Rhode Island is proud to host one of the premier film festivals in the world. Renowned from China to the UK, the Rhode Island International Film Festival has been a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards since 2002 joining a select group of only 62 other festivals worldwide! During the second week of August; Newport, Providence and various satellite locations around RI including the Columbus Theatre Arts Center, the Providence Performing Arts Center, the Cable Car Cinema, the University of Rhode Island Feinstein Campus Theatre, the Brown/RISD Hillel, the RISD Museum Chase Center, the Biltmore Hotel, and many others host what has become a staple of the New England summer. During the week of the RIIFF there are many sidebar programs which are guaranteed to have something for everyone. KidsEye^tm is a weeklong program featuring hands-on workshops, panel discussions, celebrity guests and of course, children’s films. Other programs offered during the RIIFF include the RI International Horror Film Festival, the Vortex Sci-Fi and Fantasy Film Festival, Cine ¡Ole! (a Spanish film series), The Golden Jasmine Chinese Film Festival, the Roving Eye Documentary Film Festival, the Annual Flickers’ Japanese Film Festival, the Providence Underground Film Festival and the First Look Series…… phew!

Annually the Festival draws over 26,000 people including a robust filmmaker presence, Hollywood celebrities, film aficionados, enthusiasts, and local Rhode Islanders looking for a magnificently entertaining time. In 1998, the RIIFF was the honored venue selected to host the world premiere of the Farrelly Brother’s film There’s Something About Mary staring Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon and Ben Stiller. All audience members and attendees have the privilege of casting their vote for the Viola M. Marshall Audience Choice Award for which every film is eligible, whether it is submitted as a competing film or not. Those attending the Festival from near and far will receive a warm Rhode Island welcome when they make their transportation plans with Rhode Island’s premier Chauffeured Transportation provider; Sentinel Limousine. Call (401) 227-4092 to discuss your Rhode Island International Film Festival plans with one of our friendly associates today. There is always a reason to use Sentinel! Where may we take you?