Welcome to the 26th Portland International Film Festival, the Northwest Film Center's annual showcase of new world cinema. Once again we celebrate the world's filmmakers-and those who love their work-no matter what the language spoken. At a time when war and conflict seem to be the daily discussion, the Festival symbolizes how much we have to celebrate in our common humanity and how much more we'd suffer by losing sight of that commonality. Film, uniquely, lets us see beyond our immediate vision and reminds us that the world we live in is a shared one. The last decade has seen an explosion of film festivals of every conceivable theme and location. It proves that there is a hunger for alternative visions and communal experiences-that while people still love to be entertained by the movies, they also like to learn, think and discover. The Portland International Film Festival is one of the oldest events in the country, its age and success a tribute to a wealth of sponsors, patrons, volunteers and dedicated Northwest Film Center Staff who support it and attend it, for no other reason than the love of film. A sincere thanks go to all of you who continue to make this annual event annual. This year we extend a special invitation to enjoy the rich selection of Hispanic language films the Festival offers and the unique opportunity that exists in Cine-Lit 2003, our fifth national conference on Hispanic film and literature. Produced by the foreign language departments at Portland State University and Oregon State University, and the Northwest Film Center, the Conference parallels the Festival (February 26-March 1), bringing a wealth of visitors to Portland for a unique series of lectures, panels, screenings and discussions with teachers, writers and directors. Particular thanks go to George Cabello at PSU and Guy Wood at OSU for their dedicated work in making this rich Festival and Conference collaboration possible. In all, this year's Festival can take you on 114 separate journeys. Wherever your cinematic itinerary takes you, we look forward to hearing about your discoveries and, as always, your participation in making the next Festival even better. Enjoy.

Bill Foster, Director
Northwest Film Center