RIIFF Opening Night Celebration

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

All events take place at The Vets

(VMA Arts & Cultural Center), 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence

Join RIIFF for our 16th annual Opening Night screening and celebration and revel in the talent, artistry, and creation that is the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Thought-provoking, unforgettable and a brilliant selection of films from around the world await audiences at the August 7th Opening Night Celebration of the 16th Annual FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival. The evening’s exhilarating line-up will showcase some of the finest examples of independent and international short films and World Premieres.

For the second year, the Festival’s Opening Night festivities will be held at The Vets (VMA Arts & Cultural Center), the elegant and historic 1,900-seat theater located in the heart of the capital city, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence.

The magic of year's RIIFF begins at 7:00 p.m. for an evening co-hosted by RIIFF Advisory Board President, Board President, Michael Drywa, Esq. and Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the RI Film & Television Office who will be joined by Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. The RIIFF SCREENPLAY COMPETITION AWARD will be presented to Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold (Maine) for her screenplay “Raising Rufus: A Maine Love Story." The ROGER WILLIAMS INDEPENDENT VOICE AWARD will then be presented to Trinity Repertory Actor, Barbara Meek by Maia Farish, wife of Roger Williams University President, Donald Farish. The award is presented semi-annually to an outstanding artist whose vision promotes tolerance, compassion and understanding.

RIIFF’s Opening Night Program will salute “The Road to the Oscars®",” a signature theme for the Festival. Some of the best short films that the 2012 festival has to offer will be showcased. All films will be screened in High Definition Digital courtesy of the sponsorship of Sony Corporation and PMA Industries.

The films screened will represent an array of genres reflecting RIIFF’s unique status as the lone film festival in New England that is a qualifying event for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences “Oscar”. There are more than 7,000 total film festivals worldwide; only 75 have been granted this prestigious distinction.

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 -

ASAD | Bryan Buckley Trotteur | Arnaud Brisebois, Francis Leclerc

 

Trotteur | Arnaud Brisebois & Francic Leclerc | Canada

 

Pesaran-e-Buzkashi (Buzkashi Boys) | Sam French

 

Friend Request Pending | Chris Foggin

 

BRÛLEURS (Burners) | Farid BENTOUMI

 

Mannen fra isødet (The Devil’s Ballroom) | Henrik Martin K. Dahlsbakken

 

J'aurais pu être une pute (I could've been a hooker) | Baya Kasmi

The post screening party is a celebration of cinematic excellence. We welcome all film patrons and visiting filmmakers to share in the festivities. This year's eclectic contributors include: Decadent Catering and beverages from Providence Coffee Roasters 12NtM, Sparkling Beverage, Stella Artois, Empire Soda and Soul Cachaca.

Music will be provided by critically acclaimed local artist, William Quirk.

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Thanks to our Opening Night Sponsors:

√ Return to the 2012 Festival