Statement from the 41st Annual Fresh Film Northwest Jury Panel:
What a pleasure it was for us to see so many young filmmakers speaking their truths or helping others to tell theirs. The entries for the 41st annual Fresh Film Northwest felt truly fresh in the sense that they took on timely and current topics, and explored a breadth of contemporary issues with authenticity and joy. We saw work that ran with a simple idea and transformed it into something extraordinary. Whether this was through the universal moments found within a personal story—losing a loved one, experiencing prejudice, finding strength in community—or acknowledgment of the inextricable links between people, place, and history. We could see the increasing influence of gaming culture both as subject and backdrop, and as a creative structural element. We also saw creative interplay between the real and imagined, where cinematic space provided a means of processing personal experience. These young filmmakers are taking time, taking risks, questioning the mediated world, and most of all listening: to their elders, to nature, and to each other. We look forward to seeing their work on the big screen and to their continued progress as filmmakers and storytellers. Congrats.
Anthony Hudson, Elijah Hasan, and Jacqueline Gault
Anthony Hudson is a multidisciplinary artist, performer, and filmmaker perhaps best known as Portland’s premier drag clown Carla Rossi.
Elijah Hasan is an award-winning filmmaker, installation artist, and 2011 Oregon Media Arts Fellow.
Jacqueline Gault is Board President of the Oregon Media Production Association and a local film and television creative producer.
Films in this Program
I’m More than Just a Color
Directed by Isabella Myers
The experiences, difficulties, and positive aspects of growing up black. From filmmaker Isabella Myers: I was inspired to bring light to …
Beyond this Moment
Directed by Jayden Becker
A colorful, enveloping expression of grief and the self. From filmmaker Jayden Becker: To create 230 of these frames, I painted …
Coping with Grief
Directed by Mackie Mallison
A young woman copes with the loss of her mother by finding community in Portland. From filmmaker Mackie Mallison: This film …
Special Olympics Montana Bitterroot Winter Games
Directed by Lucas Laparra, Reuben DeMeyer, Josephine Lange
A community rallies behind an inspiring group of athletes. From filmmakers Lucas Laparra, Reuben DeMayer, and Josephine Lange: The Special Olympics …
9066
Directed by Maya Konz, Kajsa Woolford, Nolan Baker, Bailey Wall
Personal reflections on the Japanese concentration camps of WWII. From filmmakers Maya Konz, Kajsa Woolford, Nolan Baker, and Bailey Wall: While …
Rose Hanson
Directed by Govind Baskin-Brussell, Shanti Stein-Gagnon
Recollections of childhood summers spent in the Toba Inlet. From filmmakers Govind Baskin-Brussell and Shanti Stein-Gangnon: In the 2016 Celebrating Seniors …
From a Drop of Ink
Directed by Natalie Scott
A magical pen gives birth to a surprise character. From filmmaker Natalie Scott: This is the first time I animated …
The Great Escape
Directed by Ibrahim Salim
Quick action saves the day. This project was produced as part of Northwest Film Center's 2017 Summer Film Camp. Ibrahim's …
Flying Lessons
Directed by Echo Baxter
Sometimes you need a little help until you get it right. From filmmaker Echo Baxter: I got inspiration from how birds …
Tidal Cruiser
Directed by Brendan Hickey
An eccentric spokesman sells you the skateboard of your dreams. From filmmaker Brendan Hickey: I had wanted to do some sort …
School of Champions
Directed by Harrison Pinsonault, Neil McCalmont, Daniel Ortiz-Rojo
Dismantling negative perceptions and celebrating success in a dynamic community. From filmmakers: Harrison Pinsonault, Neil McCalmont, and Daniel Ortiz-Rojo: We all …
Sok Dina
Directed by Leah Jester
A young woman navigates the worlds between her adoptive white family and Khmer birth family. From filmmaker Leah Jester: I was …
Richard
Directed by Wylie Soltes, Aaron Mamaril, Ethan Hawthorne, Ian Colbeck
A toolbox builds an unlikely friendship. From filmmakers Wylie Soltes, Aaron Mamarli, Ethan Hawthorne, and Ian Colbeck: In our current political …
Appears in: 41st Fresh Film Northwest