f you’ve ever experienced the thrill of seeing a movie at your local theater on opening night, why not see a world premiere at your local film festival? This August, Providence rolls out the red carpet to host Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), the 29th annual celebration of films, filmmakers, and filmgoers. The event will show approximately 250 titles, an impressive selection sourced from a staggering 7000 or so submissions.
“We look for a little bit of everything,” says RIIFF director of development Shawn Quirk. “We want innovative content. We look for high-budget and student [films]. All types of backgrounds, from up-and-coming filmmakers to someone who’s been in the industry.” On hand to select the festival’s films are a panel of judges including professional filmmakers, members of the Rhode Island film community, organizers from other festivals, and Quirk himself, who estimates he watches at least 2000 entries every year. Quirk adds that they’re one of the largest fests in the US in terms of animation, noting “we’ll highlight 40 animations if not more!”
This diversity of programming, which this year includes special screenings that spotlight Jewish filmmakers and those from the LGBTQ community, cements Providence as a place where all people can gather and be united by the magic of moviemaking. But it’s not just voices from Rhode Island who will be there, but creators from all over the world. “Because we’re close to Canada and only a six-hour flight to Europe, we’re an ideal meeting ground for a lot of different filmmakers from a lot of different places,” explains Quirk. As such, RIIFF receives submissions from as far away as Japan and Mongolia.
Why all this attention on a film festival held in the smallest state in the union? “Honestly, everyone I talk to in Hollywood wants to come to Rhode Island, and now New York, too! I’m pulling them all in!” explains Ericka Atwell-Cardona, director of development and community engagement. “We showcase top-tier films with small-state charm – think red carpets served with a side of Del’s!” Another of the Ocean State’s draws is the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), where the festival’s opening night will be held. The historic theater is one of the only venues left in America with a functioning Wurlitzer organ, leftover from its days as a movie palace.
But it’s not just the unique venues and a creative atmosphere that make RIIFF unique. Quirk’s greatest joy is seeing films evolve over time. “We’ve been playing Manya Glassman’s films since she was in high school; she’s just finished her master’s and her short film will be playing at Tribeca, and RIIFF of course.” Providence’s Glassman, who received her bachelor’s from Providence College, recently graduated from the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, where she served as a teaching assistant for legendary director Spike Lee. It’s the festival’s goal “to make sure we’re doing our best to establish the future” by highlighting filmmakers like Glassman, says Quirk, “There’s nothing more rewarding than getting to see all these talented films that you’ll get to help move forward.”
Sometimes that means going all the way to Hollywood’s biggest night -- The Oscars! In the past 14 years, 94 films that played at the festival have gone on to be nominated for an Academy Award. Marguerite, a short film directed by Marianne Farley about an aging woman’s relationship with her nurse, won the RIIFF’s Grand Prize in 2018, before receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Film at the 2019 Academy Awards. According to Quirk, Marguerite “hadn’t really played anywhere else,” but after its win at Flickers’, the short “played all the major festivals; the film has a whole new life after that.” The Silent Child, a 2017 film directed by Chris Overton, went on to win an Academy Award after being given RIIFF’s Grand Prize.
When asked what attendees can anticipate from this year’s festival, Atwell-Cardona says to “expect big names, fresh voices, and all the Rhode Island International Film Festival magic!” She advises first-timers to attend opening night at PPAC. “Walk the red carpet, explore everything, and connect with everyone, you never know where it’ll lead!”
Flicker’s Rhode Island International Film Festival runs from August 5-10 and will include screenings at various locations around the city, including Avon Cinema, Providence Public Library, AS220, and the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge. Non-screening events include a symposium of industry experts, a screenwriting workshop, and a financing symposium for those looking for advice on funding their own films. Learn more at RIFilmFest.org
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