In 1999 four film buff buddies decided to bring the film festival scene to their hometown on the Olympic Peninsula. Annually taking place in the National Historic District at the Port Townsend waterfront, the Port Townsend Film Festival (PTFF) is a hometown film fest with something for everyone. 2024 will welcome the 25th year of festivities starting on Thursday, September 19 and running through Sunday, September 22. This year’s film festival will feature a Short Screenplay Competition for Olympic Peninsula residents. PTFF is a non-profit decidedly set on supporting the next generation of local filmmakers through competitions like this as well as including categories like Local Short Film. Their mission, sparking community through film, can be felt in the crowds during the yearly festival, but their events don’t just take place once a year. The PTFF has year-round events including the Focus Film Series and summer backyard movies at Fort Worden. Stay updated on the upcoming festival at ptfilm.org.
The Friday Harbor Film Festival (FHFF) is a go for Thursday through Sunday, October 24-27, 2024. Categories include documentaries, shorts and a Young Filmmakers Showcase. FHFF welcomes filmmakers to showcase documentary films that are entertaining, compelling, inspiring and enlightening. The Young Filmmakers Project encourages student participation in the art of film storytelling. The FHFF also holds monthly Best of the Fest screenings with livestream Q&A segments at the San Juan Island Grange #966 and the San Juan Island Library. For more information on the FHFF, visit fhff.org.
Poulsbo Film Festival (PFF) takes place October11 through 13, 2024 in Historic Downtown Poulsbo. The PFF brings diverse stories to a panel of national and local judges. Come to Poulsbo for the third year of PFF parties, filmmaker panels, networking all while taking in beautiful scenery small town feelings. Venues for the weekend include the Sons of Norway – Poulsbo, Moe’s on Liberty Bay and the Sea Discovery Center. Find out more about the 2024 film line up at poulsbofilmfestival.com.
The Orcas Island Film Festival will be taking place from Wednesday, October 16 through Sunday, October 20, 2024. Keep an eye on their website for periodic mini-fests as well as their October lineup announcement (oifilmfest.org).
Film Festivals that will be taking place in 2025 with dates TBD at the time of publication include:
Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival, which showcases women directors in film and takes place in Bellingham (cascadiafilmfest.org).
Whidbey Island Film Festival in Langley, which focuses on classic films for a week-long festival in January (whidbeyislandfilmfestival.org).
