Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) proudly announced the Award Winners for its 35th Anniversary Celebration of Flickers, on Sunday, August 13th. The Annual Awards Ceremony was held at The Metcalf Auditorium, RISD Museum in downtown Providence, RI. This year’s Festival ran from August 8-13th, and ended with another record-breaking year. Venues were located across the state of Rhode Island – from Newport, East Greenwich to Woonsocket -- with the capital city Providence serving as the hub for the film-centric activities.

"Thanks to Steven Feinberg, the Rhode Island Film & Television Office, Kristen Adamo at the Providence/Warwick CVB, Stephanie Fortunato with the City of Providence, Cecille Vulliemin, Swissnex Boston, Magali Boutiot of the French Consulate of Boston, and iconic actress Marlyn Mason, we knocked the ball out of the park, raising the bar for the future and next year’s edition of the Festival,” said George T. Marshall, Flickers’ Executive Director. "We hosted over 400 international filmmakers, cast and crew who experienced true Rhode Island hospitality.”

“This year’s Festival had a spectacular lineup of provocative and engaging new films and was a banner year for the Flickers’ screenings, forums, workshops, classes and parties,” added Shawn Quirk, RIIFF’s Program Director.

Over its six-day run, the Festival screened 310 films that included 113 World/United States Premieres from 48 countries including Cuba, Bosnia, Ethiopia, Croatia, Australia, Iran, Spain, Mexico, India, Italy, Croatia, and 34 states in the US. The filmmakers from these accepted films traveled from such countries as Russia, France, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Austria, Germany, and Brazil. The films featured such well-known actors as Jane Lynch (“Glee”), Tituss Burgess (“The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), Audra McDonald, Sharon Stone, Tyler Blackburn, T.R. Knight, Catherine Tate (“Doctor Who”), Gwyneth Paltrow, Idris Elba, Dana Ashbrook (“Twin Peaks”), Al Pacino, Olivia Wilde, Stephen Dorff, Catherine Deneuve, Helena Bonham Carter, Imelda Staunton (“Harry Potter”), and Robert Capron (“Diary of a Wimpy Kid”). The films for this year's Festival were selected from a record entry base of 6,217 submissions.

There are literally over 7,000 film festivals worldwide but only 6 of them have a rather unique accolade; they are qualifying Festivals for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the short film, animation and documentary short division, plus the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) and the Canadian Screen Awards. The Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is one of these 6 Festivals and the only Festival in New England. With these official accreditations, RIIFF has seen 49 films that premiered at the Festival receive Oscar® nominations with nine (9) winning the Award; most of the films have been part of the Opening Night program over the years. In 2016, three films that premiered at RIIFF went on to receive Academy Award nominations: “Watani My Homeland,” directed by Marcel Mettelsiefen and Stephen Ellis; “Extremis” directed by Dan Krauss; and “Borrowed Time,” directed by Lou Hamou-Lhadj and Andrew Coats.

THE 2017 GRAND PRIZE SHORT FILM WINNERS:

The winners of RIIFF's Live Action, Animation and Documentary Short Grand Prizes hold a special honor: they become the Festival’s nominees for Academy Award® consideration.

LIVE ACTION SHORT:

"The Silent Child," directed by Chris Overton from the United Kingdom (2017). "The Silent Child" follows the story of a profoundly deaf child, and the deaf-specialized social worker who struggles to help the family try to understand their child’s deafness.

ANIMATED SHORT:

"Coin Operated," Directed by Nicholas Arioli from the United States (2016). “Coin Operated” is an animation that spans 70 years in the life of one naive explorer, as he works to earn enough money to take a coin operated space ship to outer space.

DOCUMENTARY SHORT:

“Marian,” Directed by Rick Rodgers, a Rhode Island native and Rhode Island School of Design Graduate. Filmed over eight years, “Marian” documents the final years of renowned actress Marian Seldes’ life and touches on the themes of identity, the worship of others and the deterioration of family.

INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS & SPECIAL FESTIVAL FOCUS:

Douglas Trumbull, renowned visual effects artist for such films as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” (which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in November), “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and “Blade Runner” received this year’s Inaugural Gilbert Stuart Artistic Vision (Lifetime Achievement) Award.

Johnny Wilson, visual effects artist for such films as “Ant Man,” “Doctor Strange,” and “Captain America: The First Avenger” was presented by Steven Feinberg with this year’s RI Film & Television Office Dream Maker Award

A major and important focus of this year’s Festival was on new advances in Healthcare and featured several sold out events including the presentation of THE POWER OF FILM: Can a Film Change the World? Presented by IMCS (Integrated Micro-Chromotography Systems), this special showcase centered on films that show how very brave people confront the challenges we all face in just living our lives. They discover how these challenges can push personal boundaries and learn how the power of our shared humanity - the daily struggles and fights we all have - can ultimately lead to a new and more empowering future.

The focal point of the event was a presentation of two documentary films: the feature “Stumped” directed by Robin Berghaus and the World Premiere short, “Life & Atrophy,” directed by Gareth Burghes.

“Stumped” is the story of Will Lautzenheiser whose life was derailed by a deadly infection that left his arms and legs amputated. Risking his life, Will signed up for the experimental transplant program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the hope of regaining his independence. Told as a deeply personal story, “Stumped” reveals how Will copes with the loss of his career; navigates an evolving relationship; and gradually transforms, physically and spiritually, with newly transplanted arms. Filmed over four years, “Stumped” explores the human spirit and our willingness to overcome challenges when daring to see what lies ahead.

“Life & Atrophy” follows the journey of a family to find an experimental treatment for their son after he is diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This disease impacts 1 in every 10,000 births and is the leading cause of genetic death in infants by causing progressive muscle weakness. Once children are diagnosed with the condition families are told to go home and love their children because there is no treatment and no cure. The McIntosh family fought to find an experimental treatment for their son Miles in an effort to save him from this debilitating condition. The families of SMA exemplify the fortitude of human strength and compassion, where together we can break out of our genetic shackles.

FLICKERS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization that supports and promotes the film arts in Rhode Island and throughout New England. Over the past two-plus decades, its production, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, has screened 4,504 independent films and videos out of 55,235 entries, presented 1,035 World/North American premieres, featured over 900 entries that were locally produced, and hosted 3,908 filmmakers and crew. Since its inception, over 400,000 film lovers have enjoyed the Rhode Island International Film Festival and its programming, not including those in New England watching its weekly broadcast and cable programming series, doubleFEATURE.

THE 2017 FLICKERS’ SPECIAL AWARDS:

GILBERT STUART ARTISTIC VISION (LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT) AWARD

  • Douglas Trumbull, Visual Effects/Director

RI FILM & TELEVISION OFFICE DREAMMAKER AWARD

  • Johnny Wilson, Visual Effects/Director

RIIFF SCREENPLAY COMPETITION AWARD

  • Tannaz Hazemi, “Dean the Drummer” | New York

THE 2017 FLICKERS’ PRODUCER’S CIRCLE AWARD

Presented to members of the community who have actively worked to support and promote the mission of Flickers. This year’s winners include:

  • Anthony Ambrosino, Director

  • The Champlin Foundation

  • Deborah Newhall, Costume Designer

  • Angela Ryding, Actress

  • Andy Smith, Arts Writer

  • Andre Stark, Producer

  • WSBE, RI PBS

THE COMPLETE LIST OF 2017 FESTIVAL AWARDS FOLLOWS:

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT

GRAND Prize: (RIIFF’s Official Academy Nomination)

“The Silent Child” | Directed by: Chris Overton | UK, 2017

FIRST Prize:

“Emma” | Directed by: Martin Edralin | Canada, 2016

Tied With:

“Half A Man” | Directed by: Kristina Kumric| Croatia, 2016

BEST SHORT ANIMATION

GRAND Prize: (RIIFF’s Official Academy Nomination)

“Coin Operated” | Directed by: Nicholas Arioli | USA, 2017

FIRST Prize:

“Poles Apart” | Directed by: Paloma Baeza | UK, 2017

Tied With:

“The Full Story” Directed by: Daisy Jacobs | UK, 2017

BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY

GRAND Prize: (RIIFF’s Official Academy Nomination)

“MARIAN” | Directed by: Rick Rodgers | USA, 2016

FIRST Prize:

“Hale” | Directed by: Bradford Bailey | USA, 2017

Tied With:

“AJ” | Directed by: Philippine Merolle | USA, 2017

BEST FEATURE

GRAND Prize:

“Restraint” | Directed by: Adam Cushman | USA, 2017

FIRST Prize:

“1:54” | Directed by: Yan England | Canada, 2016

Tied With:

“La Soledad” | Directed by: Jorge Thielen Armand| Venezuela, Canada, Italy, 2016

BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY GRAND Prize:

“Circle Up” | Directed by: Julie Mallozzi | USA, 2017

FIRST Prize:

“A Whale of a Tale” | Directed by: Megumi Sasaki | Japan, USA 2016

Tied With:

“Anatomy of a Male Ballet Dancer” | Directed by: James Pellerito and David Barba| USA, 2017

FILMMAKER OF THE FUTURE AWARD

Presented to a filmmaker whose vision excites audiences and judges alike about the potential to produce compelling and successful films in the future.

Ian Bibby, “Mainland” USA, 2017

BEST ACTOR:

Mohamed Seddiki, “The Geneva Convention” | France, 2016

JUDGE’S COMMENT: “Mohamed elegantly showcased that making the right decision is easier than it seems.”

BEST ACTRESS:

Maisie Sly, “The Silent Child” | UK, 2017

JUDGE’S COMMENT: “Maisie Sly is a defining example of how being different makes you special and that true talent and passion comes in all shapes and sizes.”

BEST COMEDY SHORT GRAND Prize:

“The Eleven O’Clock” | Directed By: Derin Seale, Written by: Josh Lawson | Australia 2016

FIRST Prize:

“All Exchanges Final” | Written & Directed by: Annabel Oakes | USA, 2016

Tied With:

“Perfect Roast Potatoes” | Written and Directed by: Nick Frew | USA, 2017

BEST EXPERIMENTAL GRAND Prize:

“The Avant-Gardener” | Directed by: Lindsay Katt and Heather Matarazzo | USA 2017

FIRST Prize:

“The Ogre” | Directed by: Laurene Braibant | France 2017

BEST DIRECTOR

GRAND Prize:

John Sheedy, “Mrs McCutcheon” | Australia 2017

FIRST Prize:

Genevieve Clay-Smith, “Kill Off” | Australia 2017

DR. J. GERALD LAMOUREUX AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Presented to a filmmaker and artist who represents the spirit of cultural exchange between the United States and Canada.

Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers, “Cast Off” | Canada 2016

DIRECTORIAL DISCOVERY AWARD GRAND Prize:

“Finding Fronsdal” | Directed by: Kevin Morra | USA, 2017

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY GRAND Prize:

“Our Wildest Dreams” | Directed by: Marie Elisa Scheidt, Cinematography by: Julian Krubasik | Germany 2017

FIRST Prize

“Faith” | Directed by: Tatiana Fedorovskaya, Cinematography by: Vladimir Egorov | Russia 2017

RIIFF NEW ENGLAND DIRECTOR'S AWARD

GRAND Prize:

Karen Allen, “A Tree. A Rock. A Cloud.” | USA 2016

RIIFF DIRECTOR'S CHOICE AWARD

“The Gamble House” | Directed by: Don Hahn | USA, 2017

HEARTS, MINDS, SOULS AWARD

Celebrating Films that Reflect the Jewish Experience.

GRAND Prize:

“Memory Songs” | Directed by: Lucy Kaye | UK 2016

FIRST Prize:

“The Twinning Reaction” | Directed by: Lori Shinseki | USA 2017

Tied with:

“Mustard Seed” | Directed by: Lina Roessler | Canada, Germany 2016

BEST EDITING

GRAND Prize:

“Revolving Doors” | Directed by: James Burns; Edited by: Stacy Kim & Jeb Banegas | USA 2017

FIRST Prize:

“The Sugaring Off” | Directed by: Alexandre Isabelle; Edited by: Élisabeth Olga Tremblay | Canada 2016

Tied With:

“The Catch” | Directed by: Holly Brace-Lavoie; Edited by: Sophie Benoit Sylvestre | Canada 2017

BEST SCREENPLAY GRAND Prize:

“The Secret Market” | Directed by: Garret Daly; Written by: Conor Ryan | Ireland 2017

FIRST Prize:

“Ostoja Will Move Your Piano” | Written and Directed by Sandra Mitrovic | Serbia/ Montenegro, 2017

FLICKERS’ AMBASSADOR AWARD

Presented to an individual who inspires and empowers communication and cultural understanding.

Patricia Chica, “Morning After” | Canada, 2017

FLICKERS’ INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Given annually to films or filmmakers who inspire social change and community outreach and strive to better the world in which we live.

GRAND Prize:

“Man in Red Bandana” | Directed by: Matthew Weiss | USA 2017

FIRST Prize:

“Refugee” | Directed by: Joyce Chen and Emilie Moore | USA 2016

PROVIDENCE FILM FESTIVAL AWARD

Presented annually to a New England director whose work brings cinematic excellence to an international audience.

GRAND Prize:

Laura Colella | “The Flying Electric” | USA 2017

ALTERNATIVE SPIRIT AWARD (LGBTQ) SHORT GRAND Prize:

“Cocoon” | Directed by: Liying Mei | China, 2016

FIRST Prize:

“Iris” | Directed by: Gabrielle Demers | Canada, 2017

Tied with:

“Something New” | Directed by: TJ Marchbank | USA 2017

ALTERNATIVE SPIRIT AWARD (FEATURE) GRAND Prize:

“Prom King, 2010” | Directed by: Christopher Schaap | USA, 2017

FIRST Prize:

“Something Like Summer” | Directed by: David Berry | USA, 2017

Tied with:

“High Low Forty” | Directed by: Paddy Quinn | USA, 2017

ALTERNATIVE SPIRIT AWARD (DOCUMENTARY) GRAND Prize:

“Take a Walk on the Wild Side” | Directed by: Lisa Rideout | Canada, 2017

FIRST Prize:

“John Hemmer & the Show Girls” | Directed by: Kirsten Larvick | USA, 2017

KIDSEYE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS

Presented to a film that resonates with the filmmaker within both children and adults alike.

BEST CHILDREN’S ANIMATION GRAND Prize:

Rouff | Directed by: Markus Eschrich, Benjamin Brand, Johannes Lumer, Julius Rosen, Markus Eschrich | Germany, 2017

FIRST Prize:

“Way of Giants” | Directed by: Alois Di Leo | Brazil, 2016

Tied with:

“We’re Going on Bear Hunt” | Directed by: Joanna Harrison, Robin Shaw | UK, 2016

LIVE ACTION

GRAND Prize:

“TRiGGA” | Directed by: Meloni Poole | UK, 2017

FIRST Prize:

“Einstein-Rosen” | Directed by: Olga Osorio | Spain, 2016

GREEN PLANET AWARD

Celebrating the vision of man's shared humanity and achieving sustainability on our planet.

GRAND Prize:

“Run While You Can” | Directed by: Marion Mauran | USA, 2017

VORTEX SCI-FI & FANTASY AWARD

GRAND Prize:

“Girl of My Dreams” | Directed by: Johnny Wilson | USA, 2016

FIRST Prize:

“Belle à croquer” | Directed by: Axel Courtière | France, 2017

BEST STUDENT FILM AWARD COLLEGE

GRAND Prize:

“SHARK” | Directed by: J. Sivert Lendorph Christensen | UK, 2017

FIRST Prize:

“THE GREEN” | Directed by: Sophia Loffreda | USA, Canada, 2017

HIGH SCHOOL

GRAND Prize:

“N.O.VI.S” | Directed by: Arthur Rodger “Harley” Maranan | Philippines, 2017

First Prize:

“Buoyancy” | Directed by: Tori Taylor | USA, 2017

BEST INTERACTIVE MEDIA

“-KLAUS-” | Created by: Victor Velasco | USA, 2017

BEST INTERNET SERIES

“Gunner Jackson” | Directed by: Christian Strevy | USA, 2016

FLICKERS' YOUTH FILM JURY AWARDS

Awards were presented by Sarah White and Robert Capron, RIIFF Youth Jury Program Managers, and the 2017 Youth Film Jury members.

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT GRAND Prize:

“Oh What a Wonderful Feeling” | Directed by: Francois Jaros | Canada, 2016

FIRST Prize:

“New Neighbors” | Directed by: E.G. Bailey | USA, 2016

Tied With:

“Life Boat” | Directed by: Lorraine Nicholson | USA, 2016

BEST ANIMATION

“Totem” | Directed by: Alex Cannon | USA, 2017

BEST FEATURE FILM DOC

“Stumped” | Directed by: Robin Berghaus | USA, 2017

BEST FEATURE FILM NARRATIVE

“American Folk” | Directed by: David Heinz | USA, 2017

BEST DOCUMENTARY:

“Edith+Eddie” | Directed by Laura Checkoway | USA 2017

BEST LGBTQ FILM:

“Cocoon” | Directed by: Liying Mei | China, 2017

SPONSORS FOR THE 2017 FESTIVAL INCLUDED: the Rhode Island Film & Television Office, WLNE ABC6, Eurochannel, Edge Media, CW28, WSBE RI PBS, The Rhode Island Foundation: Equity Action, RISD Museum, Unifrance, Panavision, Dominion Diagnostics, The Rhode Island Council on the Arts (RISCA); Sony; IMDB.com, Rule Boston Camera, IMCS, Amtrak, The Providence Chamber of Commerce, Cox Media, Consulat de France à Boston, Swissnex Boston, Enterprise, The Vets, The Providence Tourism Council, the University of Rhode Island (URI), Moses Brown School, The Greenwich Odeum, The Harrington School of Communication and Media at URI; Roger Williams University, Johnson and Wales University, Providence College, Rooftop at the Providence G, Just Ellen’s Catering and Event Planning, Decadent Designs, Knead Doughnuts, Sans Gluten Artisan Bakery, Scialo Bros., Seven Stars Bakery, Sin Bakery, Sweenor’s Chocolates Inc., Vienna Bakery Andreas, CAV Restaurant, Federal Hill Brick Oven Pizza, Geoff’s Superlative Sandwiches, The Greatfull Bread Sandwich Shop, Narragansett Creamery, Open Season Catering, Papi’s Tacos, Seven Moons, Hartford Flavor Co., Mendon Wines & More, MS Walker, Narragansett Beer, Newport Storm, Thomas Tew Rum, Newport Vineyards and Winery, Tito’s Vodka, Vineyard Road, Borealis Coffee Roasters, New harvest Coffee, Granny Squibs Iced Tea, Empire Soda, Hotel Providence, The Dean Hotel, The Providence Biltmore, newenglandfilm,com, The City of Providence and the Department of Arts, Culture + Tourism, and The Providence Warwick Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

ABOUT FLICKERS
The mission of the 36 year-old Flickers Arts Collaborative is to serve as a creative partner in the arts by uniting various media and arts disciplines that nurture the artistic process and support a vital part of our community. This includes multi-disciplinary art presentations; artistic and cultural activities; performance festivals; video and television productions and exhibition; audio recordings and broadcasts; educational outreach programs; and the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF).

THE FLICKERS’ RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 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. Ranked as one of the top 10 Festivals in the United States, RIIFF is a qualifying festival for the Narrative, Documentary and Animation Short Film Academy Awards through its affiliation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and the Canadian Screen Awards. There are only 6 film festivals worldwide that share this distinction and RIIFF is the only festival in New England. The Festival takes place every August.

The 2018 Festival will be dedicated to Winifred Brownell, Former Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Rhode Island. For over 46 years Winnie enriched the research and academic programs of URI seeing her many years of work culminating with the founding of the Harrington School of Communication and Media. A member of the RIIFF Advisory Board, Dr. Brownell nurtured and supported the KidsEye Summer Filmmaking Camp that will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary next year.

The Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival returns August 7-12, 2018. For more information, please call 401.861.4445.