The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF),

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), now in its 11th year, 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. This confluence of art and commerce brought together world-class celebrities, award-winning filmmakers, new talent and audience members in record numbers last year. With the ongoing support of the City of Providence along with corporate and community partners, the Rhode Island International Film Festival is now the largest film festival in New England. 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. It is the only festival in New England with this accolade.

Screening close to 300 films and attended by more than 250 filmmakers and film professionals from around the world, this six-day day event also features filmmaker tributes, industry seminars, educational programs for students and the glamorous centerpieces of the Festival: the industry Achievement Awards. Past year's Award recipients included Cicely Tyson, Julie Andrews, Zach Braff, Michael Showalter, Patricia Neal, Seymour Cassel, Kim Chan, Blake Edwards, Rosa von Praunheim and Danny Trejo

Founded in 1997, the Rhode Island International Film Festival has quickly carved out a name for itself. It accepts films of any type, in any genre and screens around 200 international productions. Rhode Island native Bobby Farrelly was so impressed with the festival's debut that he held the world premiere of his next film - There's Something About Mary - at the 1998 event.

For more information about this year's Rhode Island International Film Festival or to order tickets, write to RIIFF at 268 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903, email:info@film-festival.org

For more information about the Rhode Island International Film Festival go to the web site at www.RIFilmFest.org