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  • bug spray available
  • community event
  • food vendors on-site
  • live music
  • picnics allowed

ABOUT THE FILM:

The latest film from legendary documentarian Albert Maysles (GREY GARDENS, GIMME SHELTER), IRIS pairs the late 88-year-old filmmaker (who passed away on March 5) with Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 93-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. IRIS portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life’s sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment. Despite the abundance of glamour in her current life, she continues to embrace the values and work ethic established during a middle-class Queens upbringing during the Great Depression. “I feel lucky to be working. If you’re lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows.”

5:30 PM – Parking open for picnic contest set-up

6:30 PM – Parking opens for non-picnic contest guests

7:00 PM – Pre-film live music by Julio Amaro + *Picnic Contest judging begins + food vendors open for business

8:15 PM – Tribute to Albert Maysles w/ Producer Jennifer Ash Rudick

8:30 PM (sunset) – Film

9:50 PM – Post-film discussion w/ Producer Jennifer Ash Rudick, moderated by Kate Brierley of Isoude

10:10 PM – End of post-film discussion and event

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

Marble House parking is LIMITED – If at all possible PLEASE carpool, bike, or walk to the event.

Gates open at 5:30PM for Picnic Contest set-up. If you are not “contesting” please plan to arrive after 6:30.

If you have a large picnic set-up, you will be permitted to park (as available) on the grass of Marble House, entering through the North Gate. Please tell the parking attendant and they will direct you where to park. PLEASE only request this parking if unloading an elaborate set-up and walking across the street with it from the main lot would be a challenge.

If you are participating in the Picnic Contest, please plan to stay through the post-film moderated discussion with Producer Jennifer Ash Rudick (this will last no more than 20 minutes after the film ends). Breaking down picnic set-ups will be disruptive to the conversation and we would like to always be respectful of the filmmakers that take the time to travel to Newport for our community. Even if you are not breaking down a large picnic set up PLEASE exit quietly if you must leave before the conversation ends.

As always, please plan on carry-in, carry-out with picnic items & garbage. There will be limited garbage & recycling receptacles on-site.

MORE DETAILS:

– Suggested donation: $5

– BYO picnic, blankets, chairs

– Free popcorn courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport

– Food vendors on site with food for purchase: Tallulah’s Taco Cart, Boru Noodle Bar, Le Petit Gourmet & Tricycle Ice Cream

– Rain Venue: St. George’s School, Madeira Hall, 372 Purgatory Road, Middletown, RI

– Members of The Preservation Society: Donations to the event will be made on your behalf by The Preservation Society of Newport County.

*IRIS IN WONDERLAND PICNIC CONTEST!

Presented by RIB & RHEIN

In celebration of fashion legend Iris Apfel’s eccentric style, we’re bringing back the newportFILM Outdoors Picnic Contest with an “Iris in Wonderland” twist!

Think fashion & fairytale. Extraordinary & quirky. Costume & couture. Show us your most fabulous al fresco dining display for a chance to win.

CATAGORIES:

We will be awarding prizes in the following…

Most Authentically Iris

Most Creative Interpretation of Theme

Honorable Mention

PRIZES:

Most Authentically Iris

Fashion bundle from RIB & RHEIN – Hunter Canvas Tote, Indo Coral and Brass Necklace, CR Fashion Book Magazine, Brigette Cotton and Silk Scarf ($375 value)

Most Creative Interpretation of Theme

Gift basket of all things Kiel James Patrick – Gaspee Bay belt, American Dream bracelet, Star Spangled Anchor bracelet, Tri Anchor Wharf bracelet & and Wes Anchor Hitch bracelet & Wagoneer stickers ($331 value) + $100 gift certificate to Tallulah on Thames

Honorable Mention

A signed copy of Bettie Pardee’s coffee table book, “Living Newport: Houses, People, Style,” ($70+ value), a Household Membership to The Preservation Society of Newport County ($90 value) + $50 gift certificate to Tallulah on Thames

JUDGES:

Thomas & Erin Ribeiro, RIB & RHEIN

Jet-setting, globe-trotting owners of RIB & RHEIN Boutique and the recently launched RIB & RHEIN luxury brand.

www.ribandrhein.com

Kiel James Patrick & Sarah Vickers, Kiel James Patrick

Social media gurus, King & Queen of New England lifestyle

www.kieljamespatrick.com

Bettie Pardee, author of “Living Newport: Houses, People, Style”

Accomplished hostess, seasoned lecturer, and author of several books on entertaining and gracious living

www.facebook.com/bettiebeardenpardee

NEED INSPIRATION? Check out…

Last year’s Picnic Contest at last summer’s screening of DIOR AND I here: http://bit.ly/DiorAndIphotos

This Iris Apfel Pinterest board: http://bit.ly/IrisInspo

This GREY GARDENS Pinterest board: http://bit.ly/GreyGardensInspo

Run time: 80 minutes
Director: Albert Maysles
Producers: Laura Coxson, Rebekah Maysles, Jennifer Ash Rudick
Cast: Iris Apfel , Carl Apfel
Iris
This is a past event

There are few better ways right now to spend 80 minutes than to see 'Iris'.

The New York Times

An exuberant portrait.”

The New York Times

A joyous celebration of creativity and razor-sharp wit.”

Variety

Albert Maysles has delivered a gem.”

Screen International

Albert Maysles' docu-portrait pays tribute to an idiosyncratic doyenne of New York style.”

The Hollywood Reporter

Fabulously entertaining... Must see.

Paper

Fashion doyenne Iris Apfel shines. An absolute hoot.

Presenting sponsor of newportFILM Outdoors

Popcorn supported by