Rainier Independent Film Festival Announces 2013 Line-Up

ASHFORD, WA – Rainier Independent Film Festival (May 10-12, 2013) announces its official line-up, including 37 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.

Festival Director, Win Whittaker, looks forward to welcoming several filmmakers to the festival, and to showcasing the best of today’s independent filmmaking community: “I am really excited about the number of premieres we have in this year’s festival. It is an honor for us to help launch these films into the spotlight they deserve!” Among those making a debut at RIFF, don’t miss the world premiere of Michael Kelly’s family drama ISN’T IT DELICIOUS, the Washington State premiere of the adventure film LAST PARADISE, and the US premiere of Carl Svensson’s touching documentary, PAPPA PARKINSON. Combined with many premiere films, RIFF looks forward to welcoming many local filmmakers to the festival, including Todd Warger and Brian Young, who will attend and present their film, THE MOUNTAIN RUNNERS, based on the true story of the Mount Baker Marathon races that took place from 1911-1913. The dynamic line-up is complemented by several high-profile films, programmed by guest curator and Seattle film industry mogul Warren Etheredge, including festival favorite ANDREW BIRD: FEVER YEAR, South by Southwest Film Festival award winner LOVES HER GUN, and REDWOOD HIGHWAY, starring Tom Skerritt and Shirley Knight. Look for all of Etheredge’s films on Saturday, May 11th at the Mt. Rainier Lions Theater.

In addition to his programming contributions, Warren Etheredge will lead a film workshop about the editing principles that can make or break a film in post-production in “The Kindest Cut” on Sunday, May 12th at 2pm at the Media Center in Ashford. The workshop is one of many special events included in this year’s Rainier Independent Film Festival and audiences can attend all parties, workshops and screenings with the Rainier Blowout Pass for just $35! Tickets for individual screenings as well as festival passes are on sale now: online or in person at the Whittaker’s Bunkhouse or Whittaker Mountaineering in Ashford.

This year’s opening night film, SPRING EDDY (the feature film debut by director George Anson), is a screwball crime comedy fused with the best traditions of Western films and the modern chaos of the Coen Brothers. George Anson will be in attendance for a post-film discussion following the 7pm screening on Friday, May 10th at the Mt. Rainier Lions Theater, immediately followed by the Opening Night Gala. Rounding out the exciting festival weekend will be the screening of the Closing Night film, KNUCKLE JACK, made by RIFF alumni Toby Poser and John Adams, whose previous film, RUMBLESTRIPS, won the award for Best Feature Film at the 2012 Rainier Independent Film Festival. KNUCKLE JACK follows a small town, foul-mouthed drunk with an artistic gift for thievery whose character is tested when he is entrusted with caring for his niece for the summer. Toby and John will be attendance, along with the rest of their filmmaking team (their two daughters, Zelda and Lulu), will be attendance. Festival Awards will be presented following the Closing Night screening, including Best Student Film, Best Short Documentary, Best Feature Documentary, Best Narrative Short, Best Narrative 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 range from an authentic circular yurt, an elementary school built in the 1920’s, to an intimate setting in the prestigious Nisqually Lodge. All projection is shown in the latest digital technology.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Washington Filmworks, indieflix, AVMS, The Warren Report, The High Bar, Harmon Brewing, Mt. Rainier Visitor Association, VisitRainier.

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For more information on visiting 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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