Hello <<First Name>>,
With just six weeks before PTFF 2024 kicks off, we are thrilled to announce this year’s special guests. Drum roll please…
Let’s also start the conversation about what films are in the 2024 line-up. Read on to learn more about:
💃 Announcing our 2024 Special Guests!
🎥 Sneak preview of 2024 film line-up
🎥 FREE outdoor summer movie on Saturday: Whale Rider
🎟️ Box Office now open – in-person!
🙋🏽 Seeking Volunteers for the Film Fest
📽️ The Rose Theatre could use your help
📣 Seeking past PTFF memories and photos
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SPECIAL GUESTS ANNOUNCED
PTFF is thrilled to announce our Special Guests, who will attend the 25th Annual Port Townsend Film Festival, September 19-22, 2024.
 Acclaimed director Catherine Hardwicke, known for her groundbreaking work on films such as Thirteen, Lords of Dogtown, and the blockbuster Twilight, will bring her unique vision and storytelling prowess to the Port Townsend. Her presence aligns perfectly with this year’s theme, “On the Journey,” as Hardwicke’s career has been a remarkable journey through the landscape of independent and mainstream cinema. (Photo by Gilles Bensimon)
Hardwicke will be in attendance at a special screening of her critically acclaimed film Thirteen during her visit, which will include a talk back. The director will discuss her work and answer questions in an exclusive Forum event: “A Conversation with Catherine Hardwicke” on Sunday, Sept 22. Hardwicke will offer insights into her creative process and experiences in the film industry. This intimate setting will help cinephiles gain a deeper understanding of Hardwicke’s work and her impact on contemporary cinema.
As an added bonus: Hardwicke will present a master class for the Forum called “Fix it in Prep” where she will offer case studies and methods of working with costume designers, production designers, stunt coordinators, storyboards and shot lists. Highly recommended for all filmmakers or aspiring filmmakers.
Catherine Hardwicke will be in attendance at the Gala Dinner, Thursday, Sept 19. Each of the aforementioned special events require tickets. Pass holders will be able to make a ticket reservation for Thirteen or the Forum event, while capacity allows; and tickets to the Gala will be available for purchase soon. Don’t miss your chance to interact with one of Hollywood’s most influential directors!
 PTFF is honored to welcome visionary filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg as a Special Guest. Renowned for his breathtaking time-lapse photography and groundbreaking nature documentaries, Schwartzberg brings a unique perspective that aligns perfectly with the festival’s commitment to showcasing innovative and inspiring works. His presence promises to offer attendees a rare glimpse into the mind of a true pioneer in visual storytelling.
Schwartzberg, whose credits include the awe-inspiring Fantastic Fungi and the Emmy-nominated series Moving Art, will engage with festival-goers in multiple ways. He will attend a screening of Fantastic Fungi, which will be our free outdoor film on Taylor Street on Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sept 21.
As one of PTFF’s Forum events, Schwartzberg will present “Cutting Edge of Film Technology with Louie Schwartzberg.” This intimate event will provide a platform for cinephiles and nature enthusiasts alike to explore the intersection of art, technology, and environmental consciousness that defines Schwartzberg’s work. This is a ticketed event with limited capacity. Pass holders will have the first opportunity to make a ticket reservation for this event.
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LET’S START TALKING ABOUT OUR
2024 FESTIVAL FILM LINE-UP!
WE’LL START WITH TWO TODAY...
Love Documentaries?
Check out 399: Queen of the Tetons
Directed by Elizabeth Leiter
Known by her research number, #399 has been a much-photographed fixture in Grand Teton National Park since 2007. Follow #399’s struggles to raise an unusually large litter in the face of human encroachment and climate change.
Love Narrative Films?
Check out Good Bad Things
Directed by Shane D. Stanger
A young man with muscular dystrophy is disillusioned by failed relationships, but steps out of his comfort zone into the world of online dating. An enigmatic photographer sparks his journey into discovering the beauty of his unique body.
Want to learn about the rest?
Our full online guide is coming soon to our website.
Watch this space!
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WHALE RIDER: FREE OUTDOOR SUMMER MOVIE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 8:30 PM
Our Backyard Movies at the Fort series begins! Gather your picnic blanket and your lounge chairs and head out to Fort Worden State Park for our first of two Backyard Movies in August.
Celebrating our beautiful parklands and in partnership with Fort Worden Hospitality and Friends of Fort Worden, PTFF is proud to present this FREE movie under the stars.
Saturday, August 10, 8:30 pm, Whale Rider, (2002) 101 min
On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their presence there dates back to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. From then on, Whangara chiefs, always the first-born, always male, have been considered Paikea’s direct descendants. Pai, an 11-year-old girl in a patriarchal New Zealand tribe, believes she is destined to be the new chief. But her grandfather Koro is bound by tradition to pick a male leader. Pai loves Koro more than anyone in the world, but she must fight him and a thousand years of tradition to fulfill her destiny.
And Coming on Saturday, August 17, 8:30 pm Akeelah and the Bee
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THE PTFF BOX OFFICE IS NOW OPEN!
 The PTFF Box office is now open to assist you in-person in Port Townsend! The current Box Office hours are:
- Thursday 2:00 - 6:00 PM
- Friday 2:00 - 6:00 PM
- Saturday 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Located at the PTFF Offices:
211 Taylor Street, Suite 401A, Port Townsend, WA
(Elevator to the 4th floor available!)
Have questions about Passes? Need help purchasing? Want assistance making ticket reservations? We’re here to help!
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Photo by Deja View Photography
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS!
We’re pleased to announce that the time for festival sign-up is finally here! We hope you’re just as excited as we are for the 25th annual weekend of films, fun, and sparking community.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is more than just helping out; it’s about being a part of a vibrant community that shares a love for film and filmmaking. As a PTFF volunteer, here’s what you can look forward to:
- Meeting new people: connect with fellow film enthusiasts and make new friends along the way
- Supporting PTFF and filmmakers: play a crucial role in making this beloved community event come to life
- Celebrating: you'll be invited to our Volunteer Appreciation Party in the Fall
- Receiving a volunteer hat: now who doesn’t love a free hat?
- Earning a pass to the festival:
- 6-Pass: Commit to 2-3 shifts (or 8 hours) and earn a pass that’s good for 6 in-person screenings during the festival.
- Or a Festival Pass: Commit to 18 hours and earn a full Festival Pass, which gives you access to unlimited in-person and virtual screenings
Here are some of the Volunteer Opportunities at the September Festival
- Venue Lead: You value teamwork and appreciate a challenge
- Scanner: Greeting movie-goers and scanning passes is your thing
- Usher: You’re an all-star communicator who’s good with directions
- Parade Support: Collective effervescence gets you going
- And there are many more!
Signing-up to volunteer is easy!
If you’re looking for additional volunteer opportunities, there are several ways to get involved, year-round or seasonally. Check out the Volunteer Opportunities page on our website for info about the many ways you can support PTFF.
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Photo by Brad Coulter
THE ROSE THEATRE COULD USE YOUR HELP!
Our indispensable partner for the Film Festival is in a hard spot. Digital Projectors have about a 15-year lifespan. Their projectors were purchased 13.5 years ago, and they almost made it!
Recently, after a slow summer season, during the opening weekend of what promised to be the biggest film of the year, a make-or-break weekend for the Rose after many months of struggle, their oldest digital projector went dark in the Rose Theatre. Ugh!
We hope you can help…
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Photo by Deja View Photography
SEEKING YOUR PTFF STORY & PHOTO!
One of the ways we celebrate our 25th Anniversary Festival in 2024 is by looking back. During the Festival in September, we will post as many stories and photos as possible on our “Festival Flashback” wall, located in the Festival Lounge, located at the Cotton Building, 607 Water Street.
Do you have something to share? Great!
Click on the button below to upload your photo or tell us your story via our dedicated form.
Do you have a physical photo? Please send or deliver it to the PTFF Office:
211 Taylor Street, Suite 401A, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
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HAVE YOU SECURED YOUR FESTIVAL PASS?
Ticket reservations begin as early as August 22 for some pass holders.
Don’t miss the ferry on this one!
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The countdown begins: The 25th Annual Port Townsend Film Festival is six weeks away! Talk to you soon about more Festival news.
Festive regards,
Keith Hitchcock
Marketing & Development Director
Port Townsend Film Festival 211 Taylor Street, Suite 401A
Port Townsend, WA 98368
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