Providence Oscar Night® America is one of only 50 official parties sanctioned by the Academy to host an official Oscar® telecast viewing party on Oscar Night and will be hosted by the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF).
(PROVIDENCE, RI ~ January 21, 2010) • Oscar Night® America is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' grassroots program that enables not-for-profit charities to host glamorous parties while raising much needed funds. In 2010, the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) has been selected to host Rhode Island’s only officially sanctioned party; one of only 50 official parties throughout the country sanctioned by the Academy.
On Sunday, March 7, 2010, guests will experience the thrills, surprises and excitement of the 82nd Academy Awards® at Providence's Oscar Night® America party which will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium & Cultural Center, 1 Avenue of the Arts in Providence. The Honorary Chairs for the evening are Lincoln and Stephanie Chafee.
Members of the Oscar Night® America Committee include Eva Anderson; Lawrence J. Andrade; Ann Burke; Demetria Carr; Michael Drywa, Esq., RIIFF Board President; Amanda Heinsen; Ton Huiskes; Marcia Hutchinson; Michelle Lancellotti; George T. Marshall; Barry Martin; Duncan Putney; Deb Rich; Evelyn Sweeney; and Ron Tippe.
As Oscar co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin take the stage in Los Angeles at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre, Rhode Islanders will be able to join John Deluca and Allison Alexander of ABC6 for the “dress to impress” event that is set to benefit the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF). All attendees will be treated like stars walking into the theatre on a red carpet that would be found at world cinematic premieres. This grand entrance will be covered live by ABC 6; official sponsor for Providence Oscar Night® America. The evening will officially kick-off at 6:30 p.m.
To add to the excitement of the evening, RIIFF will be honoring some of the Stars in the Film Arts Community:
• Hon. David N. Cicilline, Mayor of Providence/Arts Advocate
• Chad Detwiller, production designer
• Steven Feinberg, RI Film Office
• Molly Maginnis, costume designer
• Anne Mulhall, casting
• Chris Spalding, writer/director
• David Spear, composer
• Sprague Theobald, documentarian
• Ernest Thompson, screenwriter
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), now in its 14th year, has secured its place in the global community as the portal for the best in international independent cinema; earning the respect of domestic and foreign filmmakers, filmgoers and trend watchers. This confluence of art and commerce brought together world-class celebrities, award-winning filmmakers, new talent and audience members in record numbers last year. Ranked as one of the top 12 Festivals in the United States, RIIFF is also a qualifying festival for the Short Film Academy Award through its affiliation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. There are 63 film festivals worldwide which share this distinction and RIIFF is the only festival in New England.
Funding generated by Providence Oscar Night® America will be used to not only underwrite the Festival’s 14th Season in August, it will support such community outreach and educational programs as the Rhode Island Film Forum; Cine ¡OLÉ!; the Golden Jasmine Chinese Film Festival; the Vortex Sci-Fi Film Festival; the New England Student Film Festival; the Providence GLBT Film Festival; the Providence Underground Film Festival; the Roving Eye Documentary Film Festival; the RIIFF Technology Forum; the 7 Day PSA Competition; the KidsEye™ Summer Filmmaking Camp; Documentary Tech; ScriptBiz™; the RI International Horror Film Festival; and the Flickers’ Japanese Film Festival.
“Many people do not realize that programming created and produced by the Rhode Island International Film Festival takes place throughout the year,” stated George T. Marshall, RIIFF Executive Director/CEO. “From specialized screening events to internships, RIIFF provides an ongoing opportunity to discover all the elements that compose the cinematic arts.”
Pulling all the pieces together and making the Providence Oscar Night® America shimmer and glow is Demetria J. Carr, RIIFF’s Managing Director.
Sponsors for the 2010 Providence Oscar Night® America hosted by the Rhode Island International Film Festival include PMA Industries, ABC6, Temple Restaurant, Glasswing Design, Harpoon Brewery, Newport Vineyards, Valet Connection and the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium & Cultural Center.
“RIIFF’s Providence party will not only feature the live broadcast of the Awards presentation, but will integrate Hollywood style party elements, from the red-carpet arrivals to local celebrities; from the "paparazzi"” to live entertainment,” said Ms. Carr.
“Guests booking tables at RIIFF’s Oscar Night® America in Providence will receive copies of the commemorative poster and an official Academy Awards ceremony program. This will be an evening to remember!”
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHERE OF IT:
WHAT: Providence Oscar Night® America
WHEN: Sunday, March 7, 2010. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium & Cultural Center, 1 Avenue Of The Arts, Providence, RI 02903,
WHO: Hosted by the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF)
HOW MUCH: $55: Tickets can be purchased on line at www.RIFilmFest.org
WHY: To celebrate the art and craft of film while honoring the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
ABOUT OSCAR NIGHT® AMERICA:
Since its inception in 1994, the program has generated nearly $24 million in funding for a wide spectrum of charitable organizations. The Oscar Night® America Party in Providence, Rhode Island will raise vital funds to enable the Rhode Island International Film Festival to further its educational and arts outreach efforts and underwrite RIIFF’s August 2010 season.
ABOUT THE RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The mission of the Rhode Island International Film Festival is to discover and empower filmmakers. Held in Providence, and at locations throughout the state, RIIFF is one of only 63 film festivals worldwide that is a qualifying event for the Oscars. It is also New England’s largest film festival. Its innovative programming, cultivated industry ties, and loyal audiences have made the Festival a strategic and desirable platform for film premieres, drawing hundreds of independent filmmakers from around the globe. The next Festival will take place August 10-15, 2010. For more information about the festival, please visit www.rifilmfest.org.