Friday Harbor Film Festival nearly here

Submitted by the Friday Harbor Film Festival.

Have you ever wanted to climb a mountain, learn to surf, devote your life to saving orcas and salmon, run with the wolves, or be an amazing artist? Now is your opportunity to do these vicariously through exciting documentary films during the Friday Harbor Film Festival in-theatre Oct. 21-23 and on-demand Oct. 24-30.

Full information and passes are now available on the fhff.org website. The full film guide is on-line, and the 60-page program is available free at the FHFF office (10 First St., Friday Harbor), in island businesses, and on all Washington State ferries.

Captain Paul Watson, the subject of the new documentary Watson, returns to the festival to discuss the film and his new Captain Paul Watson Foundation. Its purpose Is to defend life in the sea through a unique strategy of aggressive non-violence and intervention against illegal operations exploiting sea life. Watson will be shown Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10:15 a.m. at San Juan Community Theatre. Captain Watson will be there for Q&As.

At the Opening Night Gala Honoring Filmmakers FHFF will present the Andrew V. McLaglen Lifetime Achievement Award to Sidewinder Films, that works to inspire and empower audiences through remarkable stories that make a lasting positive impact. Director Isaac Halasima will introduce the screening of Waterman, about surfing legend and 5-time Olympic medalist Native Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. Waterman will play again Sunday at 1:15 pm at San Juan Community Theatre.

The Local Hero Award will be presented Sunday evening to Robert Dash, Orcas Island educator and award-winning photographer. His work features complex textures and patterns of micro nature. He highlights small subjects that have significant stories about climate and biodiversity.

Join film lovers in scenic Friday Harbor, WA for 3 days of in-theatre documentaries. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch most of the features, shorts, and student films, as well as recorded Q&As and the Filmmakers Forum on-demand October 24-30. Enjoy it all from the comfort of your favorite chair!

Finalize your plans now to attend the Friday Harbor Film Festival in-theatre or on-demand. Full details are available on the fhff.org website.