An amazing and brilliant exposition of some of the world's best cinema comes to Rhode Island with this year's Opening Night Celebration!
Thought-provoking, unforgettable and a brilliant selection of films from around the world await audiences at the August 10th Opening Night Soirée of the 14th Annual FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival. The evening’s exhilarating line-up will showcase some of the finest examples of independent and international short films and the World Premiere of a major new documentary.
For the first time, the Festival’s Opening Night festivities will be held at the VMA Arts & Cultural Center, the elegant and historic 1,900-seat theater located in the heart of the capital city, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence.
RIIFF’s Opening Night Program will salute “The Art of the Short Film,” a signature theme for the Festival. Some of the best short films that the 2010 festival has to offer will be showcased. All films will be screened in High Definition Digital courtesy of the sponsorship of Sony Corporation, HB Communications and PMA Industries. Special filmmaker and industry pre-party hosted by the Délégation du Québec à Boston.
The films screened will represent an array of genres reflecting RIIFF’s unique status as the lone film festival in New England that is a qualifying event for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences “Oscar”. There are more than 7,000 total film festivals worldwide; only 65 have been granted this prestigious distinction.
Films selected for this year’s Festival were curated from a record entry base of over 4,200 submissions and represent 35 World and 23 US/North American Premieres.
In addition, the Opening Night festivities will showcase the World Premiere of the new documentary by David Bettencourt and G. Wayne Miller,Behind the Hedgerow: Eileen Slocum and the Meaning of Newport Society. The film offers an exclusive and intimate glimpse into the private world of aristocratic Newport society. It will be of special interest to the entire Rhode Island community while also having national and international appeal.
The 2010 Premiere Films:
THE SHORTS:
Day Before Yesterday
Directed by Patricia Chica
12 min. Canada, 2009
A young woman is being questioned by two police detectives. She was found unconscious, nearly dead, in a suburban neighborhood. She has no recollection of who she is or how she got to that place. When a man comes forward identifying himself as her husband, she makes a decision about her life from that point forward.
The Man Who Married Himself
Directed by Garrick Hamm
12 min. United Kingdom, 2010
Featuring: Richard Grant & Emilia Fox
Oliver, mid-forties, is fed up of failed relationships so he decides to get married – to himself. He persuades the local Reverend to perform the ceremony, and despite his parents’ disapproval, the one-sided wedding goes ahead. His unusual union is a triumph, until he starts feeling that something is missing from his life. So he starts looking for happiness elsewhere, and discovers some truths about life and love on the way.
Wenn Bäume Puppen tragen (If trees carry dolls)
Directed by Ismail Sahin
15 min. Germany / Tanzania, 2010
Since her birth seven years ago Nabila has lived simultaneously in two different worlds. On the one hand, she is the daughter of African immigrants and therefore at home with their cultural values. On the other hand, she has never visited the African continent. She uses German as her preferred language. And her best friend is a German Turkish girl. In spite of this, she looks forward gladly to her first visit to her family's native country. They have promised her a big party with many presents. She does not foresee that her parents have planned this journey in order to confirm her supposed cultural identity by way of the thousand-year old, utterly revolting and totally irreversible, ritual.
Toute Ma Vie (The Story Of My Life)
Directed by Pierre Ferriere
6 min. FRANCE, 2009
Alessandra is walking in the city when she is hailed by a man she doesn't recognize. even though he keeps telling her about important moments of her life, his face remains totally unknown to her.
The Mouse That Soared
Directed by Kyle Bell
6 min. U S A, 2009
A famous flying circus mouse reflects on his humble beginnings in this high-altitude adventure in aerodynamics.
THE FEATURE:
BEHIND THE HEDGEROW: Eileen Slocum and the Meaning of Newport Society
Directed by David Bettencourt & G. Wayne Miller
60 min. U S A, 2010
BEHIND THE HEDGEROW will take viewers inside the private world of aristocraticNewport, Rhode Island –– a world of privilege that began with the Gilded Age, when Vanderbilts and Astors reigned. The story will be told through the focus of Eileen Gillespie Slocum, descendant of Browns (as in Brown University) and friend to all of the 20th century Newport (and New York and Philadelphia) elite. When Slocum died on July 27, 2008, at the age of 92, a storied period of American history ended, as The New York Times and other publications noted in her obituary. Slocum was the last of the Newport grand dames –– and one of the last grand dames anywhere. She left no successor. America had changed, and so had the world. A new moneyed class now ruled.
The Soirée
Def. French soirée evening period, evening party, from Middle French, from soir evening, from Latin sero at a late hour, from serus late; akin to Old Irish sír long, lasting and perhaps to Old English s?th late
Date: 1802
:
a party or reception held in the evening
Mezzanine & Lobby
The evening of great films will topped off with a chaser of great company and talk. The Post Premiere Party will be held in the lobby area and mezzanine the VMA. This event will begin immediately following the screening and continue until 11:30 PM. Guests will enjoy a night of food, music and festivities, all with an international flavor as RIIFF pays tribute to its visiting filmmakers from around the world.
BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR OPENING NIGHT AT THE DOOR
What: RIIFF's Opening Night Soiree,Film Screening/ Party/ Reception
When: Tuesday, August 10th at 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $25.00
Where:VMA Arts & Cultural Center, 1 Avenue of the Arts, PROVIDENCE
Who: Presented by and benefitting FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival; 401.861.4445
