RIFF, August 9-13, 2000

The fourth annual Brooks Pharmacy Providence/Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) will take place August 9-13, 2000 in various locations throughout the state. Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond serves as honorary chairman and Brooks Pharmacy CEO Michel Coutu is festival chairman.

RIIFF one of only three broadly focused, independent festivals in New England accepting films of any type (dramatic, documentary, experimental) on any subject matter and in any genre. It is a juried competition and screening opportunity for independent filmmakers from all over the world. A panel of jurists, including Academy Award-winner Tom Ohanian, senior editor at Avid Corporation; Miles Prunier, film technician for Gorky Park and Liquid Sky; and Brian Heller, an award-winning cinematographer, as well as filmmakers, cinema professionals and others will judge and present the "Best" film awards in various categories at an Awards Gala Reception to be held on the last evening of the festival.

"The Providence/Rhode Island International Film Festival has experienced remarkable growth since its inception four years ago," said Governor Lincoln Almond. "While bringing a world of cinema to Rhode Island, the festival showcases our state's cultural and filmmaking resources to an international audience. In addition to screenings across the state, this year's festival includes expanded educational opportunities and forums for artistic exchange."

Festival Directors George T. Marshall and Elisabeth Galligan have planned an expanded schedule of events and programs in cooperation with other film, tourism and community organizations under the RIIFF programming umbrella. Over 150 independent film titles will be screened during the five-day run, representing entries from the United States and other countries. Over 13,500 people are expected to attend film screenings and events including over 150 filmmakers and producers from around the world.

Current RIIFF venues include the Avon Cinema, List/Solomon Auditorium, RISD Auditorium, Assembly Theatre, New England Institute of Technology, South County Center for the Arts, and satellite venues throughout the state including East Greenwich, Middletown, Jamestown, URI (Kingston), RWU (Bristol), Museum of Work & Culture (Woonsocket), and Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (Pawtucket).

"This year's festival will kick-off with our Opening Night Gala on August 9, 2000," states Ms. Galligan. "Over the next four days we will hold breakfast seminars, film screenings at multiple venues, 'meet the director' question-and-answer sessions immediately following certain films, a Rhode Island Location Discovery Bus Tour throughout R.I. featuring key film shooting locations, and gala parties with special guest/celebrity networking receptions - all open to the general public. Our goal is to bring independent film art to all areas of our state and encourage patronage of this creative medium. Because film distributors use RIIFF to scout out new talent, many filmmakers have secured distribution contracts as a result of having their film screened here."

"The festival will increase its web presence including a daily coverage on Filmfestivals.com, the number one site on movie events. Our affiliation with this Paris-based web service will handle our online judging, ticket sales and registration. We have also established partnerships with other film festivals in Montreal and Mississippi to exchange judges and films. We are fortunate to have the accolades and increased international recognition in the film exhibition marketplace and look forward to our exponential growth."

The Brooks Pharmacy Providence/Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is dedicated to the creation of opportunities for artistic interaction and exchange among independent filmmakers, directors, producers, distributors, backers, and the film-going community. Now in its fourth year, the Festival is produced by the Flickers Arts Collaborative, an organization with 17 years of experience presenting major artistic events as well as independent and foreign films to the public.

RIFF