We cordially invite you to join us for the 5th Annual Anderson Island Film Festival, taking place on November 1, 2, and 3. Held at the picturesque Johnson Farm Archival Building on Anderson Island, Washington, this 3-day event promises to be a cinematic extravaganza like no other. Immerse yourself in a diverse selection of captivating films, thoughtfully curated to entertain and inspire. Prepare to be transported into the world of storytelling and cinema as we celebrate the magic of the silver screen. Mark your calendars and be a part of this unforgettable film festival experience.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Anderson Island General Store and the Anderson Island Historical Society Gift Shop. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased at the door. Tickets are: $7 for one film screening, $30 for five film screenings, or $100 for a All Access Pass that gives you entry to Friday’s Premiere Night and all the films the entire weekend. You can purchase the All Access Pass online (link below) and your pass will be waiting for you at will-call at the event or you may pick it up in advance by contacting John Ullis.
Friday, November 1, 5:00 PM
Red Carpet Premiere Night
Join us for an exclusive night of glitz, glamour, and celebration as we roll out the red carpet! This year, we’re adding a twist to our traditional Gala with a RED-CARPET Premiere Night at the Anderson Island Historical Society Archival Building at 5 pm. We heard your calls for a grand Friday night bash and aim to deliver! Walk the red carpet in style and join us for the premiere of a uniquely local film. After a Q&A session with the filmmakers, we’ll celebrate the festival’s opening with appetizers and the finest wines. This is a dress-up event!
At 5 p.m. we will be screening the world premiere film “The Tahoma”- a documentary film about the “Tahoma,” the tiny 9-car ferry that served Anderson Island from 1939 to 1967. The Pilot House of the ferry “The Tahoma” sits at Johnson Farm, and we bet many people (even Islanders) do not know its history. When Lee Ann Whittaker was restoring the Tahoma Pilot House a few years ago, she came up with the idea to document the ferry’s story, complete with interviews of Islanders who remember riding the ferry. With the help of Bob Bedoll, they put together an extensive but condensed history of the ferry system.
Q&A with Lee Ann and Bob Bedoll
At 6 pm, we will convert the screening to a Hollywood-style after-party with hor d’oeuvres by Kevin Waltz (Island Bread Co.) and Northwest Wine.
The night awaits you! Raise a glass, celebrate in style, and enjoy a night of luxury, laughter, and the unforgettable experience Anderson Island’s unique hospitality. This is your chance to step into the limelight and experience a night like no other!
Host with the Mostess: Sean Griffin
** FREE SCREENING **
Saturday, November 2, 10:00 AM
Anderson Island Historical Society Presents "The Tahoma"
Not Rated. 55 mins
Documentary. Historical.
“The Tahoma” is a documentary film about the “Tahoma”, the tiny 9-car ferry that served Anderson Island from 1939 to 1967. The story is told through interviews with islanders who regularly rode the Tahoma. Along the way we learn about the colorful characters who skippered the Tahoma, and the boats many unique eccentricities. We also learn about the seemingly unrelated events in Washington history that came together to birth the Anderson Island ferry service, and about the long and productive life that the Tahoma had following her retirement from Anderson Island. Finally we find out about the ferries that followed the Tahoma, and how their lives played out.
“The Tahoma” is a 55 minute documentary by Bob Bedoll, president of the Anderson Island Historical Society, and Lee Ann Whitaker, curator of the Tahoma Wheelhouse and Education Director of the Historical Society.
The project began in the summer of 2022, when Lee Ann gathered six island residents in three separate sessions to record their memories of the “Tahoma”. That resulted in about two hours of reminiscences. Bob and Lee Ann have been working for the last two years to shape the interviews into an interesting and entertaining package about the Tahoma and the other
Anderson Island ferries that came before and after it.
Saturday, November 2, 11:00 AM
Lakota Nation vs. United States
Rated PG-13. 2 hrs.
Documentary. History.
Directors: Jesse Short Bull, Laura Tomaselli
Writers: Benjamin Hedin, Phil Pinto, Jesse Short Bull
“Lakota Nation vs. United States” is a film that examines the long-standing conflict between the Lakota Sioux people and the U.S. government over the Black Hills, a sacred area to the Lakota that was taken by the U.S. after the discovery of gold in the late 19th century. The Black Hills were promised to the Lakota in the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, but the U.S. reneged on the treaty, leading to violent conflicts and the eventual seizure of the land.
The documentary explores this history of broken treaties, cultural erasure, and the ongoing fight for justice and land reclamation. It incorporates a combination of historical footage, interviews with Lakota activists, and cultural elements that highlight the Lakota people’s enduring connection to the land.
The film also draws parallels to modern issues, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, illustrating the broader struggle of Native Americans for sovereignty, rights, and environmental protection. It delves into themes of colonization, resistance, and the resilience of indigenous communities.
Watch the film trailer here.
Saturday, November 2, 1:30 PM
Perfect Days
Rated PG. 2 hrs 4 mins.
Drama.
Director: Wen Winders
Writers: Wim Wenders, Takuma Takasaki
“Perfect Days” film centers around Hirayama, a middle-aged man who works as a public restroom cleaner in Tokyo. His life is marked by simplicity and routine, yet it is filled with an understated sense of contentment and beauty.
Hirayama finds joy in the small things: tending to plants, listening to music, reading books, and observing the world around him. Though his life may seem mundane from the outside, it’s a meditative exploration of solitude, personal fulfillment, and the beauty of everyday moments.
The film gradually reveals more about Hirayama’s past, including his estranged family relationships, and hints at a deeper emotional layer beneath his calm demeanor. Despite this, Hirayama remains rooted in the present, living in harmony with the rhythms of life in the bustling city of Tokyo.
Wenders’ film is a quiet, introspective character study that delves into themes of self-discovery, routine, and the meaning of happiness. It offers viewers a contemplative look at how one can find peace and fulfillment in the ordinary aspects of life.
Watch the film trailer here.
Saturday, November 2, 3:15 PM
Fish War
Not rated. 1 hr 19 mins.
Documentary.
Director: Charles Atkinson, Jeff Ostenson, Skylar Wagner
“Fish Wars” is a documentary that examines the escalating conflicts over fishing rights, access to marine resources, and environmental sustainability. The film explores how competition for dwindling fish stocks has led to tensions between nations, local communities, and large commercial fishing operations. These disputes often revolve around territorial waters, overfishing, illegal fishing practices, and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
“Fish Wars” also touches on the environmental aspect, showcasing how overexploitation of marine life threatens biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions who depend on fishing. The film gives a voice to local fishermen, conservationists, and government officials, emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation to regulate fishing practices and preserve the oceans for future generations.
At its core, “Fish Wars” raises awareness of the complexity of the global fishing industry, the ecological crisis facing the world’s oceans, and the human toll of the struggle for access to increasingly scarce resources.
Watch the film trailer here.
** A Q&A session with Isaac Olsen (Director) and Justin and Robby Peterson (Producers) after the film
Saturday, November 2, 5:00 PM
Rainier: A Beer Odyssey
Not Rated. 2 hrs 4 mins
Documentary.
Director: Issac Olsen
Writers: Isaac Olsen, Justin Peterson, Robby Peterson
“Rainier: A Beer Odyssey” is a documentary film that celebrates the cultural and historical significance of Rainier Beer, a beloved regional beer from the Pacific Northwest. The film takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the rise, fall, and resurgence of Rainier Beer, exploring its roots as a working-class favorite and its iconic status in Seattle and the broader region.
The documentary delves into the brand’s early days, its marketing innovations, such as the famous “Rainier” mountain symbol and quirky commercials, and its impact on local culture. It also covers the challenges Rainier faced during corporate takeovers and the eventual decline in production as national brands gained dominance. However, the film focuses on the passionate community of Rainier fans who helped revive the brand, leading to its return to prominence as a symbol of local pride.
Along the way, interviews with historians, beer enthusiasts, former employees, and loyal fans help paint a vivid picture of Rainier’s enduring legacy. “Rainier: A Beer Odyssey” is both a love letter to the brand and a broader reflection on how regional products can become deeply intertwined with local identity and culture.
Watch the film trailer here.
Sunday, November 3, 10:00 AM
Where Olive Trees Weep
Not Rated. 1 hr 43mins.
Documentary.
Director: Maurizio Benazzo, Zaya Benazzo
“Where the Olive Trees Weep” is a documentary film directed by Maurizio Benazzo and Zaya Benazzo. It offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice.
We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We also witness Dr. Gabor Maté offer trauma-healing work to a group of women who were tortured in Israeli prisons.
Ancient landscapes bear deep scars, having witnessed the brutal reality of ancestral land confiscation, expulsions, imprisonment, home demolitions, water deprivation, and denial of basic human rights. Yet, through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives.
This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its own cruelty?
Join us for this informative film, “Where Olive Trees Weep.”
Watch the film trailer here.
Sunday, November 3, 12:30 PM
Dreamin' Wild
Rated PG. 1 hr 51 mins
Biography. Drama. Music.
Director: Bill Pohlad
Writers: Steven Kurutz, Bill Pohlad
“Dreamin’ Wild” is a film based on the true story of brothers Donnie and Joe Emerson, whose self-recorded 1979 album Dreamin’ Wild gained unexpected recognition decades after its initial release.
The film follows the Emerson brothers, who grew up on a farm in rural Washington state and recorded the album in a home-built studio with the financial support of their parents. Despite their passion and talent, the album was a commercial failure at the time, and the brothers moved on with their lives. However, years later, Dreamin’ Wild is rediscovered by music enthusiasts and hailed as a forgotten gem, propelling the now-middle-aged Donnie and Joe into the spotlight.
The film explores the emotional and personal impact of this sudden resurgence of fame on the brothers, particularly Donnie, the more musically driven of the two. It delves into themes of unfulfilled dreams, the sacrifices made by their family, and the complexity of revisiting the past when success finally arrives.
With its heartfelt narrative and focus on family, music, and second chances, Dreamin’ Wild is a touching exploration of the pursuit of artistic passion and the bittersweet nature of long-delayed recognition.
Watch the film trailer here.
Sunday, November 3, 2:45 PM
Thelma
Rated PG-13. 1 hr 38 mins.
Action. Comedy.
Director: Josh Margolin
Writers: Josh Margolin
The feature directorial debut of Josh Margolin, THELMA is a action-comedy that gives veteran Oscar®️ nominee June Squibb (NEBRASKA) her first leading role and features the final performance of trailblazing actor Richard Roundtree (SHAFT). Squibb, who did many of her own stunts in the film, plays Thelma Post, a feisty 93-year-old grandmother who gets conned by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson (The White Lotus’ Fred Hechinger) and sets out on a treacherous quest across Los Angeles, accompanied by an aging friend (Roundtree) and his motorized scooter, to reclaim what was taken from her. Parker Posey, Clark Gregg, and Malcolm McDowell also star. Inspired by a real-life experience of Margolin’s own grandmother, THELMA puts a clever spin on movies like MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, shining the spotlight on an elderly grandmother as an unlikely action hero. With infectious humor, Margolin employs the familiar tropes of the action genre in hilarious, age-appropriate ways to tackle aging with agency. In the first leading film role of her 70-year career, Squibb portrays the strong-willed Thelma with grit and determination, demonstrating that she is more than capable of taking care of business – despite what her daughter Gail (Posey), son-in-law Alan (Gregg), or grandson Danny might believe.
Watch the film trailer here.
Sunday, November 3, 4:45 PM
Ezra
Rated R. 1 hr 41 mins
Comedy. Drama.
Director: Tony Goldwyn
Writers: Tony Spiridakis
“Ezra” is a drama directed by Tony Goldwyn that tells the heartfelt story of a father’s struggle to reconnect with his son, who is on the autism spectrum, after a long separation. The film stars Bobby Cannavale as Max, the father, and introduces William Fitzgerald as Ezra, his young son.
After a period of estrangement, Max tries to re-enter Ezra’s life, navigating the challenges of parenting a child with special needs. The film explores the emotional and practical difficulties of building a relationship with Ezra, who communicates and experiences the world differently. As Max learns to adapt his expectations and approaches, the story highlights the themes of acceptance, understanding, and unconditional love.
Through Max’s journey, the film also touches on broader issues of family dynamics, personal growth, and the societal challenges faced by families with autistic children. It presents a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of autism, aiming to foster awareness and empathy for those who live with and care for individuals on the spectrum.
At its core, “Ezra” is an emotional, character-driven film about family, healing, and the beauty of connecting with loved ones in their own unique ways.
Watch the film trailer here.
