Rhode Island Film

08/31/2026

Kindling and the PVD 48HFP Brings Acclaimed Industry Professionals to East Providence [September 19th]

Kindling and the Providence 48 Hour Film Project will present Kindling Training Studio: Animation, a free, full-day professional development event for filmmakers on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Retina Creative Lab, 66 Commercial Way in East Providence. Designed to help local filmmakers strengthen their skills and prepare for production, the event will feature workshops led by accomplished animation and film professionals. Registration is required, and attendance is limited to 100 participants. High school students are also welcome with an adult guardian.

The day will feature keynote presenter Allan Neuwirth, an award-winning producer, writer, author and animation industry veteran whose credits include Rugrats, Octonauts, Bubble Guppies and Courage the Cowardly Dog. Workshops will also be led by acclaimed animator Debra Solomon, known for her work on Lizzie McGuire and numerous award-winning independent films; Ng'endo Mukii, an Annie Award-winning filmmaker and director whose work includes the Disney+ anthology Kizazi Moto; and Providence-based experimental animator and sound artist Gina Kamentsky. The programming will explore a range of animation approaches, creative practices and professional experiences, giving filmmakers an opportunity to learn directly from established artists working across the industry.

The event is free and open to filmmakers of all experience levels, with lunch and refreshments provided for in-person attendees. Funding is made possible through a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, with support from nonprofit partner Kindling, Tongal and community donations. The workshops are intended to make professional training more accessible and help strengthen the local filmmaking workforce. Following the workshops, attendees are invited to continue networking at 5:30 p.m. at Lucky’s Irish Pub in East Providence.

Registration and additional event information are available through the event page: https://events.humanitix.com/kindling-training-studio-animation

Send any questions to Mel Rainsberger at [email protected]

08/21/2026

08/13/2026

Final Roy W. Dean Grant of 2026 - Applications Open

The Roy W. Dean Grant for Fall 2026 is now open for submissions through October 31, 2026. As the final Roy W. Dean Grant in the 2026 cycle, it gives independent filmmakers access to cash, donated production services, and expert guidance to help advance their projects.

Since 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grants have supported distinctive independent films that make a contribution to society. The grant is offered by From the Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps filmmakers complete their films and reach audiences.

We invite you to share this opportunity with the filmmakers, students, educators, and creative communities you serve.

Who Can Apply?

Documentaries, narrative features, short films, and web series are eligible. Projects may be in any stage of production, must have budgets of $500,000 or less, and should demonstrate a clear creative vision and value beyond entertainment.

Students and international filmmakers are welcome to apply.

What the Recipient Receives

The Fall 2026 grant recipient will receive:

• $3,500 in cash
• $15,000 in original music from composer David Raiklen, exclusive of recording costs
• $500 in grip, lighting, or expendables from Filmtools
• Additional donated products and professional services from film-industry donors

Britt Penrod Award

A $500 Britt Penrod Award will recognize an additional project distinguished by its originality and exceptional contribution to society.

Three Additional $500 Awards

Three projects will also receive The Stories That Matter Awards, each accompanied by a $500 cash prize. These awards recognize films that reflect real lives, communities, and pressing social issues and have the potential to resonate beyond the screen.

Every Applicant Can Receive Guidance

Every applicant is offered a 15-minute consultation on their project. Filmmakers may receive guidance on funding strategies, donor or investor outreach, marketing, and practical next steps.

Fall 2026 application deadline: October 31, 2026

Learn more about the Roy W. Dean Grants and Awards at:
https://fromtheheartproductions.com/roy-w-dean-film-grants-and-awards/ [fromtheheartproductions.com]

Read Grant Guidelines and Instructions

http://fromtheheartproductions.com/grant-application-form/ [fromtheheartproductions.com]

Apply for the Fall 2026 Roy W. Dean Grant

https://form.jotform.com/From_the_Heart/roy-w-dean-grant-application-fall [form.jotform.com]

Thank you for helping filmmakers discover the support they need to bring their projects to audiences.

For questions, please contact us at [email protected] or call 805-984-0098.

08/10/2026

Produced in Rhode Island, the movie;s world premiere took place Saturday at Providence Place.

08/06/2026

Huge shout out to publisher Tim Molloy of MovieMaker Magazine for joining us for opening night and sharing his terrific coverage of the Rhode Island International Film Festival festivities at PPAC! So much fun celebrating the cinematic arts!!!! Congratulations to all!!!

Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival opened Tuesday with a reminder that the smallest state punches far above its weight when it comes to