Thought-provoking, unforgettable and brilliant films from around the world await audiences at the August 8th Opening Night Celebration of FLICKERS -- and indeed throughout the week. The evening’s exhilarating line-up will showcase some of the finest examples of independent and international short films and World Premieres.

We could not be more pleased to be back the the magnificent Providence Performing Arts Centerfor the Festival’s Opening Night festivities with our good friends Lynn Singleton and Alan Chile, the President and General Manager, respectively, of this city-treasure. The restored Loews movie palace from the 1920s is an elegant 3,300-seat architectural gem, located in the heart of the capital city, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence.

More than 300 feature length, documentary and short films—from 64 countries, and 34 states across the U.S.—will be screened during the six-day Festival at locations throughout the state of Rhode Island. Films have been selected from a record entry base of more than 6,000 submissions, and this year’s Festival will include 107 World and North American premieres. Aside from film screenings, the Flickers team has organized a number of events to encourage filmmakers and festival attendees to widen their knowledge of filmmaking as well as explore the incredible city of Providence that RIIFF is proud to call home.

Ranked as one of the top 10 Festivals in the United States, RIIFF, as noted, is also a qualifying festival for the Live Action, Documentary and Animated Short Film through its affiliation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. It is also a BAFTA and Canadian Screen-qualifier. There are 6 film festivals worldwide which share this distinction and RIIFF is the only festival in New England. RIIFF is truly a place where the stars align!

The magic of year's Festival begins at 7:00 p.m. with an evening co-hosted by RIIFF Advisory Board President, Board President, Michael Drywa, Esq. and Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the RI Film & Television Office. The Box Office Opens at 5:30 p.m. with seating starting at 6:30 p.m.