RI Black Film Festival rolls on – despite sudden federal funding loss

by Ann Clanton, Clanton Communications, contributing writer

Despite a third of their budget lost due to DOGE slashing federal funding to specific arts, the Rhode Island Black Festival rolls on. The Rhode Island Black Film Festival was notified by email that their grant from federal funding was rescinded, says Managing Director Ann Clanton. A momentary decision to cancel the Festival morphed into an all-hands-on-deck effort to raise the funds – and the Festival opened on time – and on budget. With renewed energy and commitment

REEL LIT: The 8th year of the festival continues through Monday, April 14, at venues throughout the city of Providence. 

The Film Festival is made possible by the generosity of grantors, including Rhode Island Humanities, Rhode Island Expansion Arts, and the Rhode Island General Assembly, and RI State Representative Nathan Biah. 

“The RIBFF Board of Directors is so thrilled to see our festival come to life after months of planning. It’s a celebration of our rich cultural heritage – and a testament that we are here – and will continue to be here for the community as a platform for emerging filmmakers and the community continues on, withh strength and mission,” says  Managing Director and Founder, Ann Clanton.

Suggested donations for all screenings and the REEL RED CARPET opening night reception is $20.  Additional details on the venues, schedule and events are on the Rhode Island Black Film Festival website.  

Anniversary Screening of – Trinity Academy for Performing Arts graduate (class of 2014) called in to the Rhode Island Black Film Festival’ youth program Beyond the Lens Academy. Students from the actor’s alma mater, are among the 2025 Beyond the Lens Academy cohort.  Ms. Cooper is taking part in the post discussion of the film Six Triple Eight on Saturday, April 12 at Brown University. 

Film Screenings of 17+ films, panel discussions and Receptions for Filmmakers and partnering institutions, sponsors and grantors at on Johnson & Wales University, Brown University and Community College of Rhode Island. campuses.  The Newport Art Museum  will host our Sunday film screening and Filmmakers’ reception. 

Starting April 10th and through April 14th, the Rhode Island Black Film Festival will screen feature, short and documentary films. 

Among the highlights are University of Rhode Island College of Arts & Science Professors’ and award winning filmmakers’ Kendall Moore and Michele Le Brun, Official Selections “Harm in the Water” (Saturday, April 12 at Brown University ) and “Optics of Aging” (Sunday, April 12 at Brown University) are among the multiple selections from locally grown filmmakers. 

Award winning Poet and Director of “Tell Your Truth”, a nonprofit organization, Damont Combs, aka mr orange live will perform pieces from his latest installment between the screenings and post discussions during the Saturday, April 12 session. 

The Rhode Island Black Film Festival is the only film festival in Rhode Island showcasing storytelling about the historical and cultural contributions of people of African descent will screen two time Oscar nominated Director, Ramell Ross, Nickel Boys opened the film festival on Thursday, April 10 on the Johnson & Wales University Providence campus sponsored by the College of Arts & Sciences. Johnson & Wales University is also host to the Film Festival’s youth program Beyond the Lens Academy for Rhode Island and southern New England high School film and media students.

 PRESENTERS INCLUDE

FILMS left in the series:

• Saturday, April 12, 10:45 – 4:30 pm  Brown University – Metcalf Auditorium, Metcalf Research Center, 190 Thayer Street, Providence 
• Sunday, April 13, CIC Building 225 Dyer Street, Providence, 2nd Floor                    

From the RI Humanities in an email announcing their cuts:

“Last week, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) terminated the grant that supports the grantmaking program and core operating functions of Rhode Island Humanities. RI Humanities is the state partner of the NEH and is among 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils. As a result, we have paused our grantmaking indefinitely. In concert with the other councils, RI Humanities is fighting to restore this funding. The NEH has directed $6.2 million in funding to Rhode Island Humanities since 2019. Their latest available IRS form 990 shows in 2021 they gave approx. 12 grants over $5,000, for a total of $108,000, with the average grant being $12,000. Their endowment (4 years ago) was approximately $173,000. They noted approximately $960,000 received by government grants, and another $185,000 from other means. Grants funded in this look-at year included: Imagining Healthier Democracy: Devising Workshops Using Legislative and Image Theatre – and – Our Elders as Storytellers. They have a staff of six noted on their website.

About the RI Black Film Festival 
Founded in 2017, the Rhode Island Black Film Festival served as a platform for established and aspiring filmmakers to showcase their films. To nurture high school students’ interest in a career and study of Film; the Beyond the Lens Academy cohort was created in partnership with the Johnson & Wales University to nurture the next generation of Rhode Island’s film industry professionals.  In 2024 the Rhode Island Black Film Festival was recognized by the Rhode Island Film and Television Office with an award for advancing the conversation and contributions  to advancing diversity to Rhode Island’s film production industry.  The Rhode Island Black Film Festival  presents  year round programming.” Black Classics Under the Stars” outdoor film screening in August and a Polo & Punch Tailgate Party are among their signature events  Black Classics Under the Stars is August 21 at the 195 District Park.