RIIFF Presents Oscar Night® America 2012

Thanks for your support. See you next year!

Providence Oscar Night® America on Sunday, February 26th is one of only 49 official parties sanctioned by the Academy to host an official Oscar® telecast viewing party on Oscar Night.

This year five (5) films that played RIIFF will be in contention for awards, plus Rhode Island's own Viola Davis is up for Best Actress!

Tickets are $125 for the 6:30 PM Red Carpet Gala which will be followed by the Academy Awards ceremony. Group rates are available, please call our office (401/861.4445) for details.

A $10.00 ticket is available for those wishing to watch the broadcast of the Academy Awards ceremony which begins at 8:30 PM. (Doors open at 7:45 p.m.)

Planning for Providence Oscar Night® America:

GO BACKSTAGE AND PLAY ALONG WITH OSCAR.COM AND THE OSCARS APP:

• On Oscar Sunday, the Emmy award-winning Oscar Digital Experience kicks into full gear with an unmatched level of interactivity at Oscar.com, http://oscar.go.com/, and on the Oscars App (available for iPad, iPod touch and iPhone). With more than 20 live cameras strategically placed everywhere from the red carpet to backstage and to the Governors Ball, the Oscar Digital Experience provides unique access before, during and after the show. For those who want to test their Oscar predication skills, Oscar.com’s “My Picks,” is an interactive ballot allowing fans to track their choices and compete with their friends on Facebook

5 Films that Played RIFF in 2011 vie for the Best in their Category:

• "Incident in New Baghdad" D. James Spione

• "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" D. William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg

• "Raju" D. Max Zähle and Stefan Gieren

• "The Shore" D. Terry George and Oorlagh George

• "Time Freak" D. Andrew Bowler and Gigi Causey

(PROVIDENCE, RI) • 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 2012, the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) has again been selected to host Rhode Island’s only officially sanctioned party, one of only 50 official parties throughout the country sanctioned by the Academy.

On Sunday, February 26, 2012, guests will experience the thrills, surprises and excitement of the 84th Academy Awards® at Providence's Oscar Night® America party which will be held at the The Vets , 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. The cost is $125 for those participating in the Red Carpet Gala, which includes a welcome reception, gourmet dinner, drinks, live music, raffle and screening of the Academy Awards. For those who wish to watch the Awards ceremony only on our large screen, tickets are $10 with the doors opening at 8:00 p.m.

This year’s Providence Oscar Night® America party is especially significant, as the Ocean State salutes its own: native Viola Davis, best actress nominee for her role in “The Help.” Attendees will be able sign a congratulatory card for Davis, participate in a video greeting and cheer her on.

“We could not be prouder of Viola,” said George T. Marshall, RIIFF Executive Director. “She has brought such enormous credit to her family, our state and those who mentored her throughout her career. Her success should be applauded and proclaimed. This could not have happened to a nicer human being and is so well deserved. We wish her only good fortune and will be on pins and needles during the evening.”

The Honorary Chairman for the event is Steven Feinberg, Executive Director/RI Film & Television Office. The host and MC for this year's event is Rhode Island comic icon, Charlie Hall. Special Honored Guests include Dr. Robert E. Simpson, Jr., Executive Director/CEO, The Brattleboro Retreat; Mr. Konstantin von Krusenstiern, Filmmaker and Director of Development, The Brattleboro Retreat; Winifred Brownell, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Rhode Island; Barry Martin and Peter Archambault of PMA Industries; Denise Perreault, Creative Economy Writer for the Providence Business New, and noted award-winning photographer Jonathan Beller.

Members of the Providence Oscar Night® America Committee include Joanne Arnold, Doreen Vitale, Lawrence J. Andrade; Michael Drywa, Esq., RIIFF Board President; J. Scott Oberacker, George T. Marshall, Elizabeth Czabanowski, Sandra Gandsman, Mihaela Hinayon, Anne LaFleur, John Vit, Sarah Tallarico and Duncan Putney. Ellen Loconto Event Planning Consultant. Public Relations and Marketing support by Miamore Communications.

As the 84th Oscar® host, Billy Crystal, takes the stage in Los Angeles at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre, Rhode Islanders will be able to join Doreen Scanlon and Mark Curtis of ABC6, Charlie Hall, Steven Feinberg and Michael Drywa, Esq. at The Vets, for an event that is set to benefit the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) and Flickers. All attendees to the event will be treated like celebrities, walking into the theatre on a red carpet that would be found at world cinematic premieres. This grand entrance will be covered live by ABC 6; official sponsor for Providence Oscar Night® America for the third year.

“We could not be more honored and pleased that the Academy has selected FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival to host the 2012 Providence Oscar Night® America,” stated Michael Drywa, Esq., RIIFF’s Board President. “The prestigious nature of Oscar Night® America is a feather in the cap of our organization which prides itself on fostering an appreciation and respect for the world of film.

“RIIFF has had a long-term relationship with the Academy as New England’s only qualifying Festival in the short film division, so this new relationship could not be more appropriate,” he added.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Flickers

Providence Oscar Night® America marks the kick off event for a year's worth of programming that celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Flickers. It's largest and most widely acclaimed program is the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF). RIIFF is now in its 16th year and has secured its place in the global community as the portal for the best in international independent cinema; earning the respect of domestic and foreign filmmakers, filmgoers and trend watchers. This confluence of art and commerce brought together world-class celebrities, award-winning filmmakers, new talent and audience members in record numbers last year.

Funding generated by Providence Oscar Night® America will be used to not only underwrite the Festival’s 16th Season in August, it will support such community outreach and educational programs as the Youth Film Jury, Rhode Island Film Forum; Cine ¡OLÉ!; the Golden Jasmine Chinese Film Festival; the Vortex Sci-Fi Film Festival; the New England Student Film Festival; the Providence GLBT Film Festival; the Providence Underground Film Festival; the Roving Eye International Film Festival; the RIIFF Technology Forum; the 7 Day PSA Competition; the KidsEye™ Summer Filmmaking Camp; Flickers North Country Film Festival; ScriptBiz™; the RI International Horror Film Festival; and the Flickers North Country Film Festival.

“Many people do not realize that programming created and produced by the Rhode Island International Film Festival takes place throughout the year,” stated George T. Marshall, RIIFF Executive Director/CEO. “From specialized screening events to internships, RIIFF provides an ongoing opportunity to discover all the elements that compose the cinematic arts.”

Sponsors for the 2012 Providence Oscar Night® America hosted by the Rhode Island International Film Festival include: The Vets, PMA Industries, Just Ellen’s Catering & Event Planning, Decadent Catering, Narragansett Creamery, Soul Brazilian Premium Cachaça, Reali's Fine Italian Cuisine, Valet Connection, The Providence Renaissance Hotel, Providence Coffee Roasters, Sweet Lorraine's Candy Shoppe, Narragansett Brewery, Empire Soda, Cabot Cheese Vermont, Admiral Packaging and Emma's Edibles. Entertainment by Michael Miller Swingtet (Mike Miller, keyboards, Dan Lederer, double bass and Woody Carland, percussion.) The official photographer for Providence Oscar Night® America is Liz Oberacker of Pure Style Photography.

For sponsorship opportunities or information, please contact Joanne Arnold, Special Events Manager, at 401.861.4445 or jarnold@film-festival.org

ABOUT this Year's Red Carpet Honored Guests:

• Dr. Robert E. Simpson, Jr., Executive Director/CEO, The Brattleboro Retreat.

Dr. Rob Simpson was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Brattleboro Retreat in 2006. He joined the Retreat with more than 30 years of commitment to the treatment of individuals experiencing mental health and addiction issues, as well as extensive experience in the management of mental health and substance abuse programs. He is a graduate of Amherst College, Simmons College (MSW), Harvard University (MPH) and the University of Utah where he earned a doctorate in Social Work.

Prior to joining the Retreat Dr. Simpson served as CEO of Arbour Hospital, a member of the Universal Health Services, Inc., in Boston. In earlier executive management positions he has served as Chief Operating Officer of Behavioral Healthcare and Sr. Vice President of Government Relations at the Sisters of Providence Health System, and Vice President of Behavioral Health and Cancer Services at Baystate Health System in Springfield, Massachusetts.

With a strong clinical and public health background Dr. Simpson brings the values and skills necessary to build upon the Retreat’s core mission to serve the community of Vermont and surrounding region. His career has been a demonstration of exceptional clinical care, strong financial results, and the knowledge of how to partner with key stakeholders from both the private and public sectors to advocate for the needs of those who seek healthcare services.

• Mr. Konstantin von Krusenstiern, Filmmaker and Senior Director of Development, The Brattleboro Retreat.

Konstantin von Krusenstiern joined the Brattleboro Retreat in January of 2009 to fill a newly created position as Director of Development. He had previosuly served for two years as the Executive Director for the United Way of Windham County, and before that as the Director of the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.

Konstantin's focus is on resource development, broadening the Retreat’s base of support, and working on securing financial contributions from individuals and foundations, as well as from government grants.

• Denise Perreault, Creative Economy Writer for the Providence Business News, 2010 winner of The Metcalf Diversity in the Media Award, the only award given in the RI region to recognize journalists and media for excellence in bringing issues of diversity to the public.

Denise Perreault has been a film fan since her undergraduate days at Brown University in the 1970s, when she was a founding member of the Brown Film Society. Back in the days before DVDs or videotape recorders, the film society was one of the few regular providers of movies to the East Side campus and the society brought such classic gems as “Singing in the Rain,” Errol Flynn swashbucklers, foreign icons like Truffaut and Fellini, and Vincent Price horror flicks to sold-out student audiences at the former Faunce House.

During her subsequent 30-year career in Rhode Island journalism, Denise has reviewed films and theater most often for The Woonsocket Call where she was an editor and writer for many years. She most recently completed a four-year stint at Providence Business News where, as part of the creative economy beat, she let readers know about upcoming RIIFF festivals and related events, the impact of feature-film making on the state’s economy including the controversial state tax credit, and the personalities and projects that make up the nascent film industry in the Ocean State.

She is honored and humbled by this award.

• Jonathan Beller, photographer

Jonathan is an award winning photographer who works for ad agencies and editorial clients. He is comfortable working with all kinds of people, from celebrities, to fortune 500 ceo's, and the everyday person. Jonathan has also been working on a long term book project on fans, and is a self-described closeted Star Wars fan. Jonathan photographed stills and b-roll on a month-long trip to West Africa working on the documentary film Leh Wi Tok (Let Us Talk) about the power of community radio in Sierra Leone.

Jonathan Beller's portraits are thoughtful, witty, quirky and insightful. He makes people feel comfortable in front of the camera, capturing sensitive and fresh moments.

SEE Images from past Oscar Night® America

Thanks to our photographers, Mary Hanley and Jonathan Beller, we have some exceptional shots from last year's Oscar Night® America event. Click on any of the images to visit our Photo Album:

ABOUT Oscar Night® America

Since its inception in 1994, the program has generated nearly $30 million in funding for a wide spectrum of charitable organizations. The Oscar Night® America Party in Providence, Rhode Island will raise vital funds to enable the Rhode Island International Film Festival to further its educational and arts outreach efforts and underwrite RIIFF’s August 2012 season.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards – in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners – the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY

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ABOUT FLICKERS: RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The mission of FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival is to discover and empower filmmakers. Held in Providence, and at locations throughout the state, RIIFF is one of only 65 film festivals worldwide that is a qualifying event for the Oscars. It is also New England’s largest film festival. Its innovative programming, cultivated industry ties, and loyal audiences have made the Festival a strategic and desirable platform for film premieres, drawing hundreds of independent filmmakers from around the globe. The next Festival will take place August 7-12, 2012. For more information about the festival, please visit www.rifilmfest.org.

For student rate, please call our office at 401.861.4445

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Event Sponsors:

Special Thanks to

Steven Feinberg, RI Film & Television Office

Empire Soda

Emma's Edibles

Trader Joe's

Rondeau's Childrens' Kickboxing

Rag & Bone

Horse Play

La Tiendieta

Gracie's Restaurant

Francisco's Fine Furs

J M Kennedy Entertainment

Horse Play, Saunderstown

Woods Hole Film Festival

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council

La Gondola, Waterplace Park

Striking Beauties

Pastiche Fine Dessets & Cafe

Sunshine Auto Detailing & Cleaning, Inc.

WCRI Classical 95.9

Carrie Soucy & Joshua Resmini, Miamore Communications

Erica Deis

Bristol Bakery

Stephen Habl and Doreen Vitale, The Vets

Alyane White Spa

Rondeau Kickboxing

Duncan Putney

Red Water Designs

Lawrence J. Andrade

Trinity Repertory Company

William Smyth and Vacilando

Providence Performing Arts Center

Event Photographer & Videographer: