An Emergence of Film Festival Camaraderie
“I hopped off the plane at LAX” – then immediately hopped into an Uber to take me to the Catalina Express Long Beach Terminal. The final destination was Catalina Island, where I’d spend the weekend experiencing the Catalina Island Film Festival while accompanied by the team at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. Us East Coasters would be living the West Coast life for the next few days; but why us and why Catalina Island? While the days of rivalry in the film festival sphere are still very much alive, for RIIFF and CFF, they’re in the past. We set out to Catalina Island because of the relationship that has been blossoming between RIIFF and CFF. A relationship that stems from CFF founder Ron Truppas Rhode Island background.
Rhode Island Monthly | October 23, 2025
By Tess Lyons
The Rhode Island International Film Festival highlighted five days of independent films, Hollywood producers and film networking events.
The Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) left a positive impression on all who came out. From star studded appearances on the red carpet to budding filmmakers showcasing their work, RIIFF brought Hollywood’s glitzy-glam influence to the smallest state. Read on to see how festival director Shawn Quirk and Director of Community Engagement and Development Ericka Atwell-Cardona helped RIIFF make its impression on filmmakers, press and audience members, and how this year solidified RIIFF as being up there with the festival greats…
Rhode Island Monthly | August 15, 2025
By Tess Lyons
How the Rhode Island International Film Festival Is Betting on Indie Voices
As the Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival kicked off its 29th edition among 1,500 attendees at the Providence Performing Arts Center on Aug. 5, the event’s leadership, alongside some of the state’s most influential figures in film and politics, were on hand to make a pitch to Hollywood amid a disrupted festival circuit and an industry increasingly looking beyond California for production opportunities.
Hollywood Reporter | September 5, 2025 5:00 am
BY ABBEY WHITE
Watch Ericka Joy Atwell-Cardona Put RI’s International Film Festival on the Map
Tell us about yourself, your connection to Rhode Island, and your work.
December marked one year since my husband Joshua and I returned to West Warwick after working a decade in Hollywood. In January, I launched EJOYA Productions, driven by my passion for storytelling, creativity, and empowerment. My work is focused on connecting people and uplifting their potential. I’m committed to helping Rhode Island’s
HeyRhody | Wednesday, January 1, 2025 9:00 am
By Abbie Lahmers
ERICKA ATWELL-CARDONA – HOLLYWOOD SUPERNOVA COMES HOME
You could call Ericka Atwell-Cardona a supernova. Astronomers describe them as stars that create an explosion billions of times brighter than our sun, with enough energy to outshine its own galaxy for weeks. That’s the kind of impact she has on people in the first five minutes of meeting her…
Rhode Island College | Monday, September 9, 2024
By Gita Brown
Ericka Atwell-Cardona Elevates the Rhode Island International Film Festival's Global Status with Her Hollywood Experience
Ericka Atwell-Cardona, the new director of community outreach for the Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF), is leveraging her extensive Hollywood background to elevate this year's event. With a career spanning casting, producing, acting, and media coaching, Atwell brings the versatility needed to advance the arts in Rhode Island…
HeyRhody | Friday, August 2, 2024 11:43 pm
By Jenna Kaplan
Cumulus Community: Bekah Berger with Ericka Atwell Cardona + Shawn Quirk from RIIFF
You could call Ericka Atwell-Cardona a supernova. Astronomers describe them as stars that create an explosion billions of times brighter than our sun, with enough energy to outshine its own galaxy for weeks. That’s the kind of impact she has on people in the first five minutes of meeting her…
92 PRO FM | Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:14 AM
By Bekah's Cumulus
Rhode Island ties at the Catalina Film Festival
In this segment of Studio10, hosts Mario Hilario and Christina Erne are learning all about how Rhode Island was represented in this year’s Catalina Film Festival.
Studio10 | Thursday, October 3rd 2024 at 11:03 AM
Rhode Island International Film Festival kicks off at PPAC
The Rhode Island International Film Festival kicked off last night at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The festival takes place through August 11 at different venues across the state and features films from around the world…
What’s Up Newp | Wednesday, August 7, 2024
by Anna Lofgren