RIIFF received 370 entries in its 1999 call for entries, and 140 titles out of competition. This represented 23 countries (5 Provinces in Canada), and 28 states. Of those selected for exhibition, 36 were World Premieres and 26 were United States Premieres.

125 filmmakers and their producers from around the world were in attendance at RIIFF; coming from Russia, Italy, British Columbia, California, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Ontario, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine, Kentucky and Quebec Province.

The United States Department of State selected the Festival as the first stop on a nationwide tour of US film centers for 12 visiting Russian filmmakers.

The five-day, independent film festival drew 11,567 people to film screenings and events at the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Avon Theatre, Cable Car Cinema, List Auditorium, RISD Auditorium, Assembly Theatre, New England Institute of Technology and satellite venues throughout the state.

There are no category restrictions. Each work is juried solely on its own merits. The Festival seeks any combination of inventive, incisive, bold, vital and otherwise provocative work of any style or genre.

A complete film program and screening schedule will be available as of 15 July.