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RHODE ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL TO BEGIN SUBMITTING TO THE GRAMMY AWARDS THIS YEAR

Starting this year, the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) will be selecting and submitting filmmakers and composers, via their music, for all 105 categories of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' annual Grammy Awards.


In a unique and exciting new partnership, the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) has joined forces with the Providence, RI-based company, Big Noise, LLC, to offer this year's festival applicants an opportunity to have their films' music scores submitted for nomination consideration in all 105 categories of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' annual Grammy Awards, including Best Score Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, and Best Song Written for a Motion Picture.

Big Noise partner and co-owner, Al Gomes of Providence, said that by teaming up with the RIIFF, the only film festival in New England selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifier for the short film category, he anticipates drawing some of the best music composers and filmmakers within the industry.

"We expect to add another dimension to an already outstanding festival," Gomes said. "Music can make or break a film and we want to encourage film composers to make their music available for the world to hear. This is currently the only film festival in the country to have Grammy Awards affiliation."

Located in the state's capitol city, Big Noise has over 15 years experience in all aspects of the music business. Its services run the gamut from artist development to music promotion and CD cover design to event planning. Big Noise's exceptional track record with international recording artists like Christina Aguilera and Patti Rothberg, in addition to its award-winning work with regional recording artists and projects, led to Big Noise being selected two years ago by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences as a full voting and nominating member.

"We couldn't be more thrilled by this exciting new partnership with Big Noise and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences," said George T. Marshall, RIIFF's Executive Director. "We have long wanted to integrate music into the Festival and this allows us to add another new Festival award category, that of Best Composer. Providing filmmakers an opportunity to grow and expand professionally, as well as network within the industry is a critical part of our mission."

Last year, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, New England's largest film festival, featured 185 films from across the country and around the globe, plus 25 World and 22 US Premieres. It was recently listed as one of last year's "Top 10 Short Film Fests in the U.S." by Chris Gore, author of "The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide," which ranks over 600 festivals worldwide.

Gore states, "The Rhode Island International Film Festival provides the kind of intimate festival experience that will change your life. Don't miss it."

"RIIFF is already a destination festival for filmmakers internationally," said Marshall. "Last year more than 220 filmmakers came to Rhode Island to participate in RIIFF, see premiere films and meet their fellow directors. We have charted the economic impact this event has for our state and the region; the Grammy affiliation will only enhance that impact."

To be eligible for Grammy Awards consideration, filmmakers will be asked to submit a separate CD of their film's score to the Festival.

The 2004 Rhode Island International Film Festival runs August 10-15th. Locations will be throughout Providence, RI with side-bar screenings in the Blackstone Valley, Newport and South Counties. Along with an international panorama which will focus on Japan, France, Canada, Germany, Australia and South America; sidebars include the KidsEye International Film Festival, the Providence Jewish Film Festival, the Providence Film Festival and the Providence Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Festival programmers expect the six-day fest to screen approximately 200 titles. Additionally, the Festival will be presenting its annual Lifetime Achievement Award to a leading industry figure. Past winners have included actors Patricia Neal and Seymour Cassel, plus director Blake Edwards. The 2004 Award recipient will be announced in late May.