Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF)

Historical Significance

• Hosted the world premiere of There’s Something About Mary (1998) by the Farrelly brothers.
• Became an Oscar®-qualifying festival in 2002, with winners in the Live Action, Animation, and Documentary Short Film categories eligible for Academy Award® consideration.
• Designated as the official Oscar Night America host in Rhode Island since 2010, later renamed The Red Carpet Experience: Providence.
• Honored industry legends, including Blake Edwards, Julie Andrews, Blythe Danner, Richard Jenkins, Paul Sorvino, Ken Howard, and Douglas Trumbull.

Festival Highlights & Industry Impact

• Features an impressive lineup of world and U.S. premieres across various genres.
• Includes diverse sidebar events such as:
  • KidsEye International Film Festival
  • RI International Horror Film Festival
  • Vortex Sci-Fi & Fantasy Film Festival
  • Providence LGBTQ Film Festival
  • Golden Jasmine Chinese Film Festival
  • Annual Flickers’ Japanese Film Festival
• Engages in educational outreach, offering programs such as KidsEye Summer Filmmaking Workshop, Youth Film Jury, and ScriptBiz.
• Launched the Children’s Hospital International Film Festival (2017) to bring cinema to young patients.

Current & Future Vision

• The festival continues to expand its global outreach, providing a strong platform for independent filmmakers.
• Screenings take place throughout the year, with its main event held each August at The Vets in Providence.
• Post-pandemic growth and industry adaptation ensure RIIFF remains a key fixture in the independent film festival circuit.

Through its commitment to artistic excellence, industry recognition, and global storytelling, RIIFF continues to be a premier destination for filmmakers and audiences alike.

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