Tues., 8/10:

7:00 p.m.                  

RIIFF Opening Night Soirée

A brilliant and memorable selection of short films from around the world and New England await audiences at the gala opening night of the 14th Annual Flickers. This year’s line up promises to engage and entertain. The Rhode Island International Film Festival is one of only 65 qualifying Festivals worldwide with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—the Oscars. It is the lone Festival in New England with that distinction. Special support for this presentation is courtesy of HB Communications, Sony Corporation and PMA Industries.

The 2010 Premiere Films:

THE SHORTS:

Day Before Yesterday

Directed by Patricia Chica

12 min. Canada, 2009

A young woman is being questioned by two police detectives. She was found unconscious, nearly dead, in a suburban neighborhood. She has no recollection of who she is or how she got to that place. When a man comes forward identifying himself as her husband, she makes a decision about her life from that point forward.

The Caretaker

Directed by Sean Isroelit

5 min. U S A, 2009

Set in the late 1930's, The Caretaker 3D is about the man who maintained the 4000 light bulbs which once outlined the HOLLYWOODLAND sign at night. A high profile period project that reflects how Hollywood films reach out to the world, The Caretaker 3D stars Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke as the mystical custodian.

The Man Who Married Himself

Directed by Garrick Hamm

12 min. United Kingdom, 2010

Featuring: Richard Grant & Emilia Fox

Oliver, mid-forties, is fed up of failed relationships so he decides to get married – to himself. He persuades the local Reverend to perform the ceremony, and despite his parents’ disapproval, the one-sided wedding goes ahead.  When he starts looking for happiness elsewhere, he discovers some truths about life and love on the way.

Wenn Bäume Puppen tragen (If trees carry dolls)

Directed by Ismail Sahin

15 min. Germany / Tanzania, 2010

Since her birth seven years ago Nabila has lived simultaneously in two different worlds. On the one hand, she is the daughter of African immigrants and therefore at home with their cultural values. On the other hand, she has never visited the African continent. She uses German as her preferred language. And her best friend is a German Turkish girl. In spite of this, she looks forward gladly to her first visit to her family's native country. They have promised her a big party with many presents. She does not foresee that her parents have planned this journey in order to confirm her supposed cultural identity by way of the thousand-year old ritual.

Toute Ma Vie (The Story Of My Life)
Directed by Pierre Ferriere

6 min. FRANCE, 2009

Alessandra is walking in the city when she is hailed by a man she doesn't recognize. even though he keeps telling her about important moments of her life, his face remains totally unknown to her.

The Mouse That Soared
Directed by Kyle Bell

6 min. U S A, 2009

A famous flying circus mouse reflects on his humble beginnings in this high-altitude adventure in aerodynamics.

THE FEATURE:

BEHIND THE HEDGEROW: Eileen Slocum and the Meaning of Newport Society
Directed by David Bettencourt & G. Wayne Miller

60 min. U S A, 2010

BEHIND THE HEDGEROW will take viewers inside the private world of aristocraticNewport, Rhode Island –– a world of privilege that began with the Gilded Age, when Vanderbilts and Astors reigned. The story will be told through the focus of Eileen Gillespie Slocum, descendant of Browns (as in Brown University) and friend to all of the 20th century Newport (and New York and Philadelphia) elite. When Slocum died on July 27, 2008, at the age of 92, a storied period of American history ended, as The New York Times and other publications noted in her obituary. Slocum was the last of the Newport grand dames –– and one of the last grand dames anywhere. She left no successor.

Wed., 8/11:

7:00 p.m.                 

Lights

Directed by Giulio Ricciarelli

14 min. Germany, 2009

The story of a small-town police officer who dreams of being a hero. As his peaceful village offers no opportunity for heroism, he decides to take matters in his own hands. He puts up a traffic light on a rarely - used bridge in the middle of nowhere - and the fight begins.

Fancy

Directed by Chris Olsen

2 min. U S A, 2010

A handsome Cad meets his Fancy (a tale of romance told entirely through dance).

Banana Bread

Directed by Barton Landsman

9 min. U S A, 2009

Matt Meyerson has a worried Jewish mother. She’s concerned about his health, the freelance nature of his work, and just about everything else. But when Matt leaves for his job, we discover that his mom might actually have good reason to worry.

The Pond

Directed by Dan Hannon

19 min. U S A, 2010

Featuring: Alicia Witt, David Morse and Todd Rotondi

Shelly (Alicia Witt), a young woman distraught over the death of her husband, sets about scattering his ashes on the pond in an apple orchard they had both loved. But the waters of the pond hold a secret, and when a stranger (David Morse) appears unexpectedly, she learns the truth about this stunning locale.

THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW 1940-1960
Directed by Anna Giannotis

59 min. U S A, 2009

THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW 1940- 1960 'The Promise of Tomorrow' highlights the first generation Greek Americans who were raised in southern California from 1943 to the early 1960's. This documentary appeals to anyone of immigrant parentage. Personal stories of duality and great ethnic pride are told in a heartwarming and often humorous vein. Academy award winner, Olympia Dukakis, hosts and narrates. Our story begins with harrowing accounts of several WWII veterans, members of the OSS, (a pre CIA Operational Group,) and survivors of the Greek Civil War. Sixty thousand Greek Jews were transported to the death camps, as described by a Holocaust survivor. Rare footage and private photographs highlight these stories.

9:10 p.m.                 

Aphrodite's Farm
Directed by Adam Strange
15 min. New Zealand, 2008

Everyone in Taranaki wants to know the secret behind the magical milk produced on Aphrodite’s Farm. The family secret has remained safe for four generations. However when patriarch Ralph Riley dies, the future of the farm is thrown into jeopardy.

Poppy
Directed by James Cunningham

10 min. New Zealand, 2009

Poppy is set on France’s western front in World War One, Two New Zealand soldiers are trapped behind enemy lines. They find a baby in a muddy ditch, under its dead parents. One of the men wants to save it – the other does not. Based on true events, Poppy was written by the great-grandson of one of these soldiers.

Arcadia Lost

Directed by Phedon Papamichael

90 min. U S A/Greece, 2009

Featuring: Nick Nolte, Carter Jenkins & Haley Bennett

A coming-of-age road movie with a mystery at its heart, Arcadia Lost dramatizes a struggle between life and death against the backdrop of Greece, where ancient stones release the ghosts of the past and the ever-changing sea still reflects the secrets of the gods. After a car accident sends their vehicle plunging into the sea, leaving them stranded in what seems to be an unknown countryside with their parents nowhere to be found, teens Charlotte and her half-brother Sye meet Benerji, a vagabond-philosopher who claims to be on a journey of his own. He seems to know something about them, and he guides them toward a place he calls “the crossing” at the waters of Parnassus.

Thurs., 8/12:

6:30 p.m.                 

Award presented Jonathan Katz & Conversation With…

Screening of short animation: “Death Row Diet” by Mike Salva

Jonathan Katz, Actor, will receive the RIIFF CREATIVE VISION AWARD Celebrating the passion of creativity within the world of creative media: The Rhode Island International Film Festival recognizes outstanding directors, actors, and film talent for their contributions to the art of filmmaking with this semi-annual award. Past recipients have included: Blythe Danner, Michael Corrente, Rosa von Praunheim, Elaine Lorillard

some boys don't leave

Directed by Maggie Kiley

16 min, U S A, 2009

Written by Matthew Mullen and Maggie Kiley, Some Boys Don't Leave is the story of what happens when the break-up happens but the break does not. 'Boy' (Jesse Eisenberg of the films 'Adventureland' and 'Squid and the Whale') is forced to come to terms with the fact that 'Girl' (Eloise Mumford 'Crash') no longer wants him around. The only problem is he just can't seem to leave their once shared apartment.

Norman

Directed by Jonathan Segal

Music by Andrew Bird

97 min. U S A, 2010

Featuring: Richard Jenkins, Adam Goldberg, Dan Byrd, Emily Vancamp

Norman Long is a high school loner, a self-aware and darkly funny teen who’s just trying to handle his daily existence. In the wake of his mother’s sudden death, Norman must now also deal with the reality that his father is starting to lose his battle with stomach cancer. Norman, depressed and angry, unintentionally gets caught in a lie that he, in fact, has stomach cancer. Soon his complete distortion of the facts spirals out of control. Part coping mechanism, partially as a way to feel closer to his father, and to a certain degree to prepare others for his possible suicide, Norman begins to imitate his father’s debilitating physical symptoms, dramatically affecting his life and the world around him.

9:20 p.m.                 

The Action Hero's Guide To Saving Lives

Directed by Justin Lutsky

15 min. U S A, 2009

When lives are on the line... When theres danger at every turn... When cliches run amuck... Sometimes the best thing to do is call Mulligan! Ace Mulligan! No matter how villainous the madman... How numerous the henchmen... How sexy the damsel, one thing is for sure: Ace Mulligan will always come out on top. Sometimes. Starring Patrick Warburton - Seinfeld, The Tick, Men In Black II, Rules of Engagement - The Action Heros Guide To Saving Lives is a laugh-out-loud action-comedy that takes you behind the scenes of Ace Mulligans perilous and not-always-successful mission to stop the bad guys, get the girl, and save the day.

The Terms

Directed by Jason LaMotte

12 min. United Kingdom, 2010

A father and son forge a twisted pact: one shot will decide between freedom and death.

Boy Wonder

Directed by Michael Morrissey

94 min. U S A, 2010

Featuring: Bill Sage, Caleb Steinmeyer, Chuck Cooper, Daniel Stewart Sherman, James Russo & Zulay Henao

The horrific murder of his mother sends young Sean Donovan into a state of isolation. At 17 years-old Sean has no friends and trusts no one, his only contact is with his recovering alcoholic father with whom he barely speaks. Sean's days are spent reliving the nightmare of his mother's death and obsessing about revenge on her killer. Sean's rage finds a release in the form of a chaotic attack on a drug dealer. Thus begins his life as a quiet teenager during the day and a self-proclaimed hero at night. But what does it take to be a hero in the real world? Who decides what is right and wrong?

Fri., 8/13:

7:00 p.m.                 

AWARDS PROGRAM: GEORGE M. COHAN AWARD

Dental Breakdown

Directed by Ian Power

6 min. Ireland, 2009

A musical comedy about five reluctant student dentists whose eyes are opened to the cruel consolations of their career by a sadistic tutor.

A4 to A3

Directed by Dean Codrington

10 min. Australia, 2010

Josh has the perfect job. Assistant Manager at Copy Captain. His life would be complete… if only he wasn’t so lonely. A4 to A3 is your not so typical guys meets-girl-story, set against the backdrop of song. When a beautiful woman enters Josh’s photocopy store, he sees in her a love for her own job that equals his own.

Listen To Your Heart

Directed by Matt Thompson

100 Min. U S A, 2010

Featuring: Cybil Shepard, Alexia Rasmussen & Kent Moran

Danny Foster doesn't have much: an apartment as small as his paychecks, no family, and a struggling music career. Yet for him, 'every day is a great day to be alive,' an attitude he gained from his mother's unwavering optimism during her losing battle with cancer. It's love at first sight when Danny meets Ariana, a wealthy girl from Greenwich, CT who tragically cannot hear the music she inspires him to write.

9:10 p.m.                 

TUB

Directed by: Bobby Miller

13 min. U S A, 2009

It's just your typical short film about a guy who can't commit to his girlfriend... who then takes matters in to his own hands and terror ensues.

Natural Selection
Directed by Brett Foraker

20 min. UNITED KINGDOM, 2009

Professor Gwyndon, my name is John Henry Wilson. God has sent me to kill you'. 'NATURAL SELECTION' is a philosophical thriller starring Simon Callow ('Four Weddings & A Funeral') and James D'Arcy ('Master and Commander'). When atheist professor Ted Gwyndon returns home from a book tour little does he know an intruder awaits; but John Henry isn't just a religious fanatic, he's a man with a plan. A superbly acted drama with a killer twist.

The Presence

Directed by Tom Provost

87 min, U S A, 2010

Featuring: Mira Sorvino, Justin Kirk, Shane West & Tony Curran

In this darkly romantic ghost story, a woman (Academy Award Winner Mira Sorvino) travels to an isolated cabin where she finds herself stalked by an apparition (Shane West,  A Walk To Remember) who has come to inhabit her space as his own.  With the unexpected arrival of the woman's boyfriend (Golden Globe nominee Justin Kirk, Weeds ), the dark spirit's haunting grows more obsessive. A stunning directorial debut from director Tom Provost, The Presence  is grounded in terrific performances, beautiful cinematography, a lush musical score, and a Hitchcockian style that explores the idea of pure cinematic storytelling.

Sat., 8/14:

11:00 a.m.                 

HEAL

Directed by Mian Adnan Ahmad

24 min. Pakistan, U S A, 2009

In a rural village deprived of normal schooling a gifted child, Azeem, looks up to the only teacher in his village and aspires to be a poet. Circumstances turn for the worst when a tragic night shatters his dream leaving his teacher in a state of despair, pulling him away from teaching the children. Realizing the importance of his teacher, Azeem does everything in his capacity to help him…start again

Afghanistan: Defying Silence
Directed by Stacia Teele & Ed Robbins

83 min. U S A / Afghanistan, 2009

An intimate look into Afghanistan through the lives of three performing artists during 2004 and 2005. Theater directors/musicians willing to risk their lives in the wake of the Taliban regime's ban against the arts as criminal acts. Gul Makai Shah - a woman director working in the ruins of a bombed out theater in which she starred thirty years earlier, and is fighting to restore. Singer Massud Khyber, the heart and soul of the film, fled the Taliban into Pakistan with his wife and eleven children. Back in Kabul, he has joined with musicians to form a foundation to protect their music. Finally, in the dangerous city of Kandahar, Nalan Namatulah is the city's first and only theater/film director in the past 30 years - he dreams of expanding his troupe to include women. Linking these stories is filmmaker Stacia Teele whose personal connection goes back to the 1970s and the time she lived in Kabul as a child while her father did international aide work there. Teele's presence binds together our characters' stories, adding context and archival history into this lively story of courage, the creative spirit, and dreamers working against the odds.

1:00 p.m.                 

The Chronoscope

Directed by Andrew Legge

20 min. Ireland, 2009

A mockumentary about a beautiful scientist in 1930s Ireland who invents a machine that can see into the past. After being hailed as the discovery of the century people soon turn away from her as they realize that history is not as it is written.

Apulu

Directed by Mike Doxford

6 min. United Kingdom, 2010

An institutionalized man remains unresponsive to his assessor’s weary attempts to communicate with him. Unexpectedly something attracts the old man's attention allowing his assessor to catch a rare glimpse into his past and witness the unlocking of what she believed to be a lost mind.

Cup Cake

Directed by Colin McIvor

86 min. Ireland/United Kingdom, 2010

Featuring: Adam Best, Clive Russell, Marie Jones & Michelle Fairley

PJ`s in a pickle, his parents are missing, he is a spectacular failure at running their bakery, 'Cup Cake' , and he`s up to his neck in debt with the local loan sharks. To add to his misery he has been duped into marriage by their impossibly tanned and serially jilted sister, Kitty. Enter Gala, a mysterious, beautiful artist with a few tricks of her own. PJ a robot obsessed dreamer and his hapless friends, aided by the ever resourceful Gala, set about cooking up the revival of 'Cup Cakes' fortunes and spicing up PJ`s love life along the way.

3:00 p.m.                 

Empire Corner

Directed by J.P. Chan

12 min. U S A, 2010

A woman travels across New York City -- and between two worlds -- in search for the man she never got a chance to know.

The River Why

Directed by Matthew Leutwyler

102 min. U S A, 2010

Featuring: William Hurt, William Devane, Amber Heard, Dallas Roberts & Zach Gilford

Based on the novel of the same name, this coming-of-age story is about Gus Orviston, who leaves his eccentric parents in the city for what he thinks is fly fishing bliss along the banks of a wild river. It quickly turns into a journey of self-discovery and the meaning of life. Most of all, it is a love story: the love of a man for the wilderness and for the beautiful woman who comes to share it with him.

5:00 p.m.                 

Jonah and the Vicarious Nature of Homesickness

Directed by Bryn Chainey

13 min. Germany, 2010

One day Jonah left his wife and child. He gave no explanation and no goodbye, only a telephone number that redirected to an answering machine, before blasting into outer space in his homemade spaceship.

Old House Soul
Directed by Don Manley & Michel Schtakleff

50 min. U S A, 2010

Don Manley and Michel Schtakleff's documentary examines the life and work of Steve Tyson Sr. (1942-2008), a Rhode Island preservationist whose company is responsible for restoring and preserving hundreds of historic buildings and houses across Rhode Island. The documentary is an homage to his legacy and the tradition of architectural preservation in Rhode Island.

NY Export: Opus Jazz

Directed by Jody Lee Lipes & Henry Joost (Narrative), Anna Farrell & Matt Wolf (Documentary)

45 min. U S A, 2010

Opus Jazz is a scripted adaptation of a 1958 "ballet in sneakers" by Jerome Robbins, a companion piece to his legendary West Side Story, that tells an abstract tale of disaffected urban youth. Shot on location all over New York City on anamorphic 35mm, the film returns the original choreography to the streets that inspired it and stars an ensemble cast of dancers from the New York City Ballet.

7:00 p.m.                 

Sleather
Directed by Anthony Ambrosino

88 min. U S A, 2009

Sleather follows the comedic adventures of Linus, JB, and Charlie, three friends with three different outlooks toward life. When Linus, a wisecracking dreamer, is pressured by his successful older sister, Lucy, into taking a job in a cubicle, his friend JB rushes to his side to prevent Linus from being trapped in what he calls the 'white picket prison.' JB, a larger than life, lovable schemer, convinces Linus that becoming famous is an easily attainable option in life. Charlie, the most practical of the three, knows that fame is not what JB makes it out to be, but helps Linus despite his doubts in JB's latest scheme. Sleather is an upbeat, fast-paced journey about fame, friends, and family.

8:45 p.m.                 

Sweet Success Celebration

Sometimes The Moon Is Velvet

Directed by Tom Phillips

16 min. United Kingdom, 2010

Jack, a struggling fisherman from a lonely seaside village, one night finds a velvet dress in the ocean that he believes will bring him luck. However, when a beautiful homeless girl steals the dress, they find that love can really turn your world upside down.

2AM

Directed by Joseph Procopio

6 min. Canada, 2010

A vivid set of dreams blur reality in this film about a young man's love.

White Buffalo

Directed by Gabriel Pac

26 min. United Kingdom, 2010

Tommy O'Brien returns home from Iraq to settle back into civilian life. A beautiful girlfriend, a loving brother and a best friend who's always there for him. When tragedy strikes Tommy disappears, leaving those closest to him to pick up the pieces and live his lie; unbeknown to them if he's even alive. 3 years later he returns...

The Bag

Directed by Ray Nomoto Robison

Written by and starring Marlyn Mason

24 min. U S A, 2010

A simple yet disturbing story of an elderly woman who has grown tired of living.

Bastard

Directed by Kirsten Dunst

6 min. U S A, 2010

Featuring: Brian Geraghty, Juno Temple, Lukas Haas, Joel David Moore, Lee Thompson Young, L.M. Kit Carson

A young couple in crisis find their way to a desert motel. Three odd men plan to meet them for reasons that seem unbelievable.

Sun., 8/15:

PREMIERE SUNDAY:

12 noon                                   

Blues

Directed by Dena Greenbaum

13 min. U S A, 2009

Blues tells the story of two boys, a religious Jew and African American who develop an unlikely friendship through their love of Blues music during The Crown Heights, Brooklyn riots in 1991.

Kinshasa Symphony

Directed by: Claus Wischmann & Martin Baer

95 min. Germany / Congo, 2009

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the third largest city in Africa. Almost ten million people live here and they number among the poorest inhabitants on this planet. Kinshasa is the home of the only symphony orchestra in central Africa. It is a film about the Congo, about the people of Kinshasa and about music.

2:00 p.m.                 

Ajumma! Are You Krazy???

Directed by Brent Anbe

25 min. U S A, 2009

AJUMMA! Are You Krazy? is a zany comedy that follows the misadventures of three Korean drama fanatics, Judy (Thea Matsuda), Susan (Tessie Magaoay), and Amy (Cari Mizumoto) as they try to meet their favorite Korean super star, Michael Park (Michael Hsia) as he visits Hawaii to shoot his music video. Hawaii's First Kim Chee Comedy!

Wagner & Me

Directed by Patrick McGrady

88 min. United Kingdom / Germany, Russian Federation, Switzerland, 2010

Actor and writer Stephen Fry explores his passion for the world's most controversial composer - Richard Wagner. But Stephen is Jewish and lost family members in the Holocaust, so can he salvage the music he loves from its dark association with anti-Semitism and the Nazis? Shot on location in Germany, Switzerland and Russia, the film includes unique behind-the-scenes access to the Bayreuth Festival, the annual extravaganza of Wagner's music held in the composer's own purpose built theatre. Animated by Stephen Fry's trademark wit and intelligence, and featuring a soundtrack of Wagner's extraordinary music, this is a fantastic introduction to the life and legacy of one of the most important composers ever, and a must-see film for those who already know and love his music.

4:00 p.m.                 

Sudden Death!

Directed by Adam Hall

20 min. U S A, 2010

Los Angeles has been overtaken by a virus known as Sudden Death Syndrome, a disease that causes its victim to die suddenly and has only one symptom... spontaneously breaking into well-choreographed song and dance.

Das Beethoven-Projekt - Eine Musikdokumentation mit Paavo Järvi und der Deutschen Kammerphilharmonie Bremen (The Beethoven Project - A Music Documentary with Paavo Jaervi and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen)

Directed by Christian Berger

92 min. Estonia/Germany, 2010
The 40 musicians of the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen make up what is perhaps Germany's most unusual orchestra. Together with artistic director Paavo Jaervi, this extraordinary ensemble has taken on the challenge of playing all nine Beethoven symphonies in four days at the Beethovenfest Bonn. They are not only world-class musicians but also shareholders in the company that runs the orchestra, so they bear the financial risk of all their projects. And they see their work as extending well beyond the final applause: they take their social responsibilities seriously, for instance by passing on their passion for music to students at a local school.

6:30 p.m.                 

RIIFF Closing Night

Community Voices & Lives: A Conversation

Closing Party, mixer featuring lobster salad rolls, stuffies, and more. Sponsored by the American Alliance of Fisherman and their Communities. (AAFC)

Cost: $15.00

TRUTH: Fishing Crisis or Government Mismanagement

Directed by Dana Neugent

60 min. U S A, 2009

Featuring Sig Hansen of the Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch

The film takes up the struggle between the fishing industry and government regulation. Town Dock fishermen and others across the Northeast have said increasingly strict regulations designed to rebuild fish stocks have not only dramatically reduced the number of days they can fish and how much they can land but are putting boats out of business. Currently fishermen are pushing Congress to modify the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the federal law that oversees commercial fishing in the United States. This is a powerful and provocative film that challenges many preconceived ideas about the nature of government stewardship of the Oceans.