Vashon Island Movie Competition(VIFF) is the beating coronary heart of the Pacific Northwest’s indie scene. The Vashon Movie Institute (VFI) simply rolled out their crimson carpet-worthy movie slate for this yr’s competition, working from August 8-11, and let me let you know, it’s a showstopper.
The third annual VIFF is about to gentle up the enduring Vashon Theatre with a curated collection of twelve options, ten shorts, and a brand new class spotlighting native expertise. In the event you thought you’d seen all of it, honey, suppose once more. This competition isn’t nearly watching motion pictures—it’s about experiencing them. And with occasions just like the Crimson Bicycle Awards Ceremony taking place on Sunday, August 11, within the newly renovated outside pavilion at The Backlot, VIFF is pulling out all of the stops to ensure that is an island occasion you received’t wish to miss.
Mark Mathias Sayre, the mastermind behind VFI and a longtime Vashon resident, is the person with the plan. Because the CEO of The Forge, a movement image distributor, Sayre is aware of a factor or two about what makes a movie competition sizzle. “I don’t envy our jury’s job,” Sayre quipped. “Our line-up is as robust because it’s ever been—it actually is the very best of the very best from this yr’s competition season.” With a lineup this juicy, even essentially the most seasoned festival-goer might be hard-pressed to decide on only one movie to take pleasure in. However hey, darling, that’s a dilemma I’m more than pleased to have.
So, what cinematic treats are on the menu? For starters, VIFF will showcase seven narrative and 5 documentary options, with most making their Pacific Northwest premieres. Amongst them is *Bang Bang*, contemporary from its World Premiere at Tribeca 2024, starring the incomparable Tim Blake Nelson. This one’s received all of the makings of a basic with Nelson enjoying a retired pugilist haunted by his previous. It’s been hailed as “essentially the most satisfying film at [the festival]” and “a profession spotlight” for Nelson, so that you’ll positively need a ringside seat for this.
One other standout is *Black Canine*, which captured hearts and the distinguished Palm Canine Grand Jury Prize at Cannes 2024. Directed by Guan Hu, it’s a North American premiere that takes you to the sting of the Gobi Desert the place a person and a stray canine discover solace in one another amidst the tumult of pre-Olympic China. In the event you’re craving one thing a bit extra mind-bending, *Fluxx*—the Grand Jury Prize winner at Malibu Movie Competition—may have you questioning actuality as famed actress Vada Pierce (Shelley Hennig) races in opposition to time to piece collectively a terrifying thriller.
And let’s not neglect the documentaries that may shake you to your core. *Bastards of Soul* follows the meteoric rise—and tragic finish—of the band Bastards of Soul. It’s a soulful exploration of fame, loss, and the enduring energy of music that’s already garnered accolades on the Dallas Worldwide Movie Competition. Then there’s *Porcelain Battle*, a haunting tribute to the resilience of the human spirit filmed by peculiar civilians in war-torn Ukraine. This doc has been racking up awards left and proper, and after watching it, you’ll perceive why.
For many who love an excellent brief, VIFF’s received you lined with a stunning array of narratives, documentaries, and even an animated gem or two. And with the addition of the Native Highlight class, you’ll get a style of Vashon’s very personal filmmaking expertise, together with the world premiere of Emily Moss Wilson’s *Inheritance*. There’s additionally the native brief movie competitors shortCUTZ, the place one fortunate filmmaker will snag a yr of free haircuts—speak about cutting-edge prizes!
Now, let’s speak tickets. In the event you’re able to dive into the cinematic feast that’s VIFF, single screening tickets are up for grabs, however transfer quick, —these tickets are hotter than a Hollywood premiere. For these of you who can’t resist a full competition immersion, VFI members can snag an all-access move for a cool $79.99, which incorporates entry to all screenings and people fabulous Backlot occasions.
As Sayre places it, “Our dedication at VIFF stays to high quality, which I really feel assured our program displays. On this manner, we’re in a position to mirror the expertise supplied at main festivals. The distinction is we do it in shorts and sweatpants as a substitute of black tie apparel—what you may name ‘island informal.’” I don’t find out about you, however I’m all in for high quality, consolation, and a cinematic expertise that’s as intimate as it’s extraordinary.
So, there you’ve got it, of us—a sneak peek at what guarantees to be a movie competition to recollect. Whether or not you’re an indie movie aficionado or simply searching for a superb time, VIFF is the place you’ll wish to be this August. Seize your popcorn, darling, as a result of that is one reel experience you received’t wish to miss!
