Pell Center partners with Rhode Island film festival

As part of the 2014 Rhode Island International Film Festival, the Pell Center’s Story in the Public Square initiative will screen two documentary films on Saturday, Aug. 9 at the historic Jane Pickens Theater in downtown Newport.

The afternoon begins with a 2 p.m. screening of the 2013 film “The War Photographers,” which recounts the personal experiences of award-winning photojournalists who risk their lives covering conflict in the world’s most dangerous war zones, past and present, including Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan and the Middle East.

After “The War Photographers,” another 2013 film, “The Newport Effect,” will be screened. This work chronicles the history of the legendary Newport Folk Festival and its profound impact on the world of folk music and social activism. Started in 1959 by jazz impresario George Wein, the Newport Folk Festival has laid the foundation for music festivals of today.

“The Newport Effect” filmmakers Beverly Penninger and Alyson Young, along with Newport Folk Festival producer emeritus Robert Jones, will be on hand to discuss the film and the festival.

Tickets for the screenings are available online at Eventbrite. Tickets will also be available at Jane Pickens on Saturday, Aug. 9. The film festival runs through Aug. 10.