ASHFORD, WA - Rainier Independent Film Festival (May 9-11) announces
its official line-up, including 50+ dynamic films in a variety of genres
and topics. Several films come from regional filmmakers, and some
selected films come to Ashford from around the world. Amidst the
enthralling and entertaining films that will be shown at RIFF, a unique
festival experience also awaits all attendees - the chance to mingle
with filmmakers, to see films you won't see anywhere else, to celebrate
independent filmmaking with friends new and old, and to do it all in the
shadow of Mount Rainier.
RIFF organizers look forward to welcoming several filmmakers to the
festival, including Writer/Director, J. Rick Casteeda (CEMENT SUITCASE),
Writer/Director, John Fuhrman (A BIT OF BAD LUCK), Writer/Director,
Oakley Anderson-Moore (WILD NEW BRAVE), Executive Producer, Scott
Jemison (SAND CASTLES), and Producer/Director, Leah Warshawski (FINDING
HILLYWOOD) a documentary set amongst the hills of Rwanda, this film
chronicles one man's road to forgiveness, his effort to heal his
country, and the realization that we all must one day face our past. A
unique and endearing phenomenon film about the very beginning of
Rwanda's film industry and the pioneers who bring local films to rural
communities. A real life example of the power of film to heal a man and a
nation. New this year, we are presenting The Best of NFFTY on Sunday
May 11th, curated by Seattle film industry mogul, Warren Etheredge.
NFFTY is the world's largest and most influential youth film festival
supporting the work of filmmakers 22 and younger. NFFTY is thrilled to
be partnering with the Rainier Film Festival to bring you this selection
of films that span genres and take you around the world back into our
own backyard. This is the fourth year that RIFF has combined efforts
with a guest curator to program an entire day of films. Look for all of
Etheredge's films on Saturday, May 10th, at the Mt. Rainier Lions
Theater. Filmmakers or representatives from almost all films that day
are expected to attend.
In addition to bringing high-profile films to RIFF, Warren Etheredge
will lead a workshop on Sunday, May 11th, at 12:00pm at the Mt. Rainier
Lions Theater in Ashford titled, "Cut the Act". Warren will be
discussing how being honest on screen is harder than it looks. The
workshop is one of many special events included in this year's Rainier
Independent Film Festival. For festival weekend passes, day passes and
tickets for individual screenings please go online (www.RainierFilmFest.com) or in person at the Whittaker's Motel in Ashford.
This year's opening night film, CEMENT SUITCASE (directed by J. Rick
Castaeda), tells the story of Franklin, the best wine salesman in the
Yakima Valley, who hates his life. His girlfriend is cheating on him,
and he doesn't even have the self-respect to tell her that he knows.
When he meets the "other guy", who turns out to be a terrific person, he
decides it's time to let go of some baggage. J. Rick Castaeda will be
in attendance for a post-film discussion following the 7:00pm screening
on Friday, May 9th, at the Ashford Lions Theater. Rounding out the
exciting festival weekend will be the screening of the closing night
film, A BIT OF BAD LUCK, (directed by John Fuhrman) a comedy that
follows a wife's revenge on her philandering husband, and the bizarre,
nightmarish, downward spiral it turns into. The film's director John
Fuhrman will be in attendance following the 6:00pm screening on May
11th, for a Q&A. Festival Awards will be presented following the
closing night screening, including Best Student Film, Best Short
Documentary, Best Full Length Documentary, Best Narrative Short, Best
Feature, and Audience Favorite.
For more information and the full festival schedule visit www.RainierFilmFest.com.
About Rainier Independent Film Festival
The Rainier Independent Film Festival is dedicated to providing true Independent Filmmakers a venue to have their films screened in the tranquil area surrounding Mount Rainier. Mixing films, workshops and the laid-back setting of the area, this festival is set apart in the fact that it is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with film industry people outside of the hustle and bustle typically associated with the business.
Located in the shadow of Mount Rainier, the Ashford Valley provides
the perfect setting for this festival. Our screening venues include the
Mt. Rainier Lions Theater and the Cine-Yurt at Wellspring. All
projection is shown in the latest digital technology.
For complete information on vacationing around Mt. Rainier, go to
www.visitrainier.com.
Visit Rainier is a
not-for-profit, non-membership destination marketing organization that promotes
tourism in the gateway communities around Mt. Rainier.
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