Content by Toni Shiurba Published on August 16, 2017
The Silver Screen, Cinema, Motion Pictures-words like these bring up images of entertainment and relaxation. So what if I told you that our little rural town on San Juan Island has a mind-blowing group of stories created by filmmakers from around the country and the globe? And, that our film festival will entertain, inform and excite you, your family and friends.
Films from the Pacific Rim & Beyond that will entertain, inspire and enlighten and spur you into action!
Yes, that’s right! Friday Harbor Film Festival is in its fifth year of wowing the audiences. Trailblazers of celluloid fame will serve as beacons shining a light on important-to-us-all topics. They explore current environmental and social issues. Each one is thought provoking and inspirational in the messages they dramatize.
What to Expect from the Film Festival
The six o’clock news highlights the dangerous world we live in. Terrible acts by politicians bombard our minds. Pollution and disregard for our fragile environment floods the headlines. There are threats of bombs, terrorism, and violent unthinkable acts. Hunger, disease and natural disasters afflict people and our planet. Suffering and injustice flourish. These are the images assaulting us every day. Life is tough and people struggle.
But in some quieter corners, hope gains a foothold where despair has resided. For three days on November 3rd, 4th, and 5th, Friday Harbor presents a total of forty films in five different venues. If you have ever believed that one person can make a difference, then these docudrama creations are for you.
Imagine learning about problems that are being remedied. Then imagine insightful people highlighting problems and energizing others to fight for change. We have even more power than we sometimes believe. And together, we can brainstorm ideas and delegate tasks to right the wrongs and change the future.
A Sneak Peak at Some of the Films
Witness the acclaimed film “100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice”. It documents a Blackfeet woman’s battle against the U.S. governments’ failure to properly manage millions of dollars held in Indian Trust Funds. Through perseverance and the “might of right” she prevailed. Elouise Cobell tells a troubled tale peppered with injustice and ending in triumph! She and her film are to be given the Andrew McLauglen Lifetime Achievement Award, posthumously.
CrazyWise looks at perception from a new angle. Juxtaposing two typically opposite sounding adjectives, the moviegoer is asked to reconsider. Following the difficulties of two people who suffer from what is traditionally described as mental illness, the viewer learns that other cultures find value in consciousness that is not of the normal kind.
Join the Fun and stay at the Harrison House Suites
Furthermore, filmmakers often accompany their docudramas or documentaries and are present to join in the discussions after each showing. Audiences then have a chance to ask questions and give their own experiences and opinions on the subject.
Admission fees vary for the general public. Elementary and middle school students can get in for free if accompanied by their parent or guardian. The film festival also extends free entrance to high schoolers. We often find enthusiasm the strongest in the young.
Come to Friday Harbor this November and become a force for change! The Harrison House Suites is a proud advocate for the Friday Harbor Film Festival. Stay with us and you’ll be just minutes away from all of the film locations.
