A fine week for movie buffs

Gig Harbor Film festival will bring a taste of unique film flavors to town

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

Movie lovers will be treated to something special when the Gig Harbor Film Festival comes to town Sept. 11-14.

On Sept. 12 and 13, the Galaxy Theatres at Uptown Gig Harbor will host out-of-the-ordinary films for the public in two of its theaters.

“This is an opportunity to view films not normally seen in theaters, such as foreign films, art films and documentaries,” film festival president Marty Thacker said. “Some of the films are one- to two-year-old films that have won awards at other quality film festivals.”

The films were chosen by the festival’s planning committee and advisory board, which highlight Northwest film makers.

“We hand-picked these films with suggestions from Paula Lillard, who has a contact with the film industry,” Thacker said. “It’s been very helpful having that contact.”

Lillard’s son, Matthew, is the actor who played “Shaggy” in the Scooby Doo films. He plans to make an appearance at the festival.

“Our committee is seven strong, and we all have strong backgrounds,” Thacker said. “There has been a lot of sweat equity, time and love put into this.”

Committee member Angie Picchi added: “We want to show Gig Harbor what a film festival is about, and why.”

Thacker said the project was made possible by the support of community members, including John Hogan, who donated the hospitality suite where the movie passes will be sold.

“He really bent over backwards to make this happen,” Thacker said.

A.J. Witherspoon, manager for Galaxy Theatres, was also instrumental.

“A.J. has done everything to make sure the movies will be shown,” Thacker said. “It is really unique to be able to view these films in a high-tech theater.”

Passes for all features are available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, at the hospitality suite across the parking lot from the Galaxy Theatres.

On Sept. 13, the film festival will say “Thank you” to Gig Harbor by hosting a free outdoor cinema starting at 4 p.m. at Skansie Brothers Park, showing shorts and full-feature films.

“The screen is going to be massive,” Thacker said. “There will certainly be a ‘wow’ factor there. The seating will be first-come, first-served.”

The event will feature a visit by actor Matthew Lillard, a bouncy toy for children and live music by a local band.

Thacker said the committee has big plans for a follow-up to the film festival, including youth scholarships for film-related venues.

“We want to get the youth involved in this,” she said. “We need their support.”

Gig Harbor Film Festival

The first Gig Harbor Film Festival will kick off Sept. 11 with a VIP screening of “Outsourced” at the Galaxy Theatres. Other events include:

Sept. 12-13 — The public is invited to view unique movies at the Galaxy Theatres throughout the day and evening. Check the film festival Web site, www.gigharborfilmfestival.org, for updates on movies and show times.

Sept. 13 — An open-to-all outdoor cinema party will start at 4 p.m. at Skansie Brothers Park.

Sept. 14 — An “It’s a Wrap’’ luncheon will recognize key participants and supporters.

AND ... ACTION!

Some of the films slated to air during the first Gig Harbor Film Festival include:

Able Raises Cain — Documentary

Synopsis: A glimpse into the life and career of Alan Abel, the infamous underground media prankster, seen through the eyes of his daughter, Jenny.

Web site: http://abelraisescain.com.

One Of Our Own — Feature

Synopsis: A 30-something couple enlists the aid of a young woman to surrogate their baby, but things get complicate when the woman falls in love.

Girls Rock — Feature

Synopsis: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls teaches various lessons, from empowerment to self-defense and anger management.

Web site: www.girlsrockmovie.com.

Outsourced — Feature

Synopsis: A comedy about a Seattle man who’s company sends him to India to train his own replacement.

Web site: www.outsourcedthemovie.com.

Iraq In Fragments — Documentary

Synopsis: The 2007 Academy Award Winning Documentary offers a series portraits of the war-torn country as seen through the eyes of Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.

Web site: www.iraqinfragments.com/background.

Her Best Moves — Feature

Synopsis: Sara, a 15-year-old soccer phenom, is torn between the push and pull of parental expectation and the desires of her newly awakened teen heart.

Web site: www.herbestmovedvd.com.

Sharkwater — Documentary

Synopsis: Underwater photographer Rob Steward spent years documenting the demonized sea creatures and the mass slaughter that threatens the world’s ecological balance.

Web site: www.sharkwater.com.

Life Among Whales — Documentary

Synopsis: Explores the unique relationship between humans and whales as told by renowned biologist and activist Dr. Roger Payne.

Web site: www.uncommonproductions.com/lifeamongwhales.

Who is KK Downey — Feature, for mature audiences only

Synopsis: Follows the story of two wannabes who decide they were sick and tired of trying to make a name for themselves the old-fashioned way.

Web site: www.kidnapperfilms.com/kk-downey.php

Arranged — Feature

Synopsis: Spotlights two young women in Brooklyn who form a close friendship despite deep religious differences.

Web site: www.arrangedthemovie.com.

Peck On The Cheek — Foreign film with English subtitles

Synopsis: A story about the adopted daughter of loving parents who wants to find her real mother, even if it means running away from home.

Reach reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.