How Rhode Island’s Biggest Movie Showcase Became the “Fyre of Film Festivals”

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Was RIIFF “The Fyre Festival of Film Festivals”?

As a seasoned film festival enthusiast who has weathered many storms of technical glitches and scheduling mishaps, I must say that the recent Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) left me more bewildered than entertained. The chaotic planning, last-minute schedule changes, and seemingly random audience attendance made it feel like attending a local movie night at someone’s house instead of a prestigious film festival. It was indeed the “Fyre Festival of Film Festivals.

Every film festival occasionally faces minor issues, like the infamous premature ending of Reservoir Dogs at Sundance in 1992. However, this year’s Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) seems to have had more significant problems according to several filmmakers who describe it as a chaotic event reminiscent of the disastrous Fyre Festival. The festival, which serves as a qualifying event for various Academy Awards short categories, was reportedly plagued with technical difficulties such as films failing to fill screens and playing without sound or picture. Audience attendance also seemed to be disappointing, with one filmmaker lamenting that only seven people attended their screening, two of whom were intoxicated and left early. The most frustrating aspect for participants was the disorganized planning and communication, with the official schedule being released just a few days before the festival started, causing film teams to rush with travel arrangements. Many participating filmmakers expressed their dissatisfaction to The Hollywood Reporter (THR), which was an official partner of this year’s festival, stating that they received no response from RIIFF regarding their screenings, forcing them to seek information on social media. Some filmmakers are even writing complaints to the Academy about their experiences at RIIFF. RIIFF executive director Shawn Quirk acknowledges the problems but attributes them to the festival being in a state of transition following the death of its founder, George T. Marshall, and recovering from COVID-19. He asserts that submissions for 2025 are up by 20% and promises next year’s festival will be their best yet. — Katie Kilkenny

Friends for Sale! (or at Least Their Sweaters and Sofas)

As a die-hard Friends fan, I’m thrilled to share that a unique chance to own a piece of TV history is coming with “Friends: The One With the 30th Anniversary Auction” on Sept. 23, hosted by Julien’s in Gardena. Some hot items up for grabs are detailed replicas like the Central Perk sign ($4,000) and Gunther’s Troll doll-made Geller Cup trophy ($2,250). But there are also genuine pieces from the set, such as Jennifer Aniston’s iconic sweater Rachel Green wore in “The One With the Truth About London” (season seven, $4,000) or Gunther’s purple shirt and yellow tie combo ($600). The item drawing the most attention, though, is a replica of the famous couch. As Laura Woolley, Julien’s head of consignments & appraisals, puts it, “It’s an essential piece where much of the show’s action took place.” Bidding on this velvet tasseled orange couch is currently at $8,000 (the original can be seen on the Warner Bros. studio tour). — Seth Abramovitch

Taylor Sheridan Lands His Dream Job: Selling Steaks

The creative universe of Taylor Sheridan, born from his hit show “Yellowstone,” has stepped into reality and made its way to the free-spirited city of Las Vegas. Last weekend, the multi-talented figure behind cowboy shows and heartland tales, held a glamorous grand opening for his new Four Sixes Ranch Steakhouse at the Wynn. This temporary restaurant was graced by an array of stars such as Harrison Ford, Demi Moore, Rumer and Scout Willis, Jeremy Renner, Ben Foster, Andy Garcia and his daughter Alessandra, and Antoine Fuqua. The menu features beef sourced from Sheridan’s 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, which he bought with a group of investors for an estimated $200 million in 2022. Previously, Sheridan had been marketing 6666 branded sauces, seasonings, grills, clothes, jewelry and more. However, according to him, selling steak was his ultimate goal from the start: “Running restaurants that serve beef raised on my ranch has been a dream of mine since the beginning,” he shared. “I envisioned doing this long before I dreamt of becoming an actor or storyteller.” – Melinda Sheckells

This story appeared in the Sept. 19 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.

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2024-09-19 20:27