RIIFF ANNOUNCES SPECIAL “CINE ¡OLÉ!” FILM EVENT

Screening of Cutting- Edge Spanish Short FIlms at the Providence Public Library

(read Spanish version of release)

PROVIDENCE, RI (January 28, 2008) –  The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) will hold a special screening of Spanish films on February 16th, 3:00 p.m. at the Providence Public Library’s Empire Street Theater, 150 Empire Street, Providence RI.  This is a free event and it will feature a selection of cutting edge Spanish independent films from Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla.

“Cine ¡OLÉ! is a passport to discovering contemporary, Spanish filmmakers,” commented Adam Short, Producing Director of RIIFF.  “We are very pleased to be working with the Providence Public Library to present a series of special screenings that explore the cinema of one of the world’s great filmmaking countries. Think Pedro Almodóvar, Carlos Saura, or Luis Buñuel - Spanish filmmakers are highly regarded and in demand, helming film projects across Europe, the United States, and Latin America.  I encourage film lovers to join us as we tour the cinematic landscape of Spain through a selection of short films by up-and-coming directors.”

Films in the series include:

“Hablame Bajito (Talk With Me a Little)”
Fernando Merinero, director
A heart-warming story about a humble magician that falls ill.  Because of his concern about his young daughter suffering the pain of his loss, he developes a magical story that clouds the reality of the situation and leaves his young daughter at ease knowing that her father is “in a better place”.

“El niño que vio a Dios (The Boy that Saw God)”
Ferran Masamunt París, director

Pedro is a boy locked up in his problems. One of his classmates offers a desperate way out to him: the possibility of seeing God.  Pedro begins the adventure of his life in this witty film that provides you with the meaning behind the meaning.

“Carne de Neon (Neon Flesh)”
Paco Cabezas, director
Pura, Ricky’s mother, has just left jail.  In a desperate attempt to show a regular life, Ricky kicks out the ones who have become his family in the last ten years:  a junkie, a transvestite, and a kidnapper.  Everything seems to go wrong on this very special day. A raw, yet funny film, it’s everything a movie involving these unique characters should be.

“El amor a las cuatro de la tarde (Love at Four in the Afternoon)”
Sebastian Alfíe, director
The grand dame of an enormous mansion in Buenos Aires ignores her maid until the day she becomes interested in soap operas.  Her bulky social life prevents her from seeing her beloved soaps.  So she forces her maid to watch them and recount the day’s episode.  Tension builds both onscreen and off, climaxing in a clash between social classes.

“Antes y despues de besar a Maria (Before and After Kissing Maria)”
Ramón Alós, director
The amorous adventure of Raúl, a 9 year-old child from a small village in the Spanish countryside.  He has decided to kiss Maria, his 12 year-old cousin, who visits his village every summer to spend her holidays.  A disarmingly poignant and adorable movie that leaves you with a valuable lesson about love.

“El canto del grillo (The Cry of the Rooster)”
Dany Campos, director
Joseba Perurena wants to start a new life together with his girlfriend. However, cutting ties with the past is never an easy thing to do - especially when the consequences have not been fully considered.

THE WHO, WHAT AND WHERE OF IT:

WHAT: Cine ¡OLE!

WHEN: Saturday, February 16th, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Providence Public Library, Empire Street Theater, 150 Empire Street, Providence RI. For more information, please call 401.861-4445.

WHO: The Rhode Island International Film Festival, Flickers Arts Collaborative, and the Providence Public Library

HOW MUCH: Free!

WHY: To bring entertainment and culture to film lovers in Rhode Island.

ABOUT THE RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL:

The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) discovers and empowers filmmakers.  Held in Providence, and locations throughout the state of Rhode Island, RIIFF is one of only a handful of festivals worldwide that is a qualifying event for the Academy Awards (i.e. “Oscars”).  RIIFF incorporates gala celebrations, premiere screenings, VIP guests, industry seminars, educational programs, and award ceremonies into a week long extravaganza.  Cited as one of the "Best International and Short Film Festivals in the United States," RIIFF is New England’s largest film festival, screening a record 300 films.  Its innovative programming, cultivated industry ties, and loyal audiences have made the Festival a strategic and desirable platform for film premieres, drawing hundreds of independent filmmakers from around the globe.

ABOUT THE PROVIDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Providence Public Library has striven to collect and preserve invaluable information resources and share them with Providence for 130 years. Its theater has also been the home to many successful events in the past, bringing not only services but also entertainment to providence. For more information on the Providence Public Library visit <www.provlib.org> or call (401) 455-8000.

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