Rhode Island International Film Festival 2019

Awards Ceremony  Metcalf Auditorium

FLICKERS’ RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ITS 2019 AWARD WINNERS
Diverse Group of 321 International Films Shine at Academy-Award Qualifying Festival

(Providence, R.I. • Aug. 15, 2019) – Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) proudly announced the Award Winners for its 37th Anniversary Celebration of Flickers, on Sunday, August 11, 2019. The Annual Awards Ceremony was held at The Metcalf Auditorium, RISD Museum in downtown Providence, RI. This year’s Festival ran from August 6-11 and ended with another record-breaking year. Venues were located across the state of Rhode Island – from Jamestown, Foster, North Scituate, Cranston Narragansett, North Kingstown, Woonsocket to Warwick -- with the capital city Providence serving as the hub for the film-centric activities.

The Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), a major destination on the Festival circuit and recognized by the Academy as a Qualifying Festival in all short film categories, welcomes stellar filmmaking talents from all over the world to beautiful Providence, Rhode Island—one of America’s oldest and most beloved cities. This year 347 filmmakers, their cast and crew came to the Festival from across the globe including The Republic of Taiwan, India, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Peru, Canada, Spain and France.

RIIFF embraces both filmmakers and screenwriters with the sort of warm-hearted spirit that fosters long-lasting friendships, sparks exciting creative projects, and inspires artists to return again and again. Last year, nine films from the Festival went on to receive Academy Award nominations, including three that premiered on Opening Night. The World Premiere of Chris Overton’s “The Silent Child” took place at RIIFF in 2017, received the Festival’s Grand Prize and Academy nomination, and went on to receive the coveted Oscar® (https://vimeo.com/262490275 [vimeo.com]). It's little wonder that Chris Gore's Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide praises RIIFF as "the kind of intimate festival experience that will change your life."

The 2019 Festival was dedicated to the memories of two important individuals whose support and encouragement helped shape this organization: Ross Feinberg and Diana Drywa.

According to Lawrence J. Andrade Flickers Board Member, “Ross Feinberg was a champion of our PBS series, ‘doubleFEATURE,” and father of Steven Feinberg, the Executive Director of the RI Film and Television Office. Diana Drywa was the mother of Michael Drywa, Esq. our Board President, and Shawn Drywa, the founder and returning director of our Vortex Festival. Both were educators. Both had a passion for life and learning that touched countless lives during the course of their careers.”

"Thanks to Steven Feinberg, the Rhode Island Film & Television Office; Kristen Adamo at the Providence/Warwick CVB; Claire Collins at IMCS; Sophie Sithamma, Swissnex Boston; Michael Vallee, the French Consulate of Boston; Marie-Jose and Laurence Gagnon, Quebec Delegation; Tom Oyer, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Don Curtin and Kelly Johnston, Channel 6; Ashley Erling, The Rhode Show; Daniel Schwartz, The Vets; Ed Mastriano, Cox Media; Caitlin Isles and Dr. J. Scott Oberacker, Johnson and Wales University; Fr. Kenneth Gumbert, Providence College; Brendan Chipley Roane, The Rooftop at the Providence G; Jonathan Arruda, The Dean Hotel; Greg Nawrocki, Hotel Providence Todd Trebour, RISCA; Pamela Kimmel, RISD Museum, Milo Macphail, AS220; Ruth Clegg, Art League Rhode Island; short film distributors, Katie McCullough and Ian Bignell, Festival Formula; writer, Chris Sparling; director, Eric Latek; actor, Michael Grando and legendary actress Marlyn Mason, we hit a home run this year, further raising the bar for the future and next year’s edition of the Festival,” said George T. Marshall, Flickers’ Executive Director. "It was a true pleasure to host 347 international filmmakers, cast and crew who experienced true Rhode Island hospitality.”

Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office, said "Glorious is the word which best conjures the week that was the 2019 Rhode Island International Film Festival. From the spectacular opening night of packed guests and a variety of cinematic delicacies at The Vets to hundreds of international filmmakers hugging out their new friendships at the emotional awards ceremony at the RISD Museum Metcalf Auditorium, this festival is truly one the globe's greatest treasures. On behalf of the State of a Rhode Island and our local film community, I want to congratulate Executive Director George T. Marshall for his perseverance and vision and Shawn Quirk for his tasteful programming along with the professional staff of volunteers and supporters who make the Rhode Island International Film Festival world-renowned, and a home for film exploration with heart. "

Director Feinberg continued, "Two years ago, the world premiere of "Silent Child" happened right here in Providence and that short film went on to win the Academy Award. I would not be surprised if one of the esteemed movies from this year's festival went on to win Oscar gold too because there is an undeniable truth----The Rhode Island International Film Festival makes dreams come true."

“This year, we received an incredible number of inspiring and thought-provoking international films. The talent of the filmmakers who shared their work with us was inspiring and simply blew us away. Storytelling through the film medium has shown us that we are witnessing a truly global Renaissance in the cinematic arts, and it is a distinct honor to be able to share these groundbreaking films with our audiences,” added Shawn Quirk, RIIFF’s Program Director.