Harnessing and celebrating the best of Northwest film is both the Film Center’s responsibility and joy. As we continue to grow as a fresh and vital institution for the study and celebration of regional film, we’re compelled to keep up a constant search for new filmmakers, new work, and new ways the Film Center can bring artists and audiences together.

As we’ve discovered over the past 42 years, Northwest filmmakers continue to create engaging and progressive work that provides a guarantee of ongoing innovation year after year. Our task is to create a showcase that captures the vibrancy and variety of the cinematic art being created across the Northwest. We invited Steve Anker to help us shape this year’s selection and we hope his discriminating vision, heart, and mind add to your enjoyment of the program.

In addition to the films, this year’s Festival features the annual “part game show, part filmmaking master class” What’s Wrong with this Picture? with Seattle film guru Warren Etheredge. Our invaluable Filmmakers’ Un-conference, created so that filmmakers have a place and time to share ideas and inspiration, allows makers to become the teachers. And, as we are never ones to rest on our plush conifer laurels, we’re proud to announce that this year will feature the first Northwest Filmmakers’ Expo. Top motion picture equipment manufacturers and vendors will be showing off their latest cinematic toys along with demonstrations, presentations, and the opportunity to see and handle the latest cutting-edge motion picture gadgets.

Many thanks go to friends who have helped plan and execute this event, including Tim Williams at the Oregon Film Office, Nathaniel Applefield at the Oregon Media Production Association, and the team at Professional Video and Tape. We also offer big thanks for some heavy lifting from Matt Schulte and Lower Boom who, in addition to helping envision and organize the first Northwest Filmmakers’ Expo, created all the gorgeous design work and trailer for this year’s Festival.

The Festival appreciates the longtime support of LAIKA, the ongoing institutional support of the Regional Arts and Culture Council and Oregon Arts Commission, and the sponsorship of Sierra Nevada Brewing and Koerner Cameras. This year, the Festival is especially honored and thankful to receive support from the Oregon Cultural Trust (and the citizens who fund it) who, like us, are committed to helping artists thrive. The Trust’s investment will help this year’s Best of the Festival Touring Program reach audiences throughout the region.

All these friends have helped the Film Center put together a Northwest Filmmakers’ Festival that will knock your socks off. We hope you’ll come meet and support this year’s filmmakers.