Summer of Films: The Newport International Film Festival
Written by Michele Meek | Posted by: Anonymous
The line-up of the first-ever Newport International Film Festival on June 2-7, 1998 boasts three World and four US premieres, including The Mighty, starring Sharon Stone, Gillian Anderson and Gena Rowlands and directed by Peter Chesolm. The line-up also includes ten international features and documentaries, several East Coast and regional premieres, including a film by Jamestown, RI resident and filmmaker, Craig Richardson. In all, the Festival will show 20 films for jury competition and 7 special screenings.
The film line-up also includes a retrospective films series entitled, "Inspirations," chosen based on the level of influence each film had on the Festival’s filmmakers. The NIFF also pays homage to the grandfather of Newport Festivals, the JVC Jazz Festival, with a retrospective series on jazz. A special outdoor screening of High Society, the classic musical highlighting Newport Society’s heyday, starring Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, will be shown at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. In addition, panel discussions and casual morning forums with industry professionals called "First Call" will round out the week’s events.
This year’s selections were culled from over 350 highly competitive submissions, making for an exceptionally strong film showcase. Of the 75 screenings planned over six days, the festival will show an array of features, documentaries, shorts and classics from countries ranging from South Korea, Czechoslovakia, England, Ireland, Mexico, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the U.S.
"We are absolutely thrilled that so many great international films and filmmakers have committed to us in our first year," says Festival Director Nancy Donahoe. "We have had a spectacular response, and as a result have a line-up we are truly proud to present in Newport."
"The idea for a film festival in Newport was sprung one morning over coffee in New York City, just last year," explains Schomer. "It offers something unparalleled and invigorating to the artistic, economic and cultural community of Southern New England and is a real testament to its potential and long-term viability. Besides, everyone loves movies. Why not show the best in Newport?" says Executive Director and Barrington, Rhode Island native Christine Schomer. "The city is a film festival waiting to happen, with two historic theatres side-by-side facing an idyllic park right in the heart of everything.
Tickets for Festival Programming are: screenings $7; premieres $10; panel discussions $10; First Call $5, Outdoor screening $5. Day passes are $50 and Festival passes are $350, providing priority seating to all events. Tickets go on sale May 18 and can be purchased in advance by calling 401-421-ARTS or at the venues during the Festival. For more information, call 401-421-ARTS or visit their web site: www.newportfilmfestival.com
