Providence is providing visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the film industry while viewing the latest from filmmakers and cinematographers from around the world during FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), the largest public film festival in New England. A prestigious annual event celebrating its 15th year, RIIFF is one of the few festivals worldwide that is a qualifier for The Academy Awards®. This year's festival will run from August 9-14 with signature events including premiere screenings of more than 175 films, gala celebrations, industry seminars, educational programs and award ceremonies.

Film buffs can take advantage of the Weekend Hospitality Package, available August 12-14 at the Renaissance Providence Hotel, which provides guests with overnight accommodations and festival passes for two. Priced at $450, based on double occupancy, this package includes select movie screenings and access to the closing night filmmaker celebration, "Stars Under the Stars," as well as an official Flickers 2011 poster, T-shirts and program. Visitors traveling via Amtrak will receive a 15 percent discount on the best available regular adult rail fare. For more information or to book, visit www.renaissancehotels.com.

Select screenings and events in Providence at this year's RIIFF include:

Flickers: RIIFF Opening Night Celebration, August 9, will offer a selection of short film premieres from around the world beginning at 7 p.m. Following the screening, RIIFF will host a party open to the entire audience at The VETS. The party begins at 9:30 p.m. and tickets are available for $25.

Visitors to RIIFF can enjoy the world premiere screening of "Family Band: The Cowsills Story," August 10, a feature-length documentary chronicling the life of the Cowsills, a family band in Newport who rose to international fame in the 1960s and inspired the popular television show, "The Partridge Family." Following the screening, the Cowsills family will be giving a reunion concert marking the first time the family has performed together in many years. The screening begins at 6:30 p.m. at The VETS. Tickets are available for $15.

ScriptBiz.11, August 10, is a one-day workshop providing aspiring talents with insight into what it takes to become a scriptwriter. Lessons include how to embark on the creative writing process and tips on ways to promote a screenplay to filmmakers. Attendees can choose from an introductory or advanced level program. The workshop is available for $85 per person and will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Providence Chamber of Commerce Theatre.

RIIFF takes filmgoers on the Road to the Oscars, August 11, with an introduction to tomorrow's star filmmakers during a screening of seven Academy Award-nominated and winning short films directed by students, including: "Defective Detective" directed by Avner Geller and Stevie Lewis; "Fatakra" directed by Soham Mehta; "Le Jeu Des Soldats" directed by Lorne Hiltser; "My First Claire" directed by Lou Howe; "Raju" directed by Max Zaehle; "Snovi" directed by Resad Kulenovic; and "Thief" directed by Julian Higgins. The screening begins at 5 p.m. at The VETS.

KidsEyeTM International Film Festival, August 12, provides a chance for young filmmakers around the world to get an inside look at the filmmaking industry. This year's program opens with a premiere work by noted children's author Sandra Boynton. Tickets are available for $8 for adults and $6 for children, with group discounts available. The screening will take place at 12 p.m. in the Metcalf Auditorium at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum.

Following a day of genre-spanning short and feature films, the Sweet Success Celebration, August 13, will kick off at 10 p.m. in the Temple Lounge. This dessert party is an opportunity for guests to mix and mingle with filmmakers and industry insiders, and will feature an array of sweet treats from local candy shop Sweet Lorraine's. Tickets are available for $10.

Additionally, visitors to RIIFF will enjoy a number of premieres including: the U.S. premiere of three short films by Stephen Fry called "Capturing Santa," "Bunce" and "Car Park Babylon;" and the North American premiere of a short film by Terry Gilliam called "The Wholly Family."
For complete schedules and more information on the RIIFF or to book a getaway to Providence, visit www.rifilmfest.org or www.goprovidence.com.


The FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) is the largest public film festival in New England, offering a platform for local and national filmmakers and cinematographers. This confluence of art and commerce brought together 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 65 film festivals worldwide which share this distinction and RIIFF represents the only festival in New England. For more information, please visit www.rifilmfest.org.