Press Reel News
Left to Right: Paul Lewis, Ian Soper, Ryan Poe
Thirty five films. Four days. Five categories.
Add one creative director, 6 judges, 3 graphic designers, and over 30 volunteers converging on the streets of Fredvegas, and you’re smack in the middle of the Rappahannock Independent Film Festival, otherwise known as RIFF.
Even though the organizational team is still cutting its teeth (the event is only in its second year), nearly 100 submissions are expected to arrive from filmmakers all over the world in time for the August festivities, which showcases creative efforts of hundreds of people and years of production. For independent film artists, opportunities like this are big deals.
Sponsored by The Fredericksburg Athenaeum, arts patrons and area businesses, RIFF was originally inspired by a couple of late night conversations around town and a trip to Rhode Island, all of which led to a decision Paul Lewis hopes will positively impact area culture and commerce.
“A film festival is all about art and place,” he explained.
Lewis was visiting Newport when he met the former director of the Sonoma Film Festival and got hooked on the concept. The Athenaeum founder remembers being struck by the enormous impact a festival can have on people; he wanted to bring the idea back to Fredericksburg.
“It really engenders community,” he said. So in January 2008 he talked with local filmmaker Ryan Poe; the two started to scheme, and two turned to three. It wasn’t long before local Graphic Artist Ian Soper got on board, and in March, RIFF was born.
According to Lewis, it’s a unique venture.
“In Fredericksburg certain types of visual arts in this community are well represented – there’s original work in music, painting, performance and other genres of creative expression, but there was no place for original films. You have to go to Washington DC to see an independent movie,” he explained.
While other Virginia cities host film festivals (Charlottesville and Richmond are homes to other events throughout the year), RIFF is different specifically because of its mission to formally recognize independent productions.
Charlottesville is very industry-oriented, Lewis said. It focuses on larger, big budget pictures, whereas independent film festivals are for individuals with smaller budgets. A festival like RIFF can sometimes be the only opportunity a filmmaker has to present original work. Plus, it brings new media to town.
“Some people love great paintings, other people love great films. Right now you have to travel to access independent productions, so RIFF is an effort to bring some of that creativity closer to home while financially supporting the arts,” Lewis commented.
Local Artisan Lawrence Hinkle currently designs awards for the five competitive categories, and winners share a total of $3,000.
RIFF has become a major focus of The Fredericksburg Athenaeum, a nonprofit on a mission to bridge local conversations with global dialogue about the arts, literature and life. Since its inception in 2003, the organization has tripled its membership, expanded its budget and sought new opportunities to nurture creativity in ways that inspire others and encourage regional commerce. RIFF is its largest project to date.
“We feel more responsibility to sustain the work we’re doing. The board of directors and I are inspired to harness the talent of people like Ryan and Ian to ensure we serve our members and neighbors in positive ways,” Lewis said.
In preparation for August, RIFF staff and volunteers have scheduled a dynamic series of monthly film screenings, cinematic forays into local businesses – and even online scavenger hunts. Ultimately, Lewis hopes it culminates in four days of big fun.
“This is about building a healthy community where we can live and celebrate our creative ideas in ways that are supportive and holistic. A film festival is a party. We’re all invited. It’s for all of us.”
Next Film Event:
What: Baraka
When: Friday, April 17th 8pm
Where: 109 Amelia St.
At once both mystery and delight, Baraka is a provocative look at the living world; it was filmed at 152 locations in 24 countries in 70 mm format, which is rare. An ancient Sufi word that means blessing, or the essence of life, Baraka is a visual journal of images that explores spirit without dogma, life without words, and earth as a breathing world of sound, shape and form. Designed with a soundtrack by Michael Stearns, the film has been celebrated for its tribute to the inexhaustible beauty – and power – of corporeal transformation.
To sign up for RIFF news visit www.dev.rifilmfestival.com.
worth haile is an independent arts consultant
Reel News, is also published in the April 09 Issue of the Front Porch.