SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane International Film Festival opened Friday night, bringing together film enthusiasts and creators to celebrate outstanding work from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The festival kicked off at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center on Gonzaga University’s campus with a panel discussion featuring people who worked on the Oscar-nominated film “Train Dreams.”
Festival Director Tom Dineen said the event offers attendees a chance to experience diverse storytelling from various communities.
“It is just a great cultural experience, and a fun time to be together with your peers,” Dineen said.
This year’s festival received more than 300 submissions, with just over 40 films selected to screen during the weekend event. The programming features independent films, documentaries and short films that showcase stories from the Inland Northwest, Indigenous communities and international filmmakers.
Among the selected works is “Tapestry Brewing,” a short film by producer Amanda Johnson that tells the story of a single mother fighting to save her family’s brewery.
“I am super excited and just thrilled to be included in the best of the northwest film block,” Johnson said.
Another featured film is “Tell No One,” a psychological thriller shot in Spokane. The film’s director, JD McKee, also served as the visual effects supervisor for “Train Dreams,” which received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.
“It is just a testament to our local crew and the amazing work we all did, to be nominated as a best picture contender this year,” McKee said.
The festival continues through the weekend with screenings at the Garland Theater and Lantern. Individual screening tickets range from $7 to $15.
You can learn more about the festival and how to get involved here.
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