Welcome

Twenty-five years ago, the Northwest Film Center inaugurated the first film and video festival in the country dedicated to showcasing the work of regional artists. Over the years the Festival has grown along with the Northwest’s independent media arts community, as has the Northwest Film Center, which marks the culmination of its 25th anniversary season with this singular event.

The 28 works in this year's Festival, drawn from over 300 entries from five Northwest states and British Columbia, illustrate the strength and diversity of filmmaking in the region. Our hope is that the Festival provides an opportunity for artists and audiences to experience the vitality of our regional media arts community and that it helps create new channels of regional and national recognition and support for independent makers. Over the course of this week of screenings, workshops and panels we hope that the exchange between artists, audiences and presenters sows the seed of future collaboration and personal vision we celebrate.

We owe many thanks to Christine Vachon, this year’s Festival Judge, for her sharp insight and commitment to independent film. Her contribution, like that of the many filmmakers, critics and curators who have lent their energy to the Festival over the years, is essential to maintaining the focus and integrity of the event. The Festival's success would also not be possible without the continuing support of our sponsors, particularly Willamette Week, Eastman Kodak and McMenamins Theaters and Pubs, who along with a stellar host of other generous businesses and individuals, ensure the future of this event. Thank you to all our supporters for helping make the Festival flourish.

Finally, we would like to offer our gratitude to the artists for sharing such strong, provocative and entertaining work, and to the loyal audiences who come to share it. We hope you enjoy the Festival.

Bill Foster, Director, Northwest Film Center
Howard Aaron, Associate Director
Meagan Atiyeh, Festival Coordinator