NewportFilm Outdoors, which unfolds each summer in the legendary resort town of Newport, Rhode Island, is returning with a lineup of new documentaries covering everything from sports icons to writers and girl scouts. The outdoor screenings take place across Aquidneck Island and are held on the lawns of historic mansions and in public parks. It runs on Thursdays from June 25 through Aug. 27. The screenings also feature live music and filmmaker conversations.
The season kicks off at Great Friends Meeting House Lawn with “Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World,” Sasha Waters’ intimate portrait of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. The film, which world premiered at True/False Film Fest and screened as part of DOC NYC Selects, will feature “American Masters” head Michael Kantor in attendance, with Rhode Island poet laureate and Brown University Literary Arts Professor Colin Channer moderating.
The series closes on Aug. 27 at Fort Adams with “Mighty Mary,” directed by Mary Mazzio. The documentary captures the moment when the first all-female crew entered the fiercely competitive world of the America’s Cup, challenging 144 years of tradition and forcing the sailing establishment to reckon with who belonged on the water. Mazzio will attend the screening, which will be moderated by journalist Addie Morfoot.
