RIIFF /rif/ - acronym for Rhode Island International Film Festival ~ a 6-day event beginning the second week in August; always starting on a Tuesday at various locations throughout the State of Rhode Island with premiere works in the capital city of Providence;
~ the largest public film festival in New England and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences qualifying event;
~ the major portal of entry for filmmakers to discover the Ocean State as a center for film development and production;
~ a unique platform for the creative and cultural discovery of new cinematic talent, both at home, nationally and globally;
~ synonymous with sophisticated, savvy, discerning and film-loving audiences;
2014 Rhode Island International Film Festival Call for Entries is Closed...
COMPETITIONS THAT ARE STILL OPEN:
• RI INTERNATIONAL HORROR FESTIVAL: October 20-26, 2014
DEADLINES:
• Horror/Thriller/Sci-Fi Entries Accepted Through August 15th for the October RI International Horror Film Festival using hard copy entries (see below). Payment can be made online.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please use the hard copy entry form below if you have missed the Withoutabox cut-off date.
The Rhode Island International Film Festival is
a founding partner of The International Film Festival
Submission System (BrigitFest) – on the Web at
Withoutabox.com and prefers paperless entries. Withoutabox
provides cost-saving, online entry to major film festivals
throughout the U.S. and in Europe with one master entry
form, allowing you and us to enter your film more quickly
and with greater accuracy. This method is free and easy.
Withoutabox users enjoy the advantages of Extended Deadlines
and Online Press Kit submissions and filmmakers with
an upgraded project on Withoutabox receive $5.00 off
their Entry Fees.
WITHOUTABOX ENTRIES FOR 2015 WILL BEGIN IN MID-AUGUST 2014
FLICKERS' NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY FRENCH FILM DISCOVERY PROGRAM with the Consulat Général de France à Boston
The Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival in collaboration with the French Consulate’s Cultural Service will be screening French short-films at different universities in the greater New England area from February 10 to 14, April 3 and 4 and November 17-21st.
For this first edition, 3 French short-films from the 2013 Festival have been selected. Shawn Quirk, Programming Director for FLICKERS will host a discussion after the screening.
The short-films selection include:
Son Indochine de Bruno Collet;
La Fugue de Jean-Bernard Marlin; and
Toute ma vie de Pierre Ferrière.
Upcoming locations for the presentations:
• Le 10 février matin : University du Mass à BOSTON
• Le 11 février matin : Suffolk University
• Le 12 février matin : University du Mass à Lowell
• Le 13 après-midi : Harvard
• Le 14 après-midi : University of Rhode Island
• Le 03 avril après-midi : Dartmouth College
• Le 17-21 novembre après-midi: TBA in Maine
IT'S FESTIVAL TIME!
August 5-10th:
Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival
The Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) runs August 5-10th at venues in Providence, Bristol, Jamestown, Woonsocket and across the state of Rhode Island. Screening 200+ films, it is the largest film festival in New England and every year attracts more than 5,300 entries from around the world. More than 200 filmmakers are expected to descend on the state’s capital city this year. RIIFF is a magnet for those who’ve made short films because it is a qualifying event for the short film category of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In 2013, three of the films that premiered at RIIFF went on to receive Academy Award nominations.
The FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) discovers and empowers filmmakers. RIIFF incorporates gala celebrations, premiere screenings, VIP guests, industry seminars, educational programs, and award ceremonies into a weeklong extravaganza. Cited as one of the "Best International and Short Film Festivals in the United States," RIIFF is noted for its innovative programming, cultivated industry ties, and loyal audiences which have made the Festival a strategic and desirable platform for film premieres, drawing hundreds of independent filmmakers from around the globe.
To purchase advance a Limited Edition Flickers' Pass, click below:
August 5th
FLICKERS: RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION & SOIREE
Discover an unforgettably memorable selection of short films from around the world and New England that await audiences at the gala opening night of the 18th Annual Flickers. This year’s selection promises to engage, entertain and possibly discover the next Academy Award nominee. As part of it’s long tradition, Flickers will celebrate the “Art of the Short Film” representing an array of genres that salute RIIFF’s unique status: out of more than 7,000 film festivals world wide, the Rhode Island International Film Festival is one of only 19 qualifying Festivals with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—the Oscars––in the narrative and documentary short categories. It is the lone Festival in New England with that distinction.
Time: 7:00 p.m. for film screenings/premiere; 9:30 p.m. for Gala Soirée
Location: Providence Performing Arts Center, Weybosset Street, Providence
Cost: Opening Night Film Celebration - $15.00 for film screening only; and $50 for the screening and party;
Sponsors: Sony, Providence Tourism Council, RI Film & Television Office, The Dean, Cabot Vermont Cheese, RISCA, Enterprise, Newport Storm, Decadent Catering
August 6th
PROVIDENCE LOCATION WALKING TOUR
Discover why Providence is truly a Hollywood backlot, learn about its history, and
find out about some of our state's most notable and colorful characters. The goal
for the tour is to provide filmmakers with an “insider’s” view of the downcity and
riverwalk area with an eye toward what would be interesting/unanticipated
places for filming.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: The tour starts at The Dean, Downtown Providence, RI
Cost: $10
Sponsors: RI Historical Society and the RI Film & Television Office
August 6-10th:
KIDSEYE™ YOUTH FILMMAKER FESTIVAL
Since it began 16 years ago, KidsEye™, created by FLICKERS: Rhode Island
International Film Festival (RIIFF) has celebrated the most exceptional work of
young video makers by showcasing their projects. Rhode Island’s premiere
showcase of cinematic work focused on young people has become a popular
festival-within-a festival, featuring guest speakers, discussions, dance parties,
concerts, and a "Youth Open Screen." Those attending KidsEye™ will be able to
meet youth video makers and their mentors; see a diverse collection of youthproduced
media. On Saturday, be sure to join us for the premiere work of the
students from our annual KidsEye™ Summer Filmmaking Camp.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT:
Dates: Wednesday through Sunday, August 6-10, 2014
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Paaf Theatre, URI Feinstein College of Continuing Education, 80
Washington Street, Providence, RI, other locations TBA
Cost: $8 Adults; $6 children with group discounts available
August 7th
THE RHODE ISLAND FILM FORUM
Here’s your chance to become involved with Rhode Island and New England’s “Stars” of
the film industry. The popular one-day forum brings together leaders of the film
community with decision-makers in education, marketing, politics and media in the
region. This year’s Forum will also address what's new on the technical side of the business
and how you fit in!
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT: Dates: Thursday, August 7, 2014 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Location: The Providence Biltmore Ballroom, Dorrance Street, Providence, RI Cost: $30 Sponsors: The RI Film & Television Office, RISCA, Sony, Amtrak, The Providence Biltmore, URI College of Arts and Sciences, URI Feinstein College of Continuing Education, the URI Film Media Program and the Harrington School of Communication at
URI.
NEW ENGLAND FILM FESTIVAL SUMMIT
Executive, Artistic, Managing and Programming Directors from film festivals located
throughout New England and Canada will descend on the Capital City of Providence
for this first ever event that will focus on the film exhibition, collaborative relationships,
educational and new programming trends, sponsorships and the navigating the Festival
landscape.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT: Date: Thursday, August 7, 2014 Time: The Biltmore Ballroom & TBA Location: Providence, RI Sponsors: Harrington School of Communications, URI
August 8th
SCRIPTBIZ 2014
Uploaded
Got a great idea for a movie script, but don’t know where to begin? Or have youfinished that masterpiece, but no clue what to do next? The 18th Annual FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) proudly presents ScriptBiz 2014 Uploaded a one day
workshop that covers the nuts and bolts of being a scriptwriter. The program is broken down into two parts: introductory and advanced. The Flickers’ ScriptBiz Program is designed to guide writers not only through the creative process of writing, but ways to promote a screenplay to filmmakers through effective networking with tips on how to make a compelling pitch.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT: Date: Friday, August 8, 2014 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: The Rhode Island Foundation, One Union Street, Providence, RI Cost: $85 Sponsors: Sony, Final Draft, RISCA, RI Film & Television Office
August 9th
FUTURE FILMMAKING: Transcending Prejudice Through Storytelling
A public symposium examining the impact on filmmaking and storytelling via new
technologies that utilize low cost digital cameras and capture devices. From Internet
uploads on YouTube to Vimeo, to cell phone capture and satellite, the techniques used
for modern filmmaking have changed the face of news-gathering, traditional media and
narrative storytelling. Technology has allowed information to flow outside of political gate
keeping creating a true global village, bridging cultures and addressing topical social
and political concerns. Meet international filmmakers who discuss and screen their latest
work in what promises to be a provocative forum.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT: Date: Saturday, August 9, 2014 Time: TBA Location: RISD Metcalf Auditorium, 20 N. Main St., Providence, RI Cost: $10 Sponsors: RI Film & Television Office, Harrington School of Communications,
University of Rhode Island
WAR AND PEACE: Two Films... Two Moving Stories
presented as a celebration of the City of Newport’s 375th Birthday
The Pell Center at Salve Regina University's Story in the Public Square program has partnered with the Rhode Island International Film Festival for an afternoon of cinematic storytelling featuring the documentaries, “The War Photographers” and “The Newport Effect” on Saturday, August 9th at the Jane Pickens Theatre, 47 Touro Street in historic downtown Newport, R.I.
Folk music and war photography may not seem to have much in common, but both are media used to publicly share the human experience. It is only fitting that these two important movies be screened together in Newport, which has witnessed war, peace and plenty of music over its long history
The afternoon begins with “The War Photographers,” which recounts the personal experiences of award-winning photojournalists who risk their lives covering conflict in the world’s most dangerous war zones, past and present, including Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan and the Middle East.
The following film screening, “The Newport Effect,” chronicles the history of the legendary Newport Folk Festival and its profound impact on the world of folk music and social activism. What better way to celebrate the City by the Sea's 375th Birthday! Infamous as the place where Bob Dylan 'went electric' in 1965, the reach of the festival goes far beyond that iconic moment.
“The Newport Effect” is narrated by Joan Armatrading and features segment narrations by artists who have played the Newport Folk Festival — Rosanne Cash, Michael Doucet, Steve Earle, Angelique Kidjo, Pokey LaFarge, Tom Morello, Mavis Staples and Lucinda Willimas. The afternoon will include discussion and appearances by the filmmakers. SIPS director G. Wayne Miller, a writer and documentary filmmaker, will serve as moderator.
EXPERIENCE CREATIVE PROVIDENCE & DARK LADY BLOCK PARTY
A special Festival collaboration linking artistic events that take place in the city of Providence on Saturday, August 9th as a way to introduce not just Festival audiences, but visiting filmmakers, to the rich culture and arts programming of the capital city. Special tickets have been arranged with Opera Providence for its performance of “The Mikado,” at the Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, http://www.operaprovidence.org/. Audiences are encouraged not only to take in premiere film work, but to savor Waterfire, enjoy the sounds of AS220’s Foo Fest, take in the RISD Museum and to close the evening out at the Dark Lady, 124 Snow Street for the Festival’s annual Block Party where they can mingle with visiting filmmakers.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHEN OF IT: Date: Saturday, August 9, 2014 Time: 10:00 p.m. onward Location: The Dark Lady, 17 Snow Street, Providence, RI Cost: TBA Sponsors: The Dark Lady, The Dean
Post Festival Events...
August 12-14th
RIIFF AT Vancouver SIGGRAPH 2014
We are very pleased to report that the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival will have a screening spot at the Vancouver SIGGRAPH 2014 Daytime Select Theater (http://s2014.siggraph.org/)
The SIGGRAPH conference and exhibition is a five-day interdisciplinary educational experience in the field of computer graphics and interactive techniques. It includes a three-day commercial exhibition that attracts hundreds of exhibitors and attendees from around the world.
The conference hosts the international SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival, showcasing works from the world's most innovative and accomplished digital film and video creators.
Under the Computer Animation Festival, Daytime Select Theater is a daylong animation & short film show presenting fresh, provocative, and exciting curated themed content, Monday - Wednesday.
Since SIGGRAPH deals mostly in computer animation (2D/3D), VFX, and emerging tech, screening the film work from RIIFF in live action short film will provide an oppoprtunity to bring the genre to the conference.
August 23rd:
Celebrate H.P. Lovecraft's
Birthday!
Special Walking Tour and film screening
Commemorate Lovecraft’s birthday (August 20) with a walking tour that celebrates the author’s Providence stories: "The Thing on the Doorstep” and “The Call of Cthulhu." H.P. Lovecraft was born in Providence in 1890. His detailed descriptions of his favorite city are amazingly accurate in 2013.
Join us on a walking tour which explores the College Hill neighborhood where Lovecraft drew literary inspiration and where he called home. Departs from the John Brown House Museum with post walk film screening. Space is limited, please RSVP.
Location: John Brown House, 52 Power Street, Providence, RI
Time: The tour will take place: Saturday, August 23rd at 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $18.00; Bring your eTicket with you to the Tour and Screening
October 20-26th
Flickers: RI International Horror Film Festival
Now in its 15th ghoulish year! This year's programming promises to be truly amazing with major premieres, forum, our annual HP Lovecraft Walking our and much much more. There will be something for everyone with our very expanded new programming that will take place across the state. It's four days of horror, murder, mayhem, music 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, with additional screenings taking place at the The Vets, Providence Public Library, the Paff Theatre at the URI Feinstein
College of Continuing Education in Providence,the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Roger Williams University in Bristol, and at the Jamestown Arts Center.Click here to learn more...
Saturday, October 25th:
Sunday, October 26th:
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 123rd 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 film programming of the Horror Film Festival. The tour lasts 90 min.
This year, we are pleased to announce that we will be hosting two tours during the Festival.
Location: John Brown House, 52 Power Street, Providence, RI
Time: The tour will take place this year on two days: Saturday, October 25th at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday, October 26th at 12:00 Noon.
Cost: $18.00; Bring your eTicket with you to the Tour and Screening
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Flickers Hosts the Red Carpet Experience: Providence
Celebrate the 87th Academy Awards in style at The Vets, Providence
The Red Carpet Experience: Providence is a signature event benefiting the Rhode Island International Film Festival (formerly Oscar Experience and Oscar Night America) for the past 6 years. Guests feel like stars and experience the red carpet, paparazzi, Producer's Circle and Dream Maker Award winners, champagne, gourmet food, specialty drinks swag bags, silent auction, movie theater tickets and more. The evening kicks off at 6:00 p.m.
Our elegant evening is once again chaired by Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the RI Film and Television Office with RIIFF Advisory Board President, Michael Drywa, Esq. See details for this year's event, click here...
2015 Sponsors:Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival, the RI Film and Television Office, WLNE TV6, WSNE, PMA Industries, Dominion Diagnostics, Amtrak, Cabot, Just Ellen's Catering & Event Planning, Decadent Catering, Quality Rental, The Vets, Woodchuck Hard Cider and Newport Storm/Thomas Tew Rum.
This event is not sponsored by or affiliated with the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
News for Filmmakers
RIIFF continues its special filmmaker partnership with UniFrance
We are very pleased to report that the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival will continue to partner with UniFrance. French films submitted will be offered a special reduced rate through UniFrance. This unique collaboration was created to show our support for international filmmakers, while providing a portal for discovery and exhibition in the United States.
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 123rd 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 film programming of the Horror Film Festival. The tour lasts 90 min. 
