nwFilmCenter | Gatherings

Gatherings

School of Film Reunion
Thursday, August 26, 8 p.m.
Hotel deLuxe (SW 15th & Yamhill)

If you are among the 20,000 individuals who have enrolled in a Northwest Film Center class, workshop, or visiting artist seminar since they first began in the early 1970s, come on out for this special night in the TOP DOWN film series. The evening begins at 8 p.m. with a little live music, spectacular city views, mingling with faculty, staff, and interns, and spirited casual conversation about the meaning of life as a student of the cinema (past or present). Gracie’s Restaurant will offer easy-to-juggle meals, snacks, and cocktails, and additional beverages will be available from TAZO Tea and MacTarnahan’s Brewing. What better way to reflect on the growth and maturation of the Portland film community than to join other alums for a rooftop screening of Gus Van Sant’s TO DIE FOR, which starts as the sun sets (9-9:30 p.m.). Bring your stories, reflections, and favorite portable chair or blanket, but please, no pets or outside food or drink.

FREE FOR ENROLLED STUDENTS; $8 GENERAL ADMISSION

School of Film Open House
Wednesday, September 1, 7 p.m.
934 SW Salmon Street

Prospective students are invited to attend this informative evening program about the School of Film and the opportunities it presents for hands-on learning, coursework toward a college degree (in partnership with our higher education partners), and exposure to regional and national independent filmmakers and visiting artists affiliated with the Film Center’s year-round exhibition program. Hear from faculty advisors, cooperative program representatives, and registration specialists, and see some short films made by School of Film students. Receive further information on Fall Term offerings before registering. Parents are also welcome. Participation is by pre-registration only. Please call 503-221-1156 to reserve a space.

FREE

Drop-in Tours
Every Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. + Every Thursday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
934 SW Salmon Street

Want to explore what the Film Center has to offer, but at a time other than the Open House on September 1. Our education staff welcomes visitors at the above times for a walk-through of the facility, discussion about our course offerings and Certificate Program opportunities, cross-enrollment with higher education institutions, and advice on specific class listings. Drop in or phone ahead (503-221-1156) to say you’re coming. Parents are welcome, as are prospective students at all levels.

FREE

Sisters in Cinema
Monday, September 13, 6:30 p.m.
934 SW Salmon Street

Women filmmakers of all experience levels, genres, and specialties are invited to these informal evenings hosted by the Film Center School of Film. Bring a story to share, a completed work or work-in-progress to show (clips for longer works, please), or just sit back and listen as experiences and observations are freely shared and connections are made among kindred souls. Those with work to show should contact Pam by 5 p.m., Friday, September 10 (classes@nwfilm.org, 503-221-1156 x25).

FREE

The Young People's Film Festival Presents: Short Films by and for Kids
Sunday, September 26, 1 p.m.
Whitsell Auditorium

For nearly 35 years, the Film Center’s annual Young People’s Film Festival has celebrated the next generation of regional filmmakers—children and teens in grades K-12 from throughout the Northwest states—by showcasing their work on the big and small screen. The program features this year’s show-stoppers produced by kids 12 and under, gleaned from hundreds of entries by a jury of media artists and educators. As inspiration to budding artists of all ages and in recognition of the rich resources of the Northwest film community, the program also includes short films created specifically for young audiences and families by Northwest filmmakers. MAKE WOW is supported in part by the Oregon Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts. (60 mins.)

FREE

Oregon Media Arts Fellowship
Application Deadline: Friday, October 1

The Oregon Media Arts Fellowship provides financial and other support for production expenses to enable Oregon film or video artists to create or complete new work or works-in-progress. The Media Arts Fellowship recognizes and assists media artists whose work shows exceptional promise and who have demonstrated a commitment to film or video art. Thanks to the Oregon Arts Commission, the Gordon D. Sondland and Katherine J. Durant Foundation, and Oregon Public Broadcasting for their support of the program. Additional support is provided by the Oregon Governor’s Office of Film & Television and Chambers Communications. Winners will be announced at this year’s Northwest Film & Video Festival. Download detailed guidelines and an application form here.

37th Northwest Film & Video Festival
November 5-13, 2010

The entries are in, and official selections are being made for the 37th Northwest Film & Video Festival. We are pleased to announce this year’s Festival Judge, American Film Institute Conservatory alumnus/Master Filmmaker-in-Residence Gill Dennis, who will determine awards for the outstanding films. Plans are underway for a great opening night celebration, including our traditional screening of outstanding short films followed by a party where you can frolic with the filmmakers. On October 15, a full schedule of screenings and events will be available online, including details about our fourth BarCamp un-conference (see below) and other workshops and social events bringing together the filmmakers of the Northwest.

BarCamp 4
Saturday, November 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Northwest Film Center School of Film
934 SW Salmon Street

You are a filmmaker reveling, struggling, and riding the rollercoaster of emotions in the quest to make films in the Northwest. Whether you have more questions or more answers, we’ve created this event for you. Welcome to BarCamp.

The BarCamp model of user-generated “un-conferences” began in the software community, a model we adapted in 2008 to bring together our bounty of Northwest filmmakers. Rather than flying in so-called experts from the world at large, BarCamp relies on the experts among us to share stories, best practices, shortcuts, and inspiration.

How does it work? We’ve already set up an interactive Web site where you can check things out, sign up to attend, and start suggesting potential topics to be discussed. You can present a topic and lead the discussion at BarCamp or simply call out an issue to be discussed in a breakout group or taken on by another presenter. The day begins with introductions, followed by the creation of the day’s schedule—all suggested topics are included on the drawing board and then organized into a schedule of breakout sessions for the rest of the day. You decide the topics. You decide the schedule. You decide which discussions to attend. We provide the space. The School of Film opens its classrooms for meeting spaces for a full schedule of breakout groups. Bring your ideas, your expertise, your questions, and your thirst for meeting fellow filmmakers.

For answers to all your questions, contact Regional Services Manager Thomas Phillipson at thomas@nwfilm.org.

FREE