First introduced in 1998 by the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), the popular Rhode Island Film Forum returned for a special symposium on key issues affecting the film community in Rhode Island and surrounding New England.

“The theme of the Forum this year was ‘Rhode Island: An Independent State for Film,’” says Dr. Kevin Esch, Director of Special Programs and Policy for Flickers. “For me, that encompasses both filmmaking and film exhibition, how people are keeping independent film alive on both ends of the equation. One doesn’t mean much without the other.”

This year, filmmaker and actor Amy Redford, whose film “Delivery” was entered into this year’s Rhode Island International Film Festival (and screened later that evening at The Vets) was the keynote event. In an in-depth interview with Film Forum Director Kevin Esch, she discussed her films, moving from acting to directing, and finding her creative voice.