Rhode Island International Film Festival Horrorfest (October 23-26)
(read the post)
Last weekend I had the great pleasure of being invited by George Marshall, Executive Director/CEO of The Rhode Island International Film Festival to attend their 9th Annual Horrorfest taking place in five theaters throughout Providence over three days. I attended those at the Columbus Theater, a grand old movie house, gilded with the patina of having seen at least 80 years of films and now a perfect venue for any art film festival, and that’s how I would describe the RIFF event; artsy, independent and often fierce the choices of films shown. Given the short time I had to attend any screenings, I did manage to find a few gems and get a feel for Mr. Marshall’s commitment to helping make worthy small, independent, foreign and often, low budget horror films accessible to the general public to which they might not have been exposed otherwise. And what a refreshing experience it was. Tired of the last fifteen years of big budget Metroplex runs of bloated remakes, gratuitous and graphically violent films masquerading as horror to appease the tastes of the uninitiated teenager? Then go to next year’s 10th Annual Horrorfest. The RIFF takes a brave stance in supporting small films without the promotional clout of studio backing but that nonetheless pack a wallop of creativity, both visual and intellectual. The antithesis of the “junk food” offered at the local mega theaters, the films chosen for this years Horrorfest presented a meaty banquet of wide and varied courses, some spicy, some sweet but all ( at least of those I personally viewed) leaving me full of thought, imagination and questions and ready for my brandy and cigar.
For me the appetizer was a little Japanese film (with subtitles) called HAIR EXTENSIONS. When I sat down I half expected a knock off of “The Grudge” from a few years back, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Hair Extensions is a neatly packaged and highly stylized film with a simple plot A scientific madman uses a woman’s dead body as sort of a “hair farm,” growing long black wads of hair out of her every orifice. He then harvests the hair to sell to local beauty shops with . . . far reaching results. Even better than the horror plot is the second plot involving a pair of sisters, one good and the other not so good, and the abused child the bad sister abandons to the good one. The special effects will dazzle your eyes and make your skin crawl at the same time while the abused child subplot will break your heart to the point where you just can’t wait for the child beating “bad” sister to get her . . . hair done. Don’t miss this one. I loved it.
Next, I saw a short subject filming of H. P. Lovecraft’s Pickman’s Model with the feel of a student film experiment. The acting was like bad TV and the photography like a Polaroid Point and Shoot, BUT, it had something indefinable that made it come together and creep me out. It could have been the mannered theater like acting of the lead playing Pickman, or the murky, grainy, almost sepia toned coloring of the film but it undeniably delivered its goose bumps. For this, I’d have to give credit to the director, Gary Fierro, and lead actor who, even with all the flaws of this filming, will both with any luck will become polished into artists of merit in their future efforts. I would call this one an aperitif, short and sweet but with a nice kick. Good job guys, next time I hope you get a bigger budget to flex with.
Following the very short Pickman’s Model, I had the good fortune to have the time to see the film that followed; a modern silent filming of H.P. Lovecraft’s The Call of Cthulu, a famous and thus familiar tale of lost civilization, cult worshippers and dark obsession. Kitschy and sometimes corny, this “Call of Cthulu” seemed like an exercise in form over substance, very artistically shot with a nice 1920’s period feel giving the impression one gets of a piece of parchment held over a candle but with a downside of leaving the viewer coming away still waiting for a slamming pay-off. In the end the creators and director Andrew Leman proved they could make an eye catching, almost hypnotizing looking film but one that leaves the viewer at the end asking “Where the hell is the MONSTER?”
My next and final foray into the RIFF’s vault of horror was for the Saturday night premier of SEA OF DUST, but you’ll have to look at my full review posted earlier for that one. All in all, I can only praise Mr. Marshall for his dedication not only to artistic expression in general but to his clear love and appreciation for the art of horror film making and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with for next year, Surf & Turf? I’m there!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Malice Aforethought!
Ghoulish Halloween Fun with a Musical Motif!
PROVIDENCE, RI — Silent films provide a backdrop to the RI International Horror Film Festival’s dramatic presentation of “Malice Aforethought,” an eerie retelling of classic themes of horror and the macabre through song and music by some of New England's top classical performers. The program takes place at the Columbus Theatre Arts Center, 270 Broadway, Providence on Friday, October 24th at 8:00 p.m. and a special matinee performance on Sunday, October 26th at 3:00 p.m.
Under the musical direction of Dr. Matthew Larson, and the creative lead of Kara Lund, selections from "Tales of Hoffmann," "Hansel and Gretel," Gilbert and Sullivan's "Ruddigore," among others will set the mood for this ghoulishly original event. Images from silent films will serve as a counterpoint to the music, providing a visualization of the emotional depth and range of the musical presentations. This multi-media production is sure to provoke, spook, chill, and entice.
George T. Marshall, Executive Director of the Rhode Island International Film Festival, the producer of the Horror Film Festival, is overseeing the creation of the film clips that will be screened behind the singers during the performances, making for a vivid realization of the musical recitals.
“Several years ago, we collaborated with Opera Providence on a prototype program called “Murder and Mayhem” which was not only great fun, but a wonderful artistic success,” stated Marshall. “This year we are expanding the programming, using some amazing music and including readings to bridge the musical and visual motifs.
“Kara Lund, one of Rhode Island’s gifted performers, has taken the reins and is producing this unique event, bringing in some of the best musical talent from the region,” added Marshall.
Featured performers are Lorna Jane Norris and Kara Lund, sopranos; Ethan Bremner, tenor; Vaughn Bryner, baritone; and Matthew Larson, pianist.
Tickets range from $20-30 with reserved seating available (senior and student discounts available, please call the RIIFF office to make reservations at 401.861.4445.) Tickets will be available at the door prior to each performance.
THE MUSIC FOR THE PROGRAM:
ACT ONE:
"Witch's Ride," from Hansel and Gretel, Englebert Humperdinck
"Dido's Lament," from Dido and Aeneas, Henry Purcell
"Der Doppelganger," Franz Schubert
"Gretchen am Spinnrade," Franz Schubert
"The Sunken Cathedral," Claude Debussy
"Come Away Death," Roger Quilter
"I Hear an Army," Samuel Barber
"Prelude in c# minor," Serge Rachmaninoff
"Song for Athene," John Tavener
ACT TWO:
"Barcarolle," from Tales of Hoffmann, Offenbach
"Danse Macabre," Camille Saint-Saens
"Katherine of Aragon," Libby Larsen
"Is My Team Ploughing," Ralph Vaughn-Williams
"Parade," Benjamin Britten
"Moonlight Sonata," Ludgwig van Beethoven
"Wraith," Vartan Aghababian
"Toccata," Katchaturian
"Painted Emblems/When the Night Wind Howls," from Ruddigore, Gilbert and Sullivan
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Ethan Bremner received his master degree in voice at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has performed with UW opera as Dr. Caius in Falstaff, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, Don Curzio in Le Nozze die Figaro and Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors. He has also performed with the Madison Savoyards playing Luiz in The Gondoliers, Richard in Ruddigore, and Fredrick in The Pirates of Penzance.
Ethan hails from Athol, Massachusetts and got his bachelor’s degree in music at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY where he performed as Tamino in The Magic Flute and Jack Madden in Scott Gendel’s A Song That’s True and where he performed with the American Symphony Orchestra. Since moving to Boston, Ethan performed the role of Achilles in Gluck's Iphigenie en Aulide and Rodolfo in La Boheme with the Boston Opera Collaborative, Idomeneo in Idomeneo with Opera Hub, Giorgio and Poliziano in the premier of Michelangelo with Opera Providence, and Alfred in Die Fledermaus with Longwood Opera and Providence Opera. Most recently he performed as Canio in Pagliacci with Lakes Region Opera.
Vaughn Bryner, baritone, originally from South Bend, Indiana, is new to Rhode Island having moved here a little more than a year ago. His performing credits range from opera and oratorio to music theater in venues from New England to the Eastern Seaboard and the Midwest. He has performed in numerous operas with regional companies and as a guest artist in university opera theaters. Roles performed include Figaro in Marriage of Figaro, the Father in Hansel and Gretel, the Judge in Trial by Jury, Schaunard in La Bohème, Ferrando in Il Trovatore, the Priest/Speaker in Magic Flute, and Marullo in Rigoletto. His oratorio work includes solo performances in Haydn’s Seasons, Schubert’s Mass in G and Mass in C, Bach’s Magnificat, Donizetti’s Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, and Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle. Bryner has also acted as performer, music director, and accompanist for many musical revues.
Vaughn is a voice instructor at Roger Williams University, Portsmouth Abbey School, in his home studio in Riverside, and in a satellite studio in Jamestown. He also co-founded and acts as a teaching artist for The Studio for Singing Actors, travelling regularly to teach classes and workshops at The Studio as well as in schools, community theater groups and opera education programs.
Vaughn holds a Bachelor of Arts in voice performance from Bethel College and a Masters of Music in voice performance from Ball State University. He also received the Certification in Somatic Voiceworktm the LoVetri Method from the Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute at Shenandoah Conservatory.
Matthew Larson received his Doctorate in Collaborative Piano from Arizona State University in 2001 under the tutelage of Eckart Sellheim. An accomplished accompanist, Dr. Larson has played over 400 recitals in the United States and Austria. He has worked with such artists as Metropolitan Opera stars Carol Vaness, Maria Spacagna, Jennifer Larmore and Sherrill Milnes; Academy of Ancient Music director Christopher Hogwood; vocal pedagogy pioneer Richard Miller; and the eminent collaborative artist Dalton Baldwin, with whom Matthew was invited to study in New York.
Dr. Larson’s vast knowledge of vocal repertoire has led him to play for many competitions and auditions, including the Metropolitan Opera Guild; San Francisco Opera; NATSi; NATS Artist Auditions; NFMCl; MTNA; Rosa Ponselle Competition; and The American Music Competition. He has held the positions of Assistant Conductor and Pianist for Boston Lyric Opera; Assistant Music Director for the University of Connecticut Voice and Opera Program; Staff Pianist for Yale University Opera; Staff Accompanist for Arizona State University School of Music; Vocal Coach and Music Director for A.S.U. Lyric Opera Theater; Staff Pianist for The American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria; Music Director of Opera Providence; Vocal Coach for Boston University’s Opera Institute; and Staff Pianist for Opera New England.
Currently, Dr. Larson serves as Music Director of University of Connecticut Opera; Vocal Coach for Tanglewood Institute’s Young Artist Vocal Program; Staff Pianist for Boston University; and Director of Music at First Congregational Church of Milton, Massachusetts.
Kara Lund, soprano, is a musician with a gift for unusual and difficult repertoire including a wide variety of modern music, Scandinavian, and cabaret music. She received her Bachelors degree in Music from the University of Rhode Island, and her Masters degree in Voice Performance from Arizona State University.
Ms. Lund has performed with Opera Providence, the Rhode Island Civic Chorale, the Sippican Chorale, the Rhode Island Philharmonic and Beavertail Opera, Opera in the Ozarks, Lyric Opera Theatre of Tempe, Arizona, Chaminade Opera and Oratorio Society among countless chamber groups in the southern New England area. Favorite roles include The Merry Widow, Lola, Prince Orlofsky, Giulietta, Marenka, and Marian among others.
Kara is a National Society of Arts and Letters award recipient and was a winner in the 2005 Philadelphia Voice Competition. While there she performed to rave reviews at the American Music Conference in Philadelphia, where she sang for the composer Libby Larsen.
Currently Ms. Lund enjoys a teaching career at Rhode Island College, Rhode Island Philharmonic’s The Music School, at home, and is a soloist at Central Congregational Church in Providence. She is also the founder of Working Accents, a company which provides accent modification services and professional speaking solutions to corporate and educational clients. Visit us at www.workingaccents.com.
Active in television and film, you can see her as “Dr. Rhoda Lawrence” in the American Master’s documentary “Louisa May Alcott” on PBS, and as the “nurse” in the film “Tell-Tale” in theatres next spring.
Lorna Jane Norris, originally from England, has been delighting audiences in the New England Region for 10 years. Following a Masters Degree in English Literature from the University of Liverpool, Lorna Jane found herself in the United States and returning to her first love, singing. After graduating from the Longy School of Music in Cambridge MA., she has continued to explore her favorite repertory: Traditional Art Song Repertory, the music of the Renaissance and Baroque Periods, Contemporary Art Song and more recently, Cabaret and Musical Theater. This summer Lorna Jane thrilled audiences with her portrayal of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady with the Star Players of Bristol County Ma.
She was the winner of the 2005 Philadelphia Voice Competition and in March of 2007 Lorna Jane was a quarterfinalist in the American Traditions Competition in Savannah, Georgia. This year, she placed third in the New England Regional Finals of NATSAA. In addition to her teaching role as Chair of the voice department at South Shore Conservatory Ma., Lorna Jane unites the worlds of singing and body awareness in her work as a yoga instructor.
THE WHO, WHAT AND WHERE OF IT:
WHAT: “Malice Aforethought”
WHEN: Friday, October 24, 2008; 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 26, 2008; 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Columbus Theatre Arts Center, 270 Broadway, Providence, RI. For more information, please call 401.861-4445.
WHO: The RI International Horror Film Festival presented by RIIFF and the Flickers Arts Collaborative.
HOW MUCH: $20 - $30; senior, student and group discounts available. Tickets can be ordered online at http://www.film-festival.org/Malice.Aforethought.php
WHY: To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Flickers Arts Collaborative and the 9th Annual RI International Horror Film Festival.
HORROR FESTIVAL DISCOUNT PACKAGES AVAILABLE
H.P. Lovecraft’s Haunted Providence Tour Package
Cost: $15/per person
Date: October 25th
Contact: Adam Short, (401) 861-4445, adams@film-festival.org
The life and work of Providence's best-known fantasy and horror author, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, will provide the backdrop for the tour, which will be lead by the Rhode Island Historical Society. Lovecraft's "Providence stories" (written between 1924 and 1935) provide the basis for this walk. Lovecraft wrote eloquently, and in great detail, about such landmarks as Prospect Terrace, the First Baptist Church, and Benefit Street houses. Participants will see the site of his former home, as well as locales mentioned in The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, The Haunter of the Dark, The Shunned House, and The Call of Cthulhu.
Following the tour, participants will be treated to a special screening of films at the Columbus Theater in Providence inspired by Lovecraft’s stories. These films include “Pickman’s Model” and “Call of Cthulu." The latter film has played such prestigious film festivals as Seattle, Slamdance, Avignon, Rome, and Rhode Island. The film features incredible shots of Providence that have been digitally doctored to capture the look and feel of the city in the 1920’s.
Participants are invited to dine at the Broadway Bistro (205 Broadway, Providence). Included in the price of the travel package, the Bistro is offering special half-price discount off their selection of delicious appetizers. The Providence Journal describes the Bistro as “a Bohemian dining experience, with hip and creative dishes.”
TOUR/SCREENING SCHEDULE:
1:00 PM – Tour Departs from the Van Wickle Gates at Brown University (At College Street and Prospect Street)
2:30 PM – Tour ends
5:30 PM – Film Screening at the Columbus Theater (268 Broadway, Providence)
7:30 PM – Screening ends
Malice Aforethought Musical Package
Cost: $25/per person
Date: October 24 (8:00 PM) & October 26 (3:00 PM)
Contact: Adam Short, (401) 861-4445, adams@film-festival.org
A montage of scenes from classic silent films will provide the backdrop to a selection of live music from Tales of Hoffmann, Hansel and Gretel, and Gilbert and Sullivan. Featuring the singing talents of Lorna Jane Norris and Kara Lund, sopranos; Ethan Bremmer, tenor; Vaughn Bryner, baritone; and Matthew Larson, pianist.
Participants are invited to dine at the Broadway Bistro (205 Broadway, Providence). Included in the price of the travel package, the Bistro is offering special half-price discount off their selection of delicious appetizers. The Providence Journal describes the Bistro as “a Bohemian dining experience, with hip and creative dishes.”
H.P. LOVECRAFT WALKING TOUR
Special tour will explore Lovecraft’s favorite Providence haunts...
The life and work of Providence's best-known fantasy and horror author, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, will provide the backdrop for the tour, which will be lead by the Rhode Island Historical Society. Lovecraft's "Providence stories" (written between 1924 and 1935) are the inspiration behind the walk. Lovecraft wrote eloquently, and in great detail, about such landmarks as Prospect Terrace, the First Baptist Church, and Benefit Street houses. Participants will see the site of his former home, as well as locales mentioned in The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, The Haunter of the Dark, The Shunned House, and The Call of Cthulhu.
Following the tour, which begins at 1:00 p.m. and lasts for approximately 90 minutes, participants will be treated to a special screening of films at the Columbus Theater in Providence inspired by Lovecraft’s stories. These films include “Pickman’s Model” and “Call of Cthulu." The latter film has played such prestigious film festivals as Seattle, Slamdance, Avignon, Rome, and Rhode Island. The film features incredible shots of Providence that have been digitally doctored to capture the look and feel of the city in the 1920’s.
“It is amazing how Lovecraft’s horror writing still resonates with audiences today,” commented Adam Short, Producing Director of the Rhode Island International Film Festival. “Providence provided the inspiration for his most chilling and terrifying stories. This walking tour is a wonderful opportunity for his fans to connect with the man behind the writer.”
EVENT DETAILS:
Saturday, October 25, 2008
“Literary Providence: The Life And Times Of H. P. Lovecraft” Walking Tour
Cost: $15 (includes Horror Festival screening ticket)
The walking tour departs at 1:00 p.m. from the Van Wickle Gates at Brown University (College Street at Prospect Street). The guide is Morgan Grefe, Director of Education at the Rhode Island Historical Society.
“Call of Cthulu” Film Screening
Cost: $10 General Admission (Free for walking tour participants)
The screening will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Columbus Theater, 268 Broadway in Providence.
Thursday – Sunday, October 23 – 26, 2008
The Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival
Cost: $10 (General Admission)
The Horror Festival is a weekend-long event celebrating the horror film genre. Screenings will take place at locations in Providence, Narragansett, and Kingston.
For more information about the festival, please visit http://www.film-festival.org/Horror_ri.php.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Malice Aforethought Coming This October!
Malice Aforethought
A Night of Ghoulish Fun with Music and Film
October 24th at 8:00 p.m.
October 26th at 3:00 p.m.
Columbus Theatre Arts Center, 270 Broadway, Providence
Halloween with a musical motif! Silent films provide a backdrop to the RI International Horror Film Festival’s presentation of “Malice Aforethought.” Musical selections from Tales of Hoffmann, Hansel and Gretel, and Gilbert and Sullivan will set the mood. Featured are Lorna Jane Norris and Kara Lund, sopranos; Ethan Bremner, tenor; Vaughn Bryner, baritone; and Matthew Larson, pianist. Kara Lund is the musical director. Tickets are $25 and $30 (senior and student discounts available). Call RIIFF at 401.861.4445; www.RIFilmFest.org
A Night of Ghoulish Fun with Music and Film
October 24th at 8:00 p.m.
October 26th at 3:00 p.m.
Columbus Theatre Arts Center, 270 Broadway, Providence
Halloween with a musical motif! Silent films provide a backdrop to the RI International Horror Film Festival’s presentation of “Malice Aforethought.” Musical selections from Tales of Hoffmann, Hansel and Gretel, and Gilbert and Sullivan will set the mood. Featured are Lorna Jane Norris and Kara Lund, sopranos; Ethan Bremner, tenor; Vaughn Bryner, baritone; and Matthew Larson, pianist. Kara Lund is the musical director. Tickets are $25 and $30 (senior and student discounts available). Call RIIFF at 401.861.4445; www.RIFilmFest.org
Thursday, January 3, 2008
RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL HORROR FILM FESTIVAL WILL RETURN IN 2008!
Dates set for October 23-26th!
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