Nothing beats a good movie, so who could say no to nearly 140 of them? If you’re a film enthusiast, then you’re probably excited to hear the Portland International Film Festival is returning for its 37th year!
The Portland International Film Festival, sometimes referred to as PIFF, has drawn an audience of 38,000 in prior years, becoming the largest film event in Oregon. More than 140 international shorts and feature films premiere for Portland audiences each February, and this upcoming February is no exception. The Festival will begin on February 6th and will run until the 22nd. Audiences can experience a variety of parties, visiting artists, and plenty of festival activities during the 18 days of the event.
If you’re familiar with previous festivals, you may recall most of the festival was focused in the downtown area within walking distance of each other. Some of the traditional venues, such as the Clinton Street Theater (host of the annual Filmed by Bike film festivals) will be making a return, but there will be a few changes as usual. This time, the venues are going to be a little more spread out, so think about using this time to keep up with your bicycling resolutions. One of the more exciting details recently unveiled is the addition of the recently renovated Empirical Theater at OMSI. Attendees will be able to watch these amazing films on an equally amazing medium through state-of-the-art projection and an enormous screen.
Films being presented at the festival are still being tracked down, but needless to say the line up will not be disappointing. Everything from Belle, a drama based in 18th century England, to Borgman, a Dutch Thriller, will be making an appearance. If you’re a fan of animator Hayao Miyazaki (I’m a 23 year old man and I’m not ashamed to say Kiki’s Delivery Service will always have a special place in my heart) you will be able to see his latest, and supposedly last, film: The Wind Rises.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be all fun and games. The festival offers what has been called the Global Classroom, allowing students from Kindergarten through high school to enjoy the worldly experience of these films. Of course it’s difficult to throw together a field trip together, especially on such sort notice, but have no fear teachers of Portland! The film center has year round programming. You can visit their site concerning the Global Classroom for more information.
PIFF would not be possible without the help of its volunteers, so if you’d like to help out with this years film festival, send an email to [email protected].
If you would like more information regarding this years festival, you can visit the NW Film Center website, or their Facebook page.
Have you attended the Festival in the past? Are you planning on attending this year? Let us know what you think on Facebook and Twitter!
