WELCOME

Welcome to the 31st Portland International Film Festival, The Northwest Film Center’s annual showcase for new world cinema. PIFF is testimony to the incredible talent of filmmakers from all over the world, and will bring you stories and experiences that, regardless of where they are from, resonate universally.

After producing the Festival for three decades, I find that at first, the challenge always seems to be how to make the Festival fresh once again. Happily, it turns out that there are many forces that come together to insure that renewed enthusiasm and new treasures are in abundant supply.

First of all, filmmakers continue to make great films, and the opportunity to find an appreciative audience for them energizes the great cadre of Film Center staff and volunteers. The thanks we owe for the dazzling feats that make the Festival possible are limitless.

The Festival’s wonderful, loyal sponsors return year after year, their encouragement and participation sustaining all. Once again, the leadership and generosity of The Oregonian and Regal Cinemas set the stage for a distinguished array of corporate, foundation and public supporters who value the diverse perspectives that the Festival brings to the community. This year we welcome new sponsors Oregon Live and Tondero, among others.

And, of course, the magic of the festival is only possible because of our ever-curious and loyal audiences—especially our Silver Screen members—who return each year open-minded, adventurous and in line early.

Whichever category you are in, we hope this year’s event takes you someplace you’ve never been before, and that you return re-warded and hungry for more discovery. Enjoy, and let us know what you’ve found.

Bill Foster, Director
Northwest Film Center

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS