PROVIDENCE - A new production company founded by Rhode Island native Eddy Ricci Jr. to encourage young people with serious chronic diseases will premiere its first film, “Forgotten Children,” at the Rhode Island International Film Festival tomorrow.

The company, Big Hope Films, was established in 2007.

“We believe that the process of making a film can open up a whole new world for youth who have chronic illnesses,” Ricci said. “With Big Hope Films, they work closely with upcoming filmmakers in the writing, direction and production of a short film, giving them a chance to take control and focus on something outside of their everyday struggles.”

“Forgotten Children” is based on a story created by Tonya York, a Warwick teenager who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a serious collagen deficiency disease. York wrote about two fictional kids in foster care and the challenges of living in a group home.

Jenn Dlugos, a comedian and award-winning screenwriter, helped her construct the script, and working with director Nathan Catucci and producer Kim Polson, York selected the cast, directed the actors, and participated in all aspects of the production.

York hopes to attend Brown University and then medical school to pursue a career as a doctor treating children and adolescents with rare rheumatoid, connective-tissue and joint diseases.

“Forgotten Children” will be shown Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at the University Of Rhode Island’s Providence campus.

Additional information is available at riff.bside.com.