We had sad news today that a longterm friend both personally and of the Festival had passed away. It is always upsetting when you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, but in this case, we learned about the death while posting a Facebook Birthday greeting. What we found was an obituary.
Carolyn Bray was a wonderfully gifted writer, a loyal supporter of the Festival, a colleague and friend. Every year, despite some of the difficult physical issues she was addressing, she came to our summer party in Newport and every year she was a cheerleader for the Festival, always attending, helping where she could and doing freelance pieces for local media.
Here's a bit about Carolyn:
"Carolyn Bray passed away after a long and noble struggle with an inherited chronic illness. Carolyn was committed to her church family, actively participating in many church groups. Carolyn had been an active coordinator of social justice programs in a previous church for decades. She had a lifelong passion for peace activism, intensely devoting herself to protesting the Viet Nam war in her early youth, and later becoming a Director of Rhode Island Women for A Nonnuclear Future. As such she helped found and coordinate an “Economic Conversion” coalition to help find alternative jobs and industries for nuclear submarine workers and manufacturers at the end of the Cold War. More recently she protested war and human rights abuses in Afghanistan and Iraq to the extent that her health allowed. Carolyn was a graduate of Brown University, and also continued studies at Boston University. Carolyn was a journalist who especially enjoyed writing feature articles about inspiring people. She also taught creative writing and was an accomplished poet, participating in poetry writing groups throughout her entire life. As her illness progressed and her activity was curtailed, Carolyn especially appreciated the many kindnesses and tremendous support of The Newman Congregational Church group known as the “Bad Girls”. Carolyn’s deeply felt faith in a loving and caring God motivated her passion for justice, and surely she continues that work now unencumbered by the trials of our transient and intermediate forms of existence. Donations in her memory may be made to Greenpeace, 702 H. St., NW, Suite 300,Washington DC20001."
I treasure the fact that I got know Carolyn and an I am grateful she was a part of our lives. She will be missed--and never forgotten.
George T. Marshall
Executive Director
Coming again this Fall:
The 2nd Annual Festival is Coming
October 1-2nd:
Flickers North Country Film Festival
A BALSAMS/COOS Production.
The Rhode Island International Film Festival now has a new screening location and sidebar Festival as we partnered with the historic Balsams Hotel in Dixville Notch, NH for this historic and highly anticipated event. The inaugural Festival celebrated the art of film, supported the local community and inspired communication and dialogue. This year's event was an overwhelming success. Following the motto of FLICKERS, since its creation 29 years ago "Through communication comes understanding," The Flickers North Country Film Festival did just that... and then some. Be sure to mar your calendars: the next edition is slated for October 1-2nd, 2011.Read the news release about the Festival as well as some of the media coverage:
Following the screening of Inuk at The Jamestown Art Center during RIIFF 2011, the Director and Executive Producer Mike Magidson and cast members of the film (from Greenland) were on hand to answer questions from the audience.
Visit http://www.inuk-film.com to learn more about the film
December 15th
Third Thursday Encore Film Series
Join us for a special monthly series from the Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival that presents some of the best films screened during the 2011 festival.
Treat yourself to an evening of heartwarming short films from the Rhode Island International Film Festival on Thursday December 15th at the Jamestown Arts Center. Featuring: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (15 min) directed by William Joyce. A poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation) from award winning author/illustrator William Joyce. Gin and Dry (15 minutes) from the U.K., directed by Oscar Plewes. Retirement home resident Albie just wants to enjoy an evening cocktail but the caregivers have rationed the drinks, so Albie and his fellow residents hatch a plan to save Christmas and their spirits. Der kleine Nazi (The Little Nazi) (14 mins.) from Germany, directed by Petra Luschow. Grandma has some shocking surprises at the family’s traditional Christmas party in this irreverent comedy. The Lighthouse (8 mins.) Directed by Po Chou Chi. Animated. A heartwarming tale of a father’s support of his son as the years progress at their lighthouse home. Sun City Picture House (27 mins.) directed by David Darg. A short, moving documentary about a determined young Haitian who, after watching the last of the old colonial movie theaters destroyed in the devastating earthquake, decides to build a moving picture house on a hill above a tent city. Despite numerous set backs, the young man is joined by a range of supporters (including actress Maria Bello) determined to create a community cinema and restore some joy in the lives of the local Haitians. Followed by additional special shorts.
Join us for a special monthly series from the Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival that presents some of the best films screened during the 2011 festival.
Location: Jamestown Arts Center, Jamestown
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $10.00 • Tickets available at the door.
November 3-12th :
Boston 7DayPSA Competition
KICKS OFF THIS WEEK!
The 7DAYPSACompetition was conceived by Duncan B. Putney, an Emmy winning writer and the creative producer of Original Concept & Development Associates (www.OCDA.biz). This national competition has been created for and by the non-profit Flickers Arts Collaborative as part of its Creative Impulse Award programming. Our Boston host: Wednesday Morning Productions. Supported by WCVB-TV Channel 5 Boston.
Sponsors include Final Draft, Virtual Pitch Fest and Movie Maker Magazine.
In an economic climate when deserving non-profit organizations are often struggling for resources to operate, they do not have the funds to produce a broadcast quality public service announcement that could raise awareness of their organization. It is this current lack of public awareness that impacts both their ability to raise funds and to inform the public of their services. Media outlets that had once been able to both produce and air public service announcements for free, no longer have the available production resources or personnel to produce those PSA's. However, there is a resource that is going untapped. Local independent filmmakers have shown that they have the creative skills to produce original and imaginative features, short, and micro-short films, and they are looking to garner professional credits for their resumes.
The purpose of this competition is to challenge local filmmakers to use their skills and energy to meet a major need of local non-profit organizations, giving the filmmakers not only a great experience and a good feeling, but also a broadcast credit for their resumes. It is designed to build professional bridges, spurring networking and opening professional doors for the participants. It is about giving, sharing and mutual cooperation.
The 7DAYPSA competition brings local filmmakers together with local non-profit organizations to provide these deserving organizations with a broadcast quality public service announcement along with a commitment from local media outlets to air each of those winning spots for one year. Although there are some great prizes for the filmmakers, the real winners are the non-profit organizations and the communities they serve.
The Boston PSA winners are aired on local Massachusetts television stations throughout the year, which this year will
include WCVB Boston Channel 5. Winners also are entered
into contests for New England Emmy awards and Hatch awards. In 2011, three of the finalist PSAs were nominated for New England Emmy Awards!
Now in its 12th ghoulish year! This year's programming promises to be truly amazing with major premieres, book signings, 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 a special screening at The Vets, the Providence Public Library, the Barrington Library and at the Jamestown Arts Center.Click here to learn more...
Tickets can be purchased at the door!
Sunday, October 30th:
H.P. Lovecraft
Literary Walking Tour
One of our most popular events returns: College Hill gets especially eerie around this time each year, when the Rhode Island Historical Society celebrates the birthday of H.P. Lovecraft. This would have been his 121st year, and his macabre stories are no less chilling for their age: See the spots that inspired Lovecraft to write some of his most horrific tales. Walk the streets he walked, and check out places that he mentioned in works such as "The Call of Cthulhu." Ticket includes admission to the closing program of the Horror Film Festival. The tour lasts 90 min.
Location: John Brown House, 52 Power Street, Providence, RI
Time: Noon for tour; 2:30 p.m. for film screening
Cost: $18.00
October 22nd:
KidsEye Summer Camp: The World Premiere Movie Event
(Rescheduled due to Hurricane Irene)
All 3 movies, behind-the-scenes, and music videos will be shown this night,
along with a chance for family and friends to ask the filmmakers about their
camp experience and their movies. This event is open to all so please feel free
to invite family member and friends!
(A two-day mini-festival from the Flickers North Country Film Festival, inspired by the vision
of Brattleboro Retreat founder Anna Marsh)
The Flickers North Country Film Festival is a non-profit festival that aims to promote New Hampshire’s Great North Woods as a regional center for the arts, and also benefits The Brattleboro Retreat, a mental health and addiction treatment center that provides a wide array of services for children and adults.
This year the event will take place in Brattleboro, VT, thanks to our partner, the Brattleboro Retreat. Details on events and programming can be found on the FNCFF WEBSITE:
We are very proud to announce that we will be honoring industry legend, and SAG/Indie President, Ken Howard on Saturday, October 1st!
Proceeds for the Anna’s Vision Film Fest will be
donated to the United Way of Windham County
Irene Flood Relief Fund.
Life is about change and growth. People enter your life, have an amazing impact, then they are gone.
So it is with sadness and gratitude that we say farewell to Demetria J. Carr. For the past six years, she has worked with the Rhode Island International Film Festival, and has done some truly wonderful things. She has elevated the Festival, helping to create a reputation and identity that has been a great source of pride. Her accomplishments, while too numerous to recount, have all been marked by two standards: quality and passion. As she moves on to another adventure and the next phase of her professional career, we are grateful for the good fortune of having had her as part of our team. And most importantly, we thank her for the gift she gave RIIFF these past years.
For a short time our lives intersected. Magic was made. Now we continue, but on separate paths.
To Demetria, our best and fondest wishes, warmest affection and our sincere thanks.
(Providence, R.I. • Aug. 14, 2011) – FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) proudly announces the award winners from its 15th annual festival, which ran Aug. 9 to 14 at venues statewide. The winners were named and honored at RIIFF’s annual Awards Ceremony held at the Renaissance Providence Hotel's Symphony Ballroom in downtown Providence, RI.
This year, RIIFF received a record 4,537 submissions from filmmakers representing more than 60 countries. After months of adjudication, RIIFF whittled down the talent-filled pool to just over 200 including 18 world and 21 North American/United States premieres.
Though RIIFF’s holds all of its award winners in high esteem, the winner of the grand prize in the Best Short category holds a special honor: the film automatically qualifies for consideration for an Oscar® Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences™. This year’s winning film, Sailcloth, directed by Elfar Adalsteins, vividly and beautifully tells the story of an elderly man who absconds from his nursing home to embark on a final and emotional journey on his beloved sailboat. Sailcloth was part of the package of opening night short films – a package in which RIIFF annually includes some of the festival’s top short films.
Frederick Wiseman at the 6th Annual Roving Eye International Film Festival, April 15th
Marlyn Mason at the Brattleboro Retreat
June 16, 2011: Actress/filmmaker/author (and Festival friend) Marlyn Mason was at the
Brattleboro Retreat in Vermont for a presentation of her film "The Bag," the award-winning
short screened at RIIFF and the Flickers North Country Film Festival. Strongly received by a
packed room of clinicians and service providers, Marlyn's work illustrates the power of film to
converge art and communications to tackle serious topics while provoking dialogue and debate.
• Pictured are Brattleboro CEO, Rob Simpson and Marlyn Mason.
Spotlight on RI Screenplay Competition
A new international competition that promotes the development of feature scripts set in Rhode Island and to showcase those stories to the film industry to spur their production. To learn more,please click here
Coming again this Fall:
The 2nd Annual Festival is Coming
October 1-2nd:
Flickers North Country Film Festival
A BALSAMS/COOS Production.
The Rhode Island International Film Festival now has a new screening location and sidebar Festival as we partnered with the historic Balsams Hotel in Dixville Notch, NH for this historic and highly anticipated event. The inaugural Festival celebrated the art of film, supported the local community and inspired communication and dialogue. This year's event was an overwhelming success. Following the motto of FLICKERS, since its creation 29 years ago "Through communication comes understanding," The Flickers North Country Film Festival did just that... and then some. Be sure to mar your calendars: the next edition is slated for October 1-2nd, 2011.Read the news release about the Festival as well as some of the media coverage:
RIIFF's Opening Night Premiere and Gala Celebration
Join RIIFF for our 15th annual Opening Night screening and celebration and revel in the talent, artistry, and creation that is the Rhode Island International Film Festival. RIIFF’s Opening Night screening spotlight’s the very best of our short film submissions serving to provide a taste of the breadth of subject matter, inspiration, and talent that is prevalent in the festival. This year’s opening night films are Elfar Adalsteins’ Sailcloth, Frederic Casella’s Tooty’s Wedding, Yan England’s Henry, Terry Gilliam’s The Wholly Family, Terry George's The Shore, John Salcido’s Cataplexy, and Ahmet Tas’ Brot.
The post screening party is a celebration of cinematic excellence. We welcome all film patrons and visiting filmmakers to share in the festivities. An array of local restaurants are providing refreshments. This years eclectic contributors include Andrea’s, El Rancho Grande, India, Nice Slice, Panera Bread, Nara's Hookah Lounge, Sweet Lorraine’s Candy Shoppe, Narragansett Creamery, and Cabot Cheese. In addition, Empire Soda of Bristol, Newport Vineyards, Stella Artois, Harpoon Brewery, and Soul Cachaca will provide beverages.
Our Host for the evening is Lisa Churchville.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location:The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence
Time: 7:00 p.m
Wednesday, August 10th:
ScriptBiz
A day-long workshop that
explores how to hone your creative and business skills
Trying to navigate through the Hollywood system? Tired of receiving rejection after rejection?
The 15th Annual Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) proudly presents ScriptBiz.11, a day-long workshop that covers the nuts and bolts of being a screenwriter. This year’s topic is “There's More Than the Written Page” and is geared toward promoting yourself as a writer, finding producers, and networking your way to success.
This year’s annual ScriptBiz takes place August 10th in downtown Providence, RI. On Wednesday, the workshop begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs to 4:00 p.m. The fee is $85.
• See trailers to this year's Festival films,click here
Special Event:
World Premiere of “Family Band: The Cowsill’s Story” a film co-directed by Louise Palanker and Ian Broyle, and edited by Bill Filipiak. Surviving members of the Cowsills family: Bob, Paul, John Richard and Susan Cowsill, will be present, answer questions and perform in a special post screening concert.
The Cowsills are the real life inspiration behind The Partridge Family but The Cowsills' story is not a sit com. Their story is raw and honest and tragic and beautiful. The Cowsills personify The Baby Boomer Generation in all of its extremes and eccentricities. All of its tragedies and triumphs. Their public image was talent and charm. Their private reality was secrets and fear. One of the most musically gifted American Families to hit the top of the pop charts, The Cowsills rose to fame, success and stardom in the late sixties. Five years later, their star came crashing back down to earth. On August 10th, you will learn what happened to The Cowsills.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location:The Vets, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15, can be purchased below by clicking the butto
Providence GLBT Film Festival
In its 12th year, the GLBT Film Festival brings Rhode Island filmgoers a diverse sampling of over 20 international films both made by and made for members of the GLBT community.
The festival kicks off this year with an opening night filmmaker reception party at the Bell Street Chapel. Beer is provided by Harpoon Brewery’s UFO Hefeweizen. The event starts at 6 p.m. (Five dollars from the $15 admission goes to support the local non-profit media collaborative, Options Magazine.)
Following the reception, the festival begins in earnest, with the screening of the short film, Bye Bi Love directed by Giovanna Chesler. The feature film for the evening is the critically acclaimed Judas Kiss, directed by J.T. Tepnapa. The film stars Charlie David (Dante’s Cove), Richard Harmon (Caprica, The Killing), Sean Paul Lockhart – better known in the adult film industry as Brent Corrigan – (Milk) and Timo Descamps (Spring). The storyline: filmmaker Zachary Wells (Charlie David) is convinced by his best friend and hotshot director into replacing him as a judge in their alma mater’s annual festival. Zach's one-night stand with a student backfires when this student turns out to be one of the festival’s entrants.
To read more about the GLBT Festival Sidebar, click here.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location:Bell Street Chapel Theatre, 5 Bell Street, Providence
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15, can be purchased below by clicking the button below:
POST SCREENING PARTY AND FILMMAKER GATHERING
Complimentary refreshments, Free for Presenting Filmmakers, open to the general public Music by Sugar Honey Iced Tea
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location:Sidebar Bistro, 127 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI
Time: 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for the General Public, sold at the door
Thursday, August 11th:
Filmmaker Panel
Growing Pains: Making the Move from Short to Feature Film Production.
Filmmakers discuss the ins and outs of making the transition from short film to feature production. Featuring a guest panel made up of filmmakers in-competition at this years RIIFF! Come engage with your peers at this unique, informal panel session
Guest panelists include Elfar Adalsteins ("Sailcloth")
, Rob Sorrenti ("Hollow"), Michael Cuomo ("Happy New Year"), Lorrel Manning, ("Happy New Year"), and Michael Ricigliano ("Lily of the Feast").
Moderator: Reshad Kulenovic, writer/director
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location:Temple Restaurant Lounge, 120 Francis Street, Providence, RI
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Tickets: $15 at the door
Special Event:
WITH HONORS - Paul Sorvino Reception
Meet with legendary actor Paul Sorvino at a special reception held in his honor. A ticket to this reception also provides access to the Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation at The Vets (and film screening.)
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location:D’Vine on the Hill, (in Providence's historic Federal Hill district), 154 Spruce Street
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30, can be purchased by clicking on the button below
Special Event:
Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation to Paul Sorvino
Paul Sorvino will be in attendance to accept RIIFF’s lifetime achievement award. After the award ceremony enjoy a selection of star studded short films.
He took 18 years of voice lessons. While attending the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Sorvino decided to go into the theatre. He made his Broadway debut in the 1964 musical Bajour, and six years later he appeared in his first film, Where's Poppa?
He received an avalanche of critical praise for his performance as Phil Romano in Jason Miller's 1972 Broadway play That Championship Season, a role he repeated in the 1981 film version.
He appeared also in the 1976 Elliott Gould-Diane Keaton vehicle I Will, I Will...For Now. Sorvino has starred in the weekly series We'll Get By (1975, as George Platt), Bert D'Angelo/Superstar (1976, in the title role) and "The Oldest Rookie" (1987, as Detective Ike Porter).
In 1991, he took over from George Dzundza on the popular series Law & Order, and in 1993 he subbed for the late Raymond Burr in a Perry Mason TV movie. He has also appeared as Bruce Willis' father in the weekly series Moonlighting, and the "Lamont" counterpart in the never-aired original pilot for Sanford and Son. From 2000 to 2002 he had a starring role as Frank DeLucca in the CBS television drama That's Life. Sorvino played Henry Kissinger in Oliver Stone's film Nixon (1995) He still remains active in the theatre as both an actor and director.
The physical hand-blown and carved glass award was created by Providence-born glass and ceramics sculptor Anthony Cioe. The Rhode Island School of Design-graduate lives and works in Brooklyn, N.Y., where Sorvino was born and raised. RIIFF sees it fitting that Sorvino, a bronze sculptor himself for over 30 years, receive the crafted award from a fellow Brooklyn sculptor.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
The Location:The Vets, One Avenue of the Arts, Providence
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Tickets: $10 (includes film screening), can be purchased by clicking on the button below
Thursday, August 11th:
POST SCREENING PARTY AND FILMMAKER GATHERING
Complimentary refreshments, Free for Presenting Filmmakers, open to the general public
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location: Bravo Brasserie, 123 Empire Street, Providence, RI
Time:10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for the General Public, sold at the door
Friday, August 12th:
Filmmaker Panel
Before The Camera Rolls: A Production Scheduling, Budgeting, and
Payroll Primer
Getting ready for your next big shoot? Get an introduction to the industry’s most popular software tools for scheduling and budgeting a feature film and/or TV pilot and learn strategies for managing production payrolls and accounting during production in this unique, interactive workshop offered by Media Services!
The first of our two-part workshop is an introduction to the industry’s most popular software tools for scheduling and budgeting a feature film or TV pilot/series. Through interactive participation with Showbiz Budgeting and Showbiz Scheduling. learn how to break down your script, create your own budget, and track production costs including purchase orders, petty cash envelopes, payroll and more.
After developing a solid plan, budget, and schedule, filmmakers face the daunting task of managing payroll and accounting during production. Part two of “Before The Camera Rolls” outlines best practices in production payroll management. You will gain an understanding of how to meet structuring, hiring, and filing requirements in the appropriate jurisdictions to take full advantage of payroll credits. You will learn about the important paperwork and filing requirements for the state and your bank to access tax credits and rebates. And, you will discover how to avoid payroll mistakes that have cost producers millions of dollars in fines and penalties.
Guest Panelist: Joe Maiella; Vice President, Media Services; President, Massachusetts
Production Coalition..
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location:Providence Renaissance Hotel, Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Tickets: $15 at the door / free for visiting filmmakers
POST SCREENING PARTY AND FILMMAKER GATHERING
Complimentary refreshments, Free for Presenting Filmmakers, open to the general public
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location: Pot Au Feu, 44 Custom House Street, Providence, RI
Time:10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for the General Public, sold at the door
Friday, August 12th:
POST SCREENING PARTY AND FILMMAKER GATHERING
Complimentary refreshments, Free for Presenting Filmmakers, open to the general public
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location: Pot Au Feu, 44 Custom House Street, Providence, RI
Time:10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for the General Public, sold at the door
Saturday, August 13th:
"WITH GREAT POWER: THE STAN LEE STORY"
At 88 years old, Stan Lee's name appears on over 1 billion
comics in 75 countries in 25 languages. Stan has co-created over
500 legendary pop culture characters including Spider-Man,
Fantastic Four, X-Men, Iron Man, Thor and Hulk! Our story
explores the life of Stan Lee from his early days, his fascinating
journey from Timely Comics to the dawn of Marvel Comics to his
current company POW! Entertainment. Told through the words of
Stan, comic book creators, actors, film producers, family and
friends, the story paints a portrait of a man whose creativity
knows no bounds and whose characters have grown from
humble beginnings in the pages of Marvel Comics in the 1960's
to powerhouse media properties!
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
The Location:The Vets, One Avenue of the Arts, Providence
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Cost: $10 for the General Public, tickets sold at the door
SPECIAL OUTDOOR SCREENING
RIIFF is holding a special outdoor screening of the feature documentary Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone, directed by Chris Metzler and Lev Anderson, and a performance by local folk/rock band The Mighty Good Boys. Held at Grant’s Block, 252 Westminster St., Providence, home of Movies on the Block, the event begins at 7 p.m. when The Mighty Good Boys take the stage. At sundown, the film projector warms up and Everyday Sunshine screens. The event is free and open to the public. As a special offer from RIIFF, all in attendance get a free wristband, good for admission into any of the festival’s closing day and night films.
SECRET CINEMA
Psst! Have you heard rumors about the Secret Cinema at RIIFF? This is the first time this has happened at the Festival and it's super mysterious. Anyone can buy passes, but the main film title are not disclosed until participants are firmly in their seats. Plus, you have to sign an Oath of Secrecy. Sounds like a secret society and given what we will be screening, it's one you will want to join! A hint on who is in what you will be seeing in the form of a question: who was the star of "Superman Returns." ???
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
The Location:The Vets, One Avenue of the Arts, Providence
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 for the General Public, tickets sold at the door
Sunday, August 14th:
"HAND HELD" SCREENING
FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) proudly welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Mike Carroll to the 15th-annual festival for the
screening of the documentary film Hand Held, directed by famed producer Don Hahn (Disney’s Beauty
and the Beast, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame).
Hand Held tells the story of Carroll, who was one of the first photographers to travel to Romania
after the fall of communism in 1989. He walked into one of the most horrific scenes of the twentieth
century. His incredible photographs and heart wrenching stories of the pediatric AIDS epidemic in
Romania ran in The Boston Globe and The New York Times and opened the eyes of the western world to
the story. What followed was a twenty-year odyssey for Mike as he fought to bring help to a population of
children in need in a country he hardly knew. Carroll will be present for the screening of Hand Held.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location:Paff Theatre at URI, 80 Washington St., Providence, R.I.,
Time:5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for the General Public, sold at the doo
Tickets to the screening also includes admittance to the film Elliot Erwitt: ‘I Bark at Dogs.’
“SWEET SUCCESS” - A CINEMATIC SALUTE
Our annual “Sweet Success” Closing Night Party will be held at the beautiful Temple Restaurant this year. Join us as we celebrate our 15th year and this year's amazing filmmakers!
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Location: Temple Restaurant, 120 Francis Street, Providence
Time: 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 for the General Public
Sunday, August 14th:
RIIFF "Indie Showcase" Closing Presentation
Don't miss Sam Jaeger's "Take Me Home" the Official 2011 "Indie Showcase" Closing Presentation at this year's Festival.It plays with the
Joshua H. Miller
and Miles B. Miller's "Pillow"
An independent film, or indie film, is a film that is produced mostly outside of a major film studio. The term also refers to art films which differ markedly from most mass marketed films. In addition to being produced by independent production companies, independent films are often produced and/or distributed by subsidiaries of major studios. In order to be considered independent, less than half of a film's financing should come from a major studio. Independent films are sometimes distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the filmmakers' personal artistic vision is realized. Usually, but not always, independent films are made with considerably lower budgets than major studio films. This is a showcase of some exceptional new work that demands your attention.
Please note that Sam Jaeger will be in attendance for a post screening Q&A.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
The Location:The Vets, One Avenue of the Arts, Providence
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 for the General Public
RIIFF Oscar Night® America 2011
Discover more photos from this year's RIIFF Oscar Night® America at our Flickr feed.Click Here.
Debra Gagnon was the official photographer for the event.
KidsEye™ is a fun yet intensive
five-day filmmaking camp for children ages 10-16 presented
by FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival™.
Over the course of the last 13 years, the camp has
expanded, allowing children to learn more about what
it takes to make a movie. We strive to incorporate as
much hands-on learning as possible, therefore placing
our focus primarily on production. KidsEye™ participants step into the roles of screenwriters, actors,
directors and crew, and learn the importance of working
as a team. Now in its 13 Year!
Sunday, June 12th:
A Salute to George M. Cohan
A special Flag Day event that will honor a Patriot, Son of Providence and Father of the American Musical Theatre. Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Conley's Wharf, Fabre Line Club, 200 Allens Avenue, Providence. Donation: $75 and incudes a light lunch, multi-media presentation, musical entertainment, silent auction and cash bar.
All contributions will go to complete the funding of the George M. Cohan public sculpture on Wickenden & Governor streets in Providence, designed by artist Robert Shure.
This event is the auspices of The George M. Cohan Committee,The Rhode Island International Film Festival, The Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, The Heritage Harbor Museum (RI Heritage Hall of Fame), The RI Publications Society, d.b.a The Fabre Line Club, and
Representatives of Rhode Island Irish-American Community Organizations
May 29—June 5th:
Pride of the Ocean Film Festival
FLICKERS:Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF)is pleased to present a special program of GLBT films that have screened our Festival on the 2nd Annual New York City to Bermuda cruise on the beautiful Norwegian Gem. Our GLBT programming Director, Richard Corso, with his partner, Don Laliberte, will be on board for this special cruise that will showcase some of the best GLBT films from the past year curated by the leading Film Festival showcases on the East Coast. To find out more, click here.
May 5th:
Providence Preservation Society Announces the 2011 Ten Most Endangered Properties
Every year, the Providence Preservation Society compiles the Ten Most Endangered Properties List with the help of concerned members of the public who submit nominations. Each listed resource represents an important aspect of local community life and character. The sites reflect threats like deterioration, neglect, insufficient funds, insensitive public policy, and inappropriate development – problems that frequently threaten properties throughout Providence.
The purpose of this list is to generate interest in and support for the preservation of these significant properties; educate the public about the benefits of historic preservation and the unique historic properties in our city; and work toward solutions with property owners, developers, and other interested parties to bring about positive change in each property.
The announcement of the 2011 list will take place at a press conference on Thursday, May 5th at the Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, Providence at 12:00 noon.
FLICKERS:Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is proud to present its sixth 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. 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.
Frederick Wiseman, one of the world’s most celebrated documentarians, will speak about his art and life's work in this special program of the Sixth Annual Roving Eye Film Festival. He has won numerous awards and his films are universally acclaimed by film critics and scholars alike. Wiseman’s films are best known for offering unvarnished portraits of social institutions. Wiseman is also credited for pioneering an observational-style of filmmaking in which standard documentary-techniques such as voice-over commentary and interviews are eschewed in favor of “fly-on-the-wall” recordings of real-life interactions. Wiseman’s particular genius lies in the way he deploys careful editing strategies to create compelling narratives highlighting the underlying tensions and contradictions that define institutional life.
The programming begins with a free screening of Wiseman's Juvenile Court, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A. The panel will be made up of Mr. Wiseman; Thomas Grisso, an internationally-recognized expert in the field of juvenile justice; Jay Blitzman, First Justice of the Middlesex County Juvenile Court, Barry Grant, a leading expert on Wiseman and documentary film. Topics will include the historical mission of the court, the film’s contribution to public discussion surrounding the court, and the documentarian’s role in cultivating public debate.
This event is free and open to the general public. Time: TBA. Location: RWU Field House.
The Barrington Public Library and the Barrington Preservation Society offer a joint annual program on Rhode Island history each spring and this year will be presented Don Manley and Michel Schtakleff's "Old House Soul," a work that premiered at RIIFF last August and was shown over a two-year period as a work in progress. The program is free to te general public and will feature a Q&A with Don and Michel after the screening. Showtime at 2:00 p.m. Free to the general public. Map It:
April 6-8th:
The Tournées Film Festival
New French Films on Campus
FLICKERS:Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF)has partnered with Roger Williams University (RWU) in Bristol, Rhode Island to present this wonderful program of the latest and most acclaimed films from France. The Tournées Festival is a program of the French American Cultural Exchange - FACE which aims to bring contemporary French cinema to American college and university campuses. Now in its 15th year, The Tournées Festival has partnered with more than 300 universities, making it possible for more than 450,000 students to discover French-language films.All film screenings are open to the general public and free!
The Tournées Festival is made possible with the generous support of the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Centre National de la Cinématographie, the Grand Marnier Foundation, the Florence Gould Foundation and highbrow entertainment.
We are very pleased to report that the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival is now a partner with UniFrance. French films submitted will be offered a special reduced rate through UniFrance. This unique collaboration was created to show our supoprt for international filmmakers, while providing a portal for discovery and exhibition in the United States.
For more information about UniFrance, click on the image above.
April 3rd:
Edward Albee in Rhode Island: Special Lecture
Legendary author, Edward Albee will be presenting a special lecture on his work at Roger Wlliams University. The American playwright who is best known for The Zoo Story (1958),Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962), A Delicate Balance (1966) and Three Tall Women (1994). His works are considered well-crafted, often unsympathetic examinations of the modern condition. His early works reflect a mastery and Americanization of the Theatre of the Absurd that found its peak in works by European playwrights such as Jean Genet, Samuel Beckett, and Eugène Ionesco. Younger American playwrights, such as Paula Vogel, credit Albee's daring mix of theatricalism and biting dialogue with helping to reinvent the post-war American theatre in the early 1960s. Albee continues to experiment in new works, such as The Goat: or, Who Is Sylvia? (2002). The program is slated for 7:00 p.m. at the RWU Field House, located on the Bristol, RI campus.
The 7 DAY PSACompetition was conceived by Duncan B. Putney, an Emmy winning writer and the creative producer of Original Concept & Development Associates (www.OCDA.biz). This national competition has been created for and by the non-profit Flickers Arts Colaborative as part of the Creative Impulse Award programming.
The purpose of this new competition is to challenge local filmmakers to use their skills and energy to meet a major need of local non-profit organizations, giving the filmmakers not only a great experience and a good feeling, but also a broadcast credit for their resumes. It is designed to build professional bridges, spurring networking and opening professional doors for the participants. It is about giving, sharing and mutual cooperation.
Teams are now selected along with the non-profits who will benefit from their work. This year’s registration deadline was March 4, with production taking place between March 30 and
April 9.
The PSA winners are aired on local television stations throughout the year, which this year will
include Cox Communications, WJAR-TV NBC 10 and WLWC-TV Channel 28. Winners also are entered
into contests for New England Emmy awards and Hatch awards.
The world is a sadder place today with the passing of screen legend, Elzabeth Taylor.
The London-born actress was a star at age 12, a bride and a divorcee at 18, a screen goddess at 19 and a widow at 26.
She appeared in more than 50 films, and won Oscars for her performances in "Butterfield 8" (1960) and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966), in which she starred opposite Richard Burton.
In later years, she was a spokeswoman for several causes, most notably AIDS research. Her work gained her a special Oscar, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, in 1993.
As she accepted it, she told a worldwide television audience: "I call upon you to draw from the depths of your being — to prove that we are a human race, to prove that our love outweighs our need to hate, that our compassion is more compelling than our need to blame."
It can truly be said that her beauty and talent inspired a generation. Her larger than life legend made her an icon and created a legacy that future generations will discover.
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 2010!
This special event is sponsored in part by WLNE ABC-TV and the VMA Arts & Cultural Center
RIIFF Films at the 83rd Academy Awards®
Oscar® Nominations Announced
Our sincere congratulations to all of the nominees for this year's Academy Awards. This year's roster of nominees is very exciting and the work is quite exceptional. Our very best wishes to the following filmmakers whose work played our Festival:
Documentary (Short Subject)
“Killing in the Name” Jed Rothstein
THE STORY: Ashraf Al-Khaled was celebrating the happiest day of his life, when an Al-Qaeda suicide bomber walked into his wedding and killed his father and 26 other family members in front of his eyes.
Now, he’s rising from horrific tragedy to break the silence in the Muslim community on this taboo subject by speaking out against terrorism.
KILLING IN THE NAME follows Ashraf’s quest to speak with victims and perpetrators and expose the true cost of terrorism. From an Al-Qaeda recruiter, to a militant behind one of the world’s worst terrorist attacks, to a madrassa full of boys ready for jihad, Ashraf takes us on a journey around the world to see if one man can speak truth to terror and begin to turn the tide.
Short Film (Animated)
“The Gruffalo” Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
THE STORY: A half hour animated film based on the classic picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. A magical tale of a mouse who takes a stroll though the woods. Encountering three predators who all wish to eat him - a fox, an owl and a snake - the plucky mouse has to use his wits to survive. Featuring the talents of Helena Bonham Carter, John Hurt, Robbie Coltrane, and Tom Wilkinson.
RIIFF's Oscar Night® America
Tickets are on Sale Now
There are 51 Oscar NIght® America Parties across the United States. This is Rhode Island's Only Authorized and Officially Sanctioned Celebration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences---
Don Manley and Michel Schtakleff's "Old House Soul," a work that premiered at RIIFF last August and was shown over a two-year period as a work in progress can be seen on RI PBS (Channel 36)
Saturday, Feb. 12th at 7:00 pm & the 13th at 11:00 pm. Don't miss it!
Blake Edwards
1922-2010
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!
We had sad news today that a longterm friend both personally and of the Festival had passed away. It is always upsetting when you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, but in this case, we learned about the death while posting a Facebook Birthday greeting. What we found was an obituary. 
Life is about change and growth. People enter your life, have an amazing impact, then they are gone. 
Spotlight on RI Screenplay Competition 
World Premiere of “Family Band: The Cowsill’s Story” a film co-directed by Louise Palanker and Ian Broyle, and edited by Bill Filipiak. Surviving members of the Cowsills family: Bob, Paul, John Richard and Susan Cowsill, will be present, answer questions and perform in a special post screening concert. 
The festival kicks off this year with an opening night filmmaker reception party at the Bell Street Chapel. Beer is provided by Harpoon Brewery’s UFO Hefeweizen. The event starts at 6 p.m. (Five dollars from the $15 admission goes to support the local non-profit media collaborative, Options Magazine.)
countries in 25 languages. Stan has co-created over
500 legendary pop culture characters including Spider-Man,
Fantastic Four, X-Men, Iron Man, Thor and Hulk! Our story
explores the life of Stan Lee from his early days, his fascinating
journey from Timely Comics to the dawn of Marvel Comics to his
current company POW! Entertainment. Told through the words of
Stan, comic book creators, actors, film producers, family and
friends, the story paints a portrait of a man whose creativity
knows no bounds and whose characters have grown from
humble beginnings in the pages of Marvel Comics in the 1960's
to powerhouse media properties!
Frederick Wiseman, one of the world’s most celebrated documentarians, will speak about his art and life's work in this special program of the Sixth Annual Roving Eye Film Festival. He has won numerous awards and his films are universally acclaimed by film critics and scholars alike. Wiseman’s films are best known for offering unvarnished portraits of social institutions. Wiseman is also credited for pioneering an observational-style of filmmaking in which standard documentary-techniques such as voice-over commentary and interviews are eschewed in favor of “fly-on-the-wall” recordings of real-life interactions. Wiseman’s particular genius lies in the way he deploys careful editing strategies to create compelling narratives highlighting the underlying tensions and contradictions that define institutional life.
“Killing in the Name” Jed Rothstein 
“The Gruffalo” Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
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!