The winners of RIIFF’s Live Action, Animation and Documentary Short Grand Prizes hold a special honor: they become the Festival’s nominees for Academy Award consideration.
LIVE ACTION SHORT:
“The Silent Child,” directed by Chris Overton from the United Kingdom (2017). “The Silent Child” follows the story of a profoundly deaf child, and the deaf-specialized social worker who struggles to help the family try to understand their child’s deafness.
ANIMATED SHORT:
“Coin Operated,” Directed by Nicholas Arioli from the United States (2016). “Coin Operated” is an animation that spans 70 years in the life of one naive explorer, as he works to earn enough money to take a coin operated space ship to outer space.
DOCUMENTARY SHORT:
“Marian,” Directed by Rick Rodgers, a Rhode Island native and Rhode Island School of Design Graduate. Filmed over eight years, “Marian” documents the final years of renowned actress Marian Seldes’ life and touches on the themes of identity, the worship of others and the deterioration of family.
Douglas Trumbull, renowned visual effects artist for such films as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” (which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in November), “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and “Blade Runner” received this year’s Inaugural Gilbert Stuart Artistic Vision (Lifetime Achievement) Award.
Johnny Wilson, visual effects artist for such films as “Ant Man,” “Doctor Strange,” and “Captain America: The First Avenger” was presented by Steven Feinberg with this year’s RI Film & Television Office Dream Maker Award
A major and important focus of this year’s Festival was on new advances in Healthcare and featured several sold out events including the presentation of THE POWER OF FILM: Can a Film Change the World? Presented by IMCS (Integrated Micro-Chromotography Systems), this special showcase centered on films that show how very brave people confront the challenges we all face in just living our lives. They discover how these challenges can push personal boundaries and learn how the power of our shared humanity – the daily struggles and fights we all have – can ultimately lead to a new and more empowering future.
The focal point of the event was a presentation of two documentary films: the feature “Stumped” directed by Robin Berghaus and the World Premiere short, “Life & Atrophy,” directed by Gareth Burghes.
“Stumped” is the story of Will Lautzenheiser whose life was derailed by a deadly infection that left his arms and legs amputated. Risking his life, Will signed up for the experimental transplant program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the hope of regaining his independence. Told as a deeply personal story, “Stumped” reveals how Will copes with the loss of his career; navigates an evolving relationship; and gradually transforms, physically and spiritually, with newly transplanted arms. Filmed over four years, “Stumped” explores the human spirit and our willingness to overcome challenges when daring to see what lies ahead.
“Life & Atrophy” follows the journey of a family to find an experimental treatment for their son after he is diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This disease impacts 1 in every 10,000 births and is the leading cause of genetic death in infants by causing progressive muscle weakness. Once children are diagnosed with the condition families are told to go home and love their children because there is no treatment and no cure. The McIntosh family fought to find an experimental treatment for their son Miles in an effort to save him from this debilitating condition. The families of SMA exemplify the fortitude of human strength and compassion, where together we can break out of our genetic shackles.
FLICKERS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization that supports and promotes the film arts in Rhode Island and throughout New England. Over the past two-plus decades, its production, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, has screened 4,504 independent films and videos out of 55,235 entries, presented 1,035 World/North American premieres, featured over 900 entries that were locally produced, and hosted 3,908 filmmakers and crew. Since its inception, over 400,000 film lovers have enjoyed the Rhode Island International Film Festival and its programming, not including those in New England watching its weekly broadcast and cable programming series, doubleFEATURE.
GILBERT STUART ARTISTIC VISION (LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT) AWARD
• Douglas Trumbull, Visual Effects/Director
RI FILM & TELEVISION OFFICE DREAMMAKER AWARD
• Johnny Wilson, Visual Effects/Director
RIIFF SCREENPLAY COMPETITION AWARD
• Tannaz Hazemi, “Dean the Drummer” | New York
THE 2017 FLICKERS’ PRODUCER’S CIRCLE AWARD
Presented to members of the community who have actively worked to support and promote the mission of Flickers. This year’s winners include:
• Anthony Ambrosino, Director
• The Champlin Foundation
• Deborah Newhall, Costume Designer
• Angela Ryding, Actress
• Andy Smith, Arts Writer
• Andre Stark, Producer
• WSBE, RI PBS
BEST SHORT FILM
GRAND Prize: (RIIFF’s Official Academy Nomination)
“The Silent Child” | Directed by: Chris Overton | UK, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“Emma” | Directed by: Martin Edralin | Canada, 2016
Tied With:
“Half A Man” | Directed by: Kristina Kumric| Croatia, 2016
BEST SHORT ANIMATION
GRAND Prize: (RIIFF’s Official Academy Nomination)
“Coin Operated” | Directed by: Nicholas Arioli | USA, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“Poles Apart” | Directed by: Paloma Baeza | UK, 2017
Tied With:
“The Full Story” Directed by: Daisy Jacobs | UK, 2017
BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY
GRAND Prize: (RIIFF’s Official Academy Nomination)
“MARIAN” | Directed by: Rick Rodgers | USA, 2016
FIRST PRIZE:
“Hale” | Directed by: Bradford Bailey | USA, 2017
Tied With:
“AJ” | Directed by: Philippine Merolle | USA, 2017
BEST FEATURE
GRAND Prize:
“Restraint” | Directed by: Adam Cushman | USA, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“1:54” | Directed by: Yan England | Canada, 2016
Tied With:
“La Soledad” | Directed by: Jorge Thielen Armand| Venezuela, Canada, Italy, 2016
BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
GRAND Prize:
“Circle Up” | Directed by: Julie Mallozzi | USA, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“A Whale of a Tale” | Directed by: Megumi Sasaki | Japan, USA 2016
Tied With:
“Anatomy of a Male Ballet Dancer” | Directed by: James Pellerito and David Barba | USA, 2017
FILMMAKER OF THE FUTURE AWARD
Presented to a filmmaker whose vision excites audiences and judges alike about the potential to produce compelling and successful films in the future.
Ian Bibby, “Mainland” USA, 2017
BEST ACTOR
Mohamed Seddiki, “The Geneva Convention” | France, 2016
JUDGE’S COMMENT: “Mohamed elegantly showcased that making the right decision is easier than it seems.”
BEST ACTRESS
Maisie Sly, “The Silent Child” | UK, 2017
JUDGE’S COMMENT: “Maisie Sly is a defining example of how being different makes you special and that true talent and passion comes in all shapes and sizes.”
BEST COMEDY SHORT
GRAND Prize:
“The Eleven O’Clock” | Directed By: Derin Seale, Written by: Josh Lawson | Australia, 2016
FIRST PRIZE:
“All Exchanges Final” | Written & Directed by: Annabel Oakes | USA, 2016
Tied With:
“Perfect Roast Potatoes” | Written and Directed by: Nick Frew | USA, 2017
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
GRAND Prize:
“The Avant-Gardener” | Directed by: Lindsay Katt and Heather Matarazzo | USA, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“The Ogre” | Directed by: Laurene Braibant | France. 2017
BEST DIRECTOR
GRAND Prize:
John Sheedy, “Mrs McCutcheon” | Australia, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
Genevieve Clay-Smith, “Kill Off” | Australia, 2017
DR. J. GERALD LAMOUREUX AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
Presented to a filmmaker and artist who represents the spirit of cultural exchange between the United States and Canada.
Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers, “Cast Off” | Canada, 2016
DIRECTORIAL DISCOVERY AWARD
GRAND Prize:
“Finding Fronsdal” | Directed by: Kevin Morra | USA, 2017
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
GRAND Prize:
“Our Wildest Dreams” | Directed by: Marie Elisa Scheidt, Cinematography by: Julian Krubasik | Germany, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“Faith” | Directed by: Tatiana Fedorovskaya, Cinematography by: Vladimir Egorov | Russia, 2017
RIIFF NEW ENGLAND DIRECTOR’S AWARD
GRAND Prize:
Karen Allen, “A Tree. A Rock. A Cloud.” | USA, 2016
RIIFF DIRECTOR’S CHOICE AWARD
GRAND Prize:
“The Gamble House” | Directed by: Don Hahn | USA, 2017
HEARTS, MINDS, SOULS AWARD
Celebrating Films that Reflect the Jewish Experience.
GRAND Prize:
“Memory Songs” | Directed by: Lucy Kaye | UK, 2016
FIRST PRIZE:
“The Twinning Reaction” | Directed by: Lori Shinseki | USA, 2017
Tied With:
“Mustard Seed” | Directed by: Lina Roessler | Canada, Germany, 2016
BEST EDITING
GRAND Prize:
“Revolving Doors” | Directed by: James Burns; Edited by: Stacy Kim & Jeb Banegas | USA, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“The Sugaring Off” | Directed by: Alexandre Isabelle; Edited by: Élisabeth Olga Tremblay | Canada, 2016
Tied With:
“The Catch” | Directed by: Holly Brace-Lavoie; Edited by: Sophie Benoit Sylvestre | Canada, 2017
BEST SCREENPLAY
GRAND Prize:
“The Secret Market” | Directed by: Garret Daly; Written by: Conor Ryan | Ireland, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“Ostoja Will Move Your Piano” | Written and Directed by Sandra Mitrovic | Serbia/ Montenegro, 2017
FLICKERS’ AMBASSADOR AWARD
Presented to an individual who inspires and empowers communication and cultural understanding.
Patricia Chica, “Morning After” | Canada, 2017
FLICKERS’ INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Given annually to films or filmmakers who inspire social change and community outreach and strive to better the world in which we live.
GRAND Prize:
“Man in Red Bandana” | Directed by: Matthew Weiss | USA, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“Refugee” | Directed by: Joyce Chen and Emilie Moore | USA, 2016
PROVIDENCE FILM FESTIVAL AWARD
Presented annually to a New England director whose work brings cinematic excellence to an international audience.
GRAND Prize:
Laura Colella | “The Flying Electric” | USA, 2017
ALTERNATIVE SPIRIT AWARD (LGBTQ) SHORT
GRAND Prize:
“Cocoon” | Directed by: Liying Mei | China, 2016
FIRST PRIZE:
“Iris” | Directed by: Gabrielle Demers | Canada, 2017
Tied With:
“Something New” | Directed by: TJ Marchbank | USA, 2017
ALTERNATIVE SPIRIT AWARD (FEATURE)
GRAND Prize:
“Prom King, 2010” | Directed by: Christopher Schaap | USA, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“Something Like Summer” | Directed by: David Berry | USA, 2017
Tied With:
“High Low Forty” | Directed by: Paddy Quinn | USA, 2017
ALTERNATIVE SPIRIT AWARD (DOCUMENTARY)
GRAND Prize:
“Take a Walk on the Wild Side” | Directed by: Lisa Rideout | Canada, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“John Hemmer & the Show Girls” | Directed by: Kirsten Larvick | USA, 2017
KIDSEYE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARD
BEST CHILDREN’S ANIMATION
GRAND Prize:
“Rouff” | Directed by: Markus Eschrich, Benjamin Brand, Johannes Lumer, Julius Rosen, Markus Eschrich | Germany, 2017
FIRST Prize:
“Way of Giants” | Directed by: Alois Di Leo | Brazil, 2016
Tied with:
“We’re Going on Bear Hunt” | Directed by: Joanna Harrison, Robin Shaw | UK, 2016
BEST CHILDREN’S LIVE ACTION
GRAND Prize:
“TRiGGA” | Directed by: Meloni Poole | UK, 2017
FIRST Prize:
“Einstein-Rosen” | Directed by: Olga Osorio | Spain, 2016
GREEN PLANET AWARD
Celebrating the vision of man’s shared humanity and achieving sustainability on our planet.
GRAND Prize:
“Run While You Can” | Directed by: Marion Mauran | USA, 2017
VORTEX SCI-FI & FANTASY AWARD
GRAND Prize:
“Girl of My Dreams” | Directed by: Johnny Wilson | USA, 2016
FIRST PRIZE:
“Belle à croquer” | Directed by: Axel Courtière | France, 2017
BEST STUDENT FILM AWARD
COLLEGE
GRAND Prize:
“SHARK” | Directed by: J. Sivert Lendorph Christensen | UK, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“THE GREEN” | Directed by: Sophia Loffreda | USA, Canada, 2017
HIGH SCHOOL
GRAND Prize:
“N.O.VI.S” | Directed by: Arthur Rodger “Harley” Maranan | Philippines, 2017
FIRST PRIZE:
“Buoyancy” | Directed by: Tori Taylor | USA, 2017
BEST INTERACTIVE MEDIA
“-KLAUS-” | Created by: Victor Velasco | USA, 2017
BEST INTERNET SERIES
“Gunner Jackson” | Directed by: Christian Strevy | USA, 2016
________________________
Awards were presented by the Sarah White and Rob Capron, RIIFF Youth Film Jury Program Managers, and the 2017 Youth Film Jury members.
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
GRAND Prize:
“Oh What a Wonderful Feeling” | Directed by: Francois Jaros | Canada, 2016
FIRST Prize:
“New Neighbors” | Directed by: E.G. Bailey | USA, 2016
Tied With:
“Life Boat” | Directed by: Lorraine Nicholson | USA, 2016
BEST ANIMATION
“Totem” | Directed by: Alex Cannon | USA, 2017
BEST FEATURE FILM
“American Folk” | Directed by: David Heinz | USA, 2017
BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
“Stumped” | Directed by: Robin Berghaus | USA, 2017
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT:
“Edith+Eddie” | Directed by Laura Checkoway | USA, 2017
BEST LGBTQ FILM
“Cocoon” | Directed by: Liying Mei | China, 2017
________________________
MOST POPULAR
“Mrs. McCutcheon” | John Sheedy, Director | Australia, 2017
BEST DOCUMENTARY
“Etched in Glass: The Legacy of Steve Ross” | Roger Lyons, Director | USA, 2017.
BEST FEATURE
“Rockaway” | John Budion, Director | USA, 2017.
BEST SHORT FILM
“French” | Josza Anjembe, Director | France, 2016.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
“The Sisters Tolchinski” | Anna Maguire, Director | Canada, 2016.
BEST LGBTQ
“Thirst” | Eoin Maher, Director | UK, 2017
Tied with:
“Sunset” | Gary Jaffe & Katie Ennis, Directors | USA, 2016