To Do in RI: DREAMGIRLS film and live jazz under the stars in Providence, RI Black Film Festival

The Rhode Black Film Festival brings back an August favorite, live jazz music and films outdoors in District Park with a screening of the blockbuster film “Dreamgirls” featuring some of Hollywood’s “A-List” black actors on Thursday, August 22. Showtime will be at dusk (approximately 7:35-7:45p.m.) and the film will be set up at 195 District Park, 120 Peck Street in downtown Providence. The screening is free.  

Bring your lawn chairs and your family and friends and enjoy “Black Classics Under the Stars” on the giant outdoor screen with live jazz kicking off the evening. Neighborhood support for this outdoor screening has been “overwhelming” according to event organizers, “Black Classics closes out a great summer for the Film Festival of events held in Newport and Martha’s Vineyard”.  

“BLACK CLASSICS UNDER THE STARS” is our way to engage with the Providence community by providing an opportunity to see one of the films from our Festival and support local filmmakers, music talent and food vendors,” says Ann Clanton, managing director, Rhode Island Black Film Festival (RIBFF).   

The evening will include: “A live performance by Randy Ashe & Company warms up the audience for a cool evening of jazz and Oscar nominated film “Dreamgirls” featuring  Beyoncé. Ashe & Company, a jazz trio regularly seen at the Blue Room Jazz Club and the Parlour. The festival  became familiar with the Saxophonist from his appearance in the documentary  ”Do It Man” The Story of The Celebrity Club”  

The screening is offered free to the community with thanks to sponsors 195 District Park, NAMIC – New England, Rhode Island Humanities, Rhode Island Expansion Arts. 

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Established in 2017. The Rhode Island Black Film Festival gives a voice to diverse cultures. We welcome the Black, Afro-Caribbean and Latin both local and worldwide. With a varied lineup of narrative, documentary, feature and films. The Rhode Island Black Film Festival features emerging filmmakers, actors and film industry insiders sharing their passion for the artistry of cinema. The festival is held each April in partnership with Johnson & Wales University College of Arts & Sciences, Brown University and Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island. In 2022 they established the Beyond the Lens Academy for high school students interested in a career in the film industry.