Discover the New Voices of Independent Film


		RIIFF Background 2002 Background & Mission Statement "One of the most exciting new festivals to come along, RIIFF aggressively supports its filmmakers" Chris Gore, The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide, 2001 Edition Now in its sixth year, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, (RIIFF) presented by Brooks Pharmacy will take place August 7-12, 2002. In its brief lifespan, the Festival has become a leading juried competition showcase for international independent filmmakers and their work. What also sets it apart is that the Festival is one of only three broadly focused, independent festivals in New England accepting works of any type (dramatic, documentary, experimental, animation), on any subject matter, and in any genre. RIIFF offers an artistic exchange as well as opportunities for the global creative community that are not available in the established entertainment industry. It is designed to foster contact among film directors, producers, distributors, backers and audiences. Filmmakers will have an opportunity to share new film product, test-market films in development, and share the film-making process with industry peers, students, and the general public. The Festival's goal is to recognize achievement and innovation in a variety of filmmaking and storytelling disciplines while providing an opportunity to secure wider distribution. The Festival also actively supports and encourages film preservation and its restoration, thus ensuring future generations of this unique artistic medium. Thanks to the strong and visionary support of Brooks Pharmacy , the Festival has been able to expand its offerings and include a broad range of film-related programming such as KidsEye", an international Screenwriting competition, a Master Class on Filmmaking, and the morning forums, Between Takes. The Brooks Pharmacy Positive Lifestyle Award has become a significant and important filmmaking award for the Festival. The winner in 2000 was the acclaimed documentary Amargosa; and in 2001, To Ease the Loss and Gregor's Greatest Invention. The Rhode Island International Film Festival, takes place in the historic cities of Newport and Providence as well as satellite locations throughout the state. The dynamic nature of Rhode Island offers excellent screening facilities, strong community support, and unlimited growth potential. Perhaps, one of the most unique elements of the Festival comes from its geographic location and cultural-heritage linkages. The proximity of Rhode Island to Canada and the state's large French-Canadian population has led the Festival to establish as one of its chief aims the encouragement an artistic exchange between filmmakers from the New England region and the Canadian provinces. This was clearly realized in 2001 with the entry of 89 films from Canada, representing seven Provinces. Tourisme Quebec is one of the Festival's major sponsors and has helped to nurture the Festival's outreach. They also present the Tourisme Quebec Award for Best Foreign Film. A special partnership has also developed with the Festival du nouveau media et nouveau cinema in Montreal thanks to RIIFF's strong focus on work from Canada. Watch for a unique sidebar presentation in 2002 with this terrific festival. The presence of Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Johnson & Wales University, other institutions of higher education, and Rhode Island's proximity to New York and Boston, give the Festival a film-literate audience, and provide an ideal forum for filmmakers to show their work in a high-visibility environment. The continuing revitalization of the capital city of Providence has brought access to excellent dining, recreation and arts experiences. In the November 2000 edition, Money magazine selected Providence as the top city to live in on the East Coast. The size of the state is a chief asset since, within an hour's drive, you can experience first-class beaches, inland lakes, or protected woodlands. The Rhode Island International Film Festival, represents an ideal opportunity to test-market new film product in an area with demographics that represent a microcosm of the filmgoing public: a unique mix of cultural,ethnic and educational backgrounds exist in a relatively concentrated area. The Rhode Island International Film Festival, now in its sixthyear, is created and produced by the Flickers Arts Collaborative and presented in cooperation with Governor Lincoln Almond and the Rhode Island Office of Film & Television. Brooks Pharmacy is the Premiere Sponsor. Michel Coutu, President/CEO of Brooks Pharmacy is the Honorary Chairman along with Governor Almond. WJAR-TV 10, an NBC affiliate, is the Official Television Sponsor. Final Draft is the official software of the Festival. Wiggleroomdesign and Mirage Design are the Festival's Official Image and Design Firms. Festival Facts at a Glance: Five Years of Accomplishments Organizational Background Flickers began life in 1982 as "The Newport Film Society." Its first film screenings officially took place in January 1983 at the historic Van Alen Casino Theatre in Newport, R.I. During its first five years exhibiting film, Flickers screened more than 475 titles, of which many were state and regional premieres. Encouraging the celebration of film as an important part of our culture, the Society sponsored specialized film series, lectures and forums. For example: Cheslaw Kyanka, founder of the Polish Solidarity Union, spoke at a society screening of Man of Iron; Newport's first International Film Festival took place through Flickers in 1983; and the Society presented the first R.I. Japanese Film Festival in 1984. Festival Structure The structure for this year's Festival will include multiple screenings of both film and video over a six-day period. Filmmakers will be available for discussion and commentary at an Opening Night Gala Reception, Awards Luncheon, Closing Night Gala, film forums, master classes and colloquia. The Festival is preceded by Take One, Two Three: Filmmaking with the Pros, a hands-on Film Production Master Class (August 8-8, 2001) and the KidsEye" Summer Camp and International Film Festival (July 30-August 4, 2001). Filmmakers may enter their films either in competition or out of competition. Films in competition will be judged by a jury of distinguished industry professionals. Whether in or out of competition, all films will be eligible for Fest Audience Favorites awards. RIIFF Backstory The History of Film in Rhode Island The Providence Film Festival RIIFF 2002 Team RIIFF 2000-2001 Photo Gallery Films Screened at RIIFF