT WALKING TOUR
Special tour will explore Lovecraft’s favorite Providence haunts
Providence native and cult horror writer H.P. Lovecraft will be the subject of a special walking tour s during the 14th annual FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival. The popular tour, which was first introduced with our October Horror Festival, will take place on Saturday, August 14th. Following the tour, which begins at 10:00 a.m. and lasts for approximately 90 minutes, participants will be treated to a special screening of films at the Bell Street Chapel Theatre in Providence. The tour is coordinated with the RI Historical Society and costs $16. To learn more, click here...
(The program will again be repeated this Fall, see below)
August 14th:
FLICKERS RETURNS TO NEWPORT
SPECIAL NEWPORT SCREENINGS OF THE RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
To celebrate its role as Executive Producer of the new documentary “Behind the Hedgerow: Eileen Slocum and the Meaning of Newport Society,” FLICKERS will return to its home base of Newport, RI where it started in 1981. A special afternoon premiere will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Bazarsky Hall at the O'Hare Academic Center, Salve Regina University, Newport. A very special reception for all attendees will take place immediately following the screening.
The Festival will also present new and exciting programming throughout the day at the Opera House Theatre in downtown Newport.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Date: Saturday, August 14 2010
Times: 2:00 p.m. Newport Premiere of “Behind the Hedgerow: Eileen Slocum and the Meaning of Newport Society"
Subsequent Flickers film screenings: 4:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.
Locations: Bazarsky Hall at the O'Hare Academic Center, Salve Regina University & the Opera House Theatre, Touro Street, Newport, RI
Cost: $30 for the Newport Premiere of “Behind the Hedgerow,” and $10 for regular film screenings.
Sponsors: Sony, Amtrak, NBC 10, The Providence Phoenix, HB Communications,
Stella Artois & Decadent Catering
August 14th:
“SWEET SUCCESS”, A CINEMATIC SALUTE
Flickers presents a special event Screening followed by a Dessert Party with filmmakers and the film industry.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Date: Saturday, August 14 2010
Time: 8:30 p.m. for film screening & events
Location: VMA Arts & Cultural Center, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence
Cost: $15
Sponsors: Sony, Providence Tourism Council, Amtrak, NBC 10, The Providence Phoenix, HB Communications, Stella Artois, Sweet Lorraine’s, Pot au Feu, RICH, Enterprise, Renaissance Providence.
August 15th:
RIIFF Closing Presentation
Don't miss "Community Voices & Lives: A Conversation" featuring the powerful documentary on the New England Fishing Industry "TRUTH"
Directed by Dana Neugent. Part of the the Official 2010 Closing Presentation.
RIIFF LAUNCHES STUDENT FILM JURY
"Twilight" Actor Peter Facinelli came to our Providence office
to meet with members of our Youth Jury & intern staff.
Attention Student Film Buffs! The Rhode Island International Film Festival, as part of this year's festival marks the beginning of an exciting new program; not only for us, but for the entire state of Rhode Island and its communities.
This year, we are very pleased to announce that we are launching a new Student Film Jury program. This new program will offer local high school students the unique opportunity to participate directly in an internationally recognized, film festival, as well as aid in the festival’s long-standing commitment to community outreach and education.
The student jury will be made up of a selected group of Rhode Island high school students who are entering their junior or senior year; though students who have graduated this year are also encouraged to apply.
Accepted applicants will become student jurors in the only Academy Award-qualifying film festival in New England. The students will screen a selection of films (narrative, documentary, shorts), deliberate, and present the Student Jury Award, at the festival’s award ceremony. Students will also have the opportunity to meet with the various filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from around the world, as well.
This program offers a terrific opportunity for high school students. It will not only make a great addition on the student's resumes and college applications, but it will also expose students to the very large entertainment industry, where they will have the chance to network and make contacts for their future.
The program will be accepting applications through July 19th, 2010. All applications will then be immediately reviewed and acceptance notifications will go out. The application and additional information will soon be up on our website. Though anyone interested is encourage to e-mail us now. This years festival runs August 10th - 15th.
Call for Vendors & Artists for Saturday, August 14th, 2010
This year, FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival is looking to showcase artists and artisans from the New England area with an outdoor merchant fair (or Marché). The event will be held on August 14. The times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (setup begins at 7:00 a.m.).
The location will be in front of the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence.
For more information please click here or call 401-861-4445.
We send our heartfelt sympathy to the family and loved ones of actress Patricia Neal who passed away this weekend at the of 84. A legend on the screen, Ms. Neal received a Lifetime Achievement Award from RIIFF in 2000.
When she came to our Festival that year, we were just finding our footing as an organization. We were graced by her compassion, generosity and sense of fun. She inspired our Festival to be where it is today; setting goals, overcoming adversity and moving forward. For Ms. Neal, life was meant to be lived and she did just that. You cannot do better than that!
The world lost an amazingly gifted artist this weekend. She has left us a gift that will continue to endure and touch countless lives in the future. Thank you, Patricia. Bravo!
RIIFF's Oscar Night® America was an evening of glamour, fun, and celebration!
Providence Oscar Night® America hosted by FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival, was one of only 51 official parties sanctioned by the Academy to host an official Oscar® telecast viewing party on Oscar Night.
Oscar Night® America is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' grassroots program that enables not-for-profit charities to host glamorous parties while raising much needed funds. In 2010, the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) was selected to host Rhode Island’s only officially sanctioned party, one of only 51 official parties throughout the country sanctioned by the Academy. A ttendees came from as far away as Tacoma, WA and Los Angeles, CA.
On Sunday, March 7, 2010, guests experienced the thrills, surprises and excitement of the 82nd Academy Awards® at Providence's Oscar Night® America party.
As Oscar co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin take the stage in Los Angeles at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre, over 250 Rhode Islanders joined John Deluca and Allison Alexander of ABC6 for the creative black-tie event at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium& Cultural Center, that benefitted the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF). All attendees to the event were treated like stars, walking into the theatre on a red carpet that would be found at world cinematic premieres. This grand entrancewas covered live by ABC 6; official sponsor for Providence Oscar Night® America.
Sponsors for the 2010 Providence Oscar Night® America hosted by the Rhode Island International Film Festival include PMA Industries, ABC6, Amtrak, Temple Restaurant, Glasswing Design, Harpoon Brewery, Newport Vineyards, Valet Connection, Barrington Printing, East Coast Lighting and Production Services, Ambient Sound, Renaissance Providence Hotel and the Veterans Memorial AuditoriumArts & Cultural Center.
Photography was by Mary Hanley Photography and Jonathan Beller Photography.
KidsEye™ Summer Filmmaking Camp
The KidsEye Class of 2010, taken 7/7/2010 at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston
June 12th
FLICKERS: Providence GLBT Film Festival Preview
A celebration of the Best of GLBT Shorts; plus a sneak peak a Rob Williams latest: ROLE/PLAY
Films made by, for and about the GLBT community take the spotlight in a special celebration preview through a unique partnership among FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival, Equity Action, Marriage Equality RI, and the Bell Street Chapel. The preview will feature cutting edge shorts and a sneak peak of a major new feature film. This year the GLBT festival during RIIFF in August is screening over 40 films from across the globe on an array of topics that touch everything from relationships, gay marriage to military policy. FLICKERS will donate $1.00 for every ticket sold this summer at all of its GLBT programming to Marriage Equality RI (MERI). Contact 401-861-4445 for more information. To read more about the event, click here...
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: The Bell Street Chapel Theatre, 5 Bell Street, Providence, RI
Cost: $10 donation; $8 for Bell Street and RIIFF members.
A dollar from each ticket will be donated to Marriage Equality RI
May 26th:
RIIFF Best of Fest Encore
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is pleased to bring back our popular "Best of Fest" programming showcasing films that screened during our 2009 Festival. The location for the screenings is the Bell Street Chapel Theatre, 5 Bell Street in Providence. Show time at 7:00 p.m. Admission Donation of $10; RIIFF members $8. For more information, click here.Map it:
RIIFF RECEIVES A NEW ENGLAND EMMY NOMINATION
FOR ITS 2009 Public Service Announcement “BEACH”
Features local actors Phyllis Kay and Richard Donnelly
(PROVIDENCE/NEWPORT, RI) • FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is very proud to report that it has once again received a nomination for a New England Emmy Award. RIIFF was notified by The Board of Governors of the Boston/New England Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences about the nomination in the category of Community/Public Service Announcement (PSAs) in the 33rd annual Boston/New England Emmy competition.
The PSA entitled "Beach," was produced by Demetria J. Carr; directed by William Smyth; and Miraj Berry. George T. Marshall, was the Executive Producer. The spot featured the creative talents of Richard Donnelly and Phyllis Kay of Trinity Repertory Company. The PSA aired in July and August 2009 on WJAR TV, Cox Communications and WCVB in Boston.
“We are very proud to be in such excellent company with this nominations as we join Rhode Island filmmakers John Lavall, Jessica Jennings and Julie Lewis for “Home Across Lands” and David Bettencourt and G. Wayne Miller for “ON THE LAKE: Life and Love in a Distant Place,” said George T. Marshall, RIIFF Executive Director. “What makes these nominations even more gratifying is that the films screened at our Festival last year, continuing our long-standing tradition of showcasing local and regional filmmakers.”
This marks the fifth time PSA's produced by RIIFF have gone on to be nominated for Emmy Awards. There have been three wins. William Smyth and Miraj Berry with their production company, Vacilando, have created all of the spots.
The 33rd Boston / New England Emmy Awards will take place on Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 at the Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.
RIIFF Breaking News:
Flickers, the producing non-profit of the annual Rhode Island International Film Festival, receives major grant from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities (RICH)
Grant will fund important new documentary created by David Bettencourt and G. Wayne Miller and have World Premiere at RIIFF in August!
(January 13, 2010) • At a State House press conference on Wednesday, January 13 the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities (RICH) announced its 15 major grant awardees for 2010.
In response to the major grantee announcement, special guest and noted historian Al Klyberg, L.H.D., emphasized the importance of RICH's work in helping to preserve Rhode Island history and applauded the organization's commitment to partnering with a broad range of organizations and supporting vital and innovative work.
The program included a sneak preview of the Flickers' grant award project: "Behind the Hedgerow: Eileen Slocum and the Meaning of Newport Society" a documentary by Rhode Island filmmakers G. Wayne Miller and David Bettencourt. The creation of film was supported with RICH funds, and the complete documentary will premiere at RIIFF.
RICH is awarded 15 major grants for a total of more than $133,000; the average award amount was nearly $9,000. Four of the organizations are new to RICH, five are non-humanities organizations (social service and community groups), and three are documentary film projects. The projects span in scope from the creation of the teachers institute to the development of an audio tour to the organization of a Civil War reenactment march down the East Bay Bike Path.
About The Flickers Award:
"Behind the Hedgerow"
Funds will support the post-production costs for a documentary film by Rhode Island filmmakers G. Wayne Miller and David Bettencourt on the life of Newport's last grande dame, Eileen Slocum.
• For information, please go to the film's blog site, click here.
• Learn more about RICH and this year's grant recipients, click here.
It was an amazing afternoon of music on Sunday, April 11th as The Flickers Chamber Music Ensemble presented: Dream With Me: music for soprano, tenor, piano, and celloat the historic Bell Street Chapel in Providence. Kudos to Elizabeth Gondek, soprano; Eric Bronner, tenor; Nancy Nicholson, piano; and Daniel Harp, cello for an exceptional and memorable performance!
April 28th:
RIIFF Best of Fest Encore
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is pleased to bring back our popular "Best of Fest" programming showcasing films that screened during our 2009 Festival. The location for the screenings is the Bell Street Chapel Theatre, 5 Bell Street in Providence. Show time at 7:00 p.m. Admission Donation of $10; RIIFF members $8. For more information, click here.Map it:
April 29th:
12th Annual URI Visualizations Film Festival
Every spring, the University of Rhode Island College of Arts and Sciences holds its annual Visualizations Film Festival. Undergraduate students, in any major or college, who are interested in film and moving images, are strongly encouraged to enter this competition, in which winners are awarded cash prizes and receive recognition for their achievements.
Now in its 12th year, the Visualizations Student Film Festival encourages URI undergraduate students to produce a diverse array of films and videos in a variety of formats. In addition, the Festival recognizes students who write critically about film, as well as those who write original film treatments. Through this annual event, students compete for prizes and have their films screened at public events and acknowledged by their peers, faculty, friends and family. Also, The Fred Joyal Best of Festival Prize will be judged and selected from among the winners in each category at the Awards Ceremony on April 29.
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) has long been a supporter of this wonderful Festival and provides scholarships, passes and tickets to our August events along with a special Visualizations screening during RIIFF.
April 22-25, 2010:
Fifth Annual Roving Eye Film Festival
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is proud to present its fifth annual Roving
Eye Film Festival™. The popular and acclaimed festival celebrates the film arts from across the globe. All programming is curated by RWU students from current entries to RIIFF. The slogan this year is “You Know You Want to Look." Along with shorts and documentaries, this year's Festival will feature an animation sidebar. All screenings, unless otherwise noted, will be free of charge and open to the public and screened on the campus of Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI.
"Playful contemporary music combines with elegant classical era and lush romantic era music for this concert of lively, dreamy, and emotionally expressive chamber music for cello, voices and piano."
From the same group that brought last year's "Topsy Turvy World of G&S." Featuring works of Bernstein, Quilter, Schubert, and selections from Mozart's "Don Giovanni". Performed by Elizabeth Gondek, soprano; Eric Bronner, tenor; Nancy Nicholson, piano; and Daniel Harp, cello. Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street, Providence. Time: 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 general admission. Senior and student discounts offered. To order call 401-861-4445. Or to learn more and to order tickets online, click here.
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is pleased to bring back our popular "Best of Fest" programming showcasing films that screened during our 2009 Festival. The location for the screenings is the Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street in Providence. Show time at 7:00 p.m. Admission Donation of $10; RIIFF members $8. For more information, click here.Map it:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the 82nd Annual Academy Award nominations this morning at 5:38 a.m. PST. One of the nominations played at RIIFF during our August Festival in 2009.
Nominated for Best Short (Live Action) was Gregg Helvey's "Kavi," which played at last year's RIIFF. 2009 Student Academy Award ® Gold Medal for best narrative short, "Kavi" was Greg's USC thesis film. "Kavi" is the story of a young boy in India who wants to play cricket and go to school, but instead he is forced to work in a brick kiln as a modern-day slave. Unsatisfied with his fate, Kavi must choose to either accept what he's always been told, or fight for a different fate even if he's unsure of the ultimate outcome.
The film, produced by Guneet Monga, Harish Amin and Helvey, was filmed entirely in Wai, near Mumbai. Helvey, who was a student of the University of South California, came to India to produce the film. The film has been subtitled in English and won various awards at international festivals.
Made on a shoestring budget of just over $30,000, it was shot in just eight days.
To see more about "Kavi" in the RIIFF 2009 Catalog,click here
To learn more about this year's 82nd Annual Academy Awards, click here
Our sincere congratulations to Gregg and to all the nominees!
March 7, 2010:
RIIFF Hosts Oscar Night® America
The 82nd Academy Awards
The Academy Awards®, affectionately known as the Oscars®, are the oldest, best known, most influential, most prestigious, and famous of film awards. The Oscars reward the previous year’s greatest cinema achievements as determined by some of the world’s most accomplished motion picture artists and professionals. Ever since 1941, when their now-famous confidential envelope system was introduced, marking the first year of complete secrecy, "the Envelope Please" has become a familiar phrase that evokes the thought of the Academy Awards® ceremony. And this is the night when we will discover the films that have been adjudicated the Best of 2009!
For the first time, ever, RIIFF will be taking it's popular "You Be the Judge" program outside of Rhode Island. The location: 2919 24th Ave., Queens, NY.
Ever wanted to program your own film festival? Astoria Indies LOVES alternative screenings, and this March 4th they are asking YOU to come help program one of the world's top film festivals. The Rhode Island International is sending them our best short film submissions, and YOU get to rate, comment and vote on which ones will play at the fest. (Oh, and did we mention the best short at RIIFF can qualify for an ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATION?)
See you on March 4th at the Beer Garden! The program begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are only $5, as always!
We are very proud to support and cross-promote this important Festival which celebrates the 40th Anniversary of one of Rhode Island's most important non-profit organizations: Save the Bay! The largest environmental film festival in the United States, The Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival sits apart from the hundreds of festivals around the world by leaving you feeling INSPIRED and MOTIVATED to go out and make a difference in your community and the world. It’s a festival for activists by activists. The event is organized and hosted by the South Yuba River Citizens League in Nevada.
Save the Bay will be hosting the Festival Touring Program with some extraordinary cinematic work you will not want to miss. The festival tour brings together the best of the home festival’s films in a three-hour program. With a growing public awareness for the environment, the festival aims to increase this groundswell through inspiring and educational films which hopefully will motivate people to go out and make a difference in their community and around the world.
To learn more about this Festival, its programming and screening locations, please click here.
February 28th:
Ron Tippe on 630 WPRO Radio
1:30 PM
• Listen to Ron Tippe on "Patricia Raskin Positive Living™" with host, Patricia Raskin on 630 WPRO/AM & 99.7/FM and streamed live on www.630wpro.com on Sunday, February 28th at 1:30PM ET/ 10:30AM PT.
Join nationally recognized multi-media radio talk show host and award winning producer Patricia Raskin, host of "Patricia Raskin Positive Living™" radio show. What is the impact of film on our culture? Tune in as Patricia interviews, Ron Tippe, screenwriter, director, producer, college professor and the new Producing Director at RIIFF (The Rhode Island International Film Festival.) He will discuss the impact of film on social consciousness, the upcoming Oscar Night® America in Providence, and the re-branding of the RIIFF. Providence Oscar Night® America is one of only 50 official parties sanctioned by the Academy to host an official Oscar® telecast viewing party on Oscar Night.
• January 30, 2010 • We are very pleased to announce that RIIFF has moved its offices to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium & Cultural Center. We are located on the first floor suite with an entrance at 83 Park Street, Providence. This is a major move for the Festival. Details will be announced shortly.
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• January 28, 2010 • The first-ever 7 Day PSA Completion launches tonight with teams in place from Rhode Island to New Hampshire! We will keep you informed about the progress made and how this very unique program takes shape. Kudos to RIIFF Board member, Duncan Putney for making this a reality!
February 24th:
RIIFF Best of Fest Encore
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is pleased to bring back our popular "Best of Fest" programming showcasing films that screened during our 2009 Festival. The location for the screenings is the Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street in Providence. Show time at 7:00 p.m. Admission Donation of $10; RIIFF members $8. For more information, click here.Map it
Big Sisters of Rhode Island: making a difference by offering traditional one-on-on mentoring for young girls in the community.
The Sensational Child: striving to improve the quality of life for individuals and their families living with autism and disabilities.
We will not only be screening the public service announcements, but present awards. Upcoming 7 Day PSA competitions for 2010 include: BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS; PORTLAND, MAINE; SOUTH EASTERN CONNECTICUT; NEW HAMPSHIRE; and DALLAS, TEXAS.
Mark this on your calendars and come support some amazing artists who have given back to their community!
February 18th:
You Be the Judge Night
Presented in cooperation with Rhodywood, this popular series continues with a new season that will reveal some of the entries that are under consideration for our 2010 Festival. Join us at 7:00 p.m. the Brooklyn Coffee & Tea House, 209 Douglas Avenue, Providence. This film event will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Suggested donation: $5. Map it:
February 14th:
RIIFF's Valentine's Day "Date Night" Event
A very special screening on a very special day for the romantic, those in love and the young in heart. Presented in cooperation with and at the Barrington Public Library, 281 County Road, Barrington, RI. 401 247-1920. A great date night evening you will not forget hosted by librarian, Wil Gregersen. Free to the general public. Map It:
January 27th:
RIIFF Best of Fest Encore
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is pleased to bring back our popular "Best of Fest" programming showcasing films that screened during our 2009 Festival. The location for the screenings is the Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street in Providence. Show time at 7:00 p.m. Admission Donation of $10; RIIFF members $8. For more information, click here.Map it
January 21st:
You Be the Judge Night
Presented in cooperation with Rhodywood, this popular series continues with a new season that will reveal some of the entries that are under consideration for our 2010 Festival. Join us at 7:00 p.m. the Brooklyn Coffee & Tea House, 209 Douglas Avenue, Providence. This film event will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Suggested donation: $5. Map it:
RIIFF in China: Building Partnerships and International Relations
Demetria Carr, RIIFF Managing Director, featured speaker at Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival
We are very pleased to announce our invitation to the Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival, China (GZ DOC 2009), which will run from December 7 to 11th. Demetria J. Carr, RIIFF's Managing Director will be representing the Festival and is a VIP guest speaker.
GZ DOC 2009 is the only international documentary festival and market in China. It's an event that combines competition, screening, seminar, market, training and networking opportunities.
This year the competition theme is "Looking for Happiness". A jury consists of both international and Chinese professionals related to documentary film. The Rhode Island International Film Festival has a partnership relationship with GZ DOC which will hold special screenings of RIIFF films from our August event in public cinemas in Guangzhou. In exchange, RIIFF will present films from GZ DOC during our Roving Eye Film Festival in April at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI and during the main RIIFF, August 10-15th. This year, five RIIFF films are screening at GZ DOC.
We will be reporting more on Demetria's trip in upcoming news announcements at our Documentary Tech blog site.
To learn more about Demetria, click here or the image above. And to read the full news release on the trip,click here
COMPOSER KLAUS BADELT RECEIVES RIIFF'S CRYSTAL IMAGE AWARD AS AN EMERGING ARTIST WHOSE OUTSTANDING WORK AND VISION "EPITOMIZES A NEW VOICE THAT MUST BE HEARD" AT RIIFF'S 13TH YEAR CELEBRATION.
Tuesday, August 4th: Every year, the Rhode Island International Film Festival recognizes outstanding directors, actors, and film talent for their contributions to the art of filmmaking with the Crystal Image Award. Composer Klaus Badelt is the 2009 recipient of this esteemed award. His musical contributions to Mission: Impossible 2 and X-Men (along with Michael Kamen), were singular achievements, but his remarkable score for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, made him, and his music, a household name. RIIFF will honor Mr. Badelt at a special ceremony during the Festival. To learn more about Klaus Badelt,click here...
ACTOR ERNEST BORGNINE RECEIVES RIIFF'S
2009 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Acclaimed Academy Award-winning actor marked his return to films with the world premiere of director Greg Swartz's "Another Harvest Moon."
Friday, August 7th: Every year, the Rhode Island International Film Festival recognizes outstanding directors, actors, and film talent for their contributions to the art of filmmaking. In 2009, the spotlight turns to an outstanding artist whose work, passion, and amazing drive at age 91 epitomizes the highest level of excellence. The Award: The RIIFF Lifetime Achievement Award. Past recipients have included actress Patricia Neal, director Blake Edwards, actor Seymour Cassell, actor Kim Chan, and actress Cicely Tyson. "Another Harvest Moon" marks Mr. Borgnine’s 199th feature length film in addition to his remarkable run on television. To learn more and to order tickets, please click here...
NBA SPORTS LEGEND, WAT MISAKA, RECEIVES
ROGER WILLIAMS INDEPENDENT VOICE AWARD
Presentation of Award to celebrate an inspirational individual whose life was one of breaking barriers.
Saturday, August 8th: Wataru “Wat” Misaka is the first person of color, as well as the first person of Asian descent, drafted into what is now the National Basketball Association (NBA). More than half a century before the Dallas Mavericks drafted China's Wang Zhizhi in 1999, the New York Knicks drafted Mr. Misaka in the first round. In honor of his accomplishments as a pioneer in the world of sports, the Rhode Island International Film Festival presents Wat with the Roger Williams Independent Voice Award and a screening of the acclaimed documentary film about his barrier-breaking career. To learn more about Wat Misaka, click here...
RIIFF HONORED TO WELCOME MS. LEI HONG TO THIS YEAR'S FESTIVAL AS OUR SPECIAL GUEST. RIIFF and the Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival have a partner relationship which is designed to promote international filmmakers.
Ms. Lei Hong have been working for Guangzhou Television (GZTV) since1987. She was programmer, director and supervisor for entertainment programs. Most of her programs received China Television “Star Light” Award. She was invited for many times to be director of co-production programs for Central Chinese Television (CCTV), Phoenix Chinese Channel and many broadcasters in Hong Kong and Taiwan, China Mainland. Later, she became Chief of Program Department and Deputy Director of Sales Department of Guangzhou Television (GZTV). In 2006, Lei Hong was appointed as Director of Executive Committee of Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival (GZ DOC).
With more than 20 years of experience in program production and management, Lei Hong knows well about the local market of Chinese broadcasting industry as well as exploring opportunities for distribution. She has also maintained communication and cooperation lines with Chinese and international broadcaster.
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of writer/director, Blake Edwards who passed away today at the age of 88. Blake was the recipient of our Lifetime Achievment Award in 2001. His gracious wife, Julie Andrews was on hand to speak about Blake and his career and it was an evening no one present has forgotten.Blake's selection that evening for our Opneing Night was his black comedy," S.O.B." which was so fitting given our screening was at the Columbus Theatre Arts Center. He was an amazing talent who shared the joy of laughter with audiences across the globe. What a gift. He will be missed! 
Call for Vendors & Artists for Saturday, August 14th, 2010 
(PROVIDENCE/NEWPORT, RI) • FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is very proud to report that it has once again received a nomination for a New England Emmy Award. RIIFF was notified by The Board of Governors of the Boston/New England Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences about the nomination in the category of Community/Public Service Announcement (PSAs) in the 33rd annual Boston/New England Emmy competition. 
(January 13, 2010) • At a State House press conference on Wednesday, January 13 the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities (RICH) announced its 15 major grant awardees for 2010.
