Below are just a few of the events happening at the Northwest Filmmakers’ Festival. Be sure to check out all the screenings here as well.
FRI, NOV 8, 9 PM
OPENING NIGHT PARTY
THE (FORMER) BROADWAY METROPLEX, 1000 SW BROADWAY
Fittingly, the Festival takes over the Broadway metroplex for this 40-years-in-the-making celebration. Belly up to the concession stand for delicious Sierra Nevada beer, Honest Tea, and food, and don’t miss the opportunity to introduce yourself to the dazzling array of talented Northwest filmmakers who will be on hand.
Ages 21+. Tickets online or at the door.
SAT, NOV 9, 10 AM-4 PM
NORTHWEST FILMMAKERS’ UN-CONFERENCE
MILLER GALLERY, MARK BUILDING,
PORTLAND ART MUSEUM 1119 SW PARK AVENUE
The Northwest Filmmakers’ Un-Conference (previously BarCamp) is organized by filmmakers/participants for filmmakers/participants. The process begins preceding the Festival when participants come together online to introduce themselves, suggest topics, and explore discussion ideas. Past sessions have included conversations on self-distribution, archiving work, navigating festivals, building social communities, and more. This is an event where novice filmmakers might meet their next crew and accomplished filmmakers might meet their inspiration. The Northwest has a wealth of filmmaking resources—none as invaluable as the filmmakers themselves—so pull up a chair and take part. Breakfast will be provided by KIND Healthy Snacks and lunch vouchers offered by Chipotle Mexican Grill. Contact Festival Manager Thomas Phillipson at [email protected] to connect with your comrades-in-film. Free admission.
SAT, NOV 9, 4 PM
PANEL: WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
WHITSELL AUDITORIUM, PORTLAND ART MUSEUM 1219 SW PARK AVENUE
HOSTED BY WARREN ETHEREDGE
So, you worked hard and bled a little, but your film isn’t exactly burning up the festival circuit. Is it you? Is it them? Is it something that might be easily fixed? You may have had plenty of unsolicited advice to go along with the rejection letters, but how about some straightforward advice from a pro? Today, we’ve invited Seattle film guru Warren Etheredge back to the Festival to take a look at the first few minutes of brave filmmakers’ films and offer his (brutally honest) insight, delivered with his trademark wit and good will. (90 mins.) Free admission.
SUN, NOV 10, 12 PM
PANEL: FINDING YOUR WAY TO THE MAINSTREAM
WHITSELL AUDITORIUM, PORTLAND ART MUSEUM 1219 SW PARK AVENUE
Where are the paths for filmmakers who have set their eyes beyond the starving artist’s life and Kickstarter campaigns to real crews, distributors, and dropping their day jobs? Join us as Warren Etheredge (Seattle educator and host of “The High Bar”) talks with two Northwest filmmakers who have successfully transitioned from small indie projects to mainstream industry status. Seattle’s Megan Griffiths has found great success making short films and features (EDEN, THE OFF HOURS) and has just completed her latest film, LUCKY THEM, featuring Toni Collette and Joanne Woodward. Portland’s David Cress founded Food Chain Films and has since produced critically acclaimed music videos, ads, feature films, and television, including Gus Van Sant’s PARANOID PARK and IFC’s “Portlandia.” (90 mins.)
SAT, NOV 16, 2:45 PM PANEL: DEFINING YOURSELF AS A FILMMAKER
WHITSELL AUDITORIUM, PORTLAND ART MUSEUM 1219 SW PARK AVENUE
How do you make the transition from budding filmmaker to committed professional? How do you navigate the uncertainties of funding and distribution when your track record is short? How do you know if your work will still be considered “fresh” to the field as you move further along on your path? And where are these paths anyway? Join filmmakers Nandan Rao ($500 OF PARTY, HAWAIIAN PUNCH), Stephanie Hough (HEART), and Gabe Van Lelyveld (MANDAROSE)—all of whom are in their twenties and have a film in this year’s Festival—for a discussion about taking your future into your own hands as they define “fresh” in their own terms. Free admission.
MANDAROSE and HEART screen immediately following at 4 pm (link).
Preceded by Fresh Film Northwest at 1 PM (link).
