Gig Harbor Film Festival Announces Lineup, Guests

The fourth annual has announced its lineup of films for the event, Oct. 14-16 with one additional film on Oct. 12.

Related: Download the program guide of films.

This year there are many intriguing opportunities to see incredible, award winning, independent productions, many of which include a Q&A or special comments by the director, producer or actors in the films. Some, not all, of these opportunities are listed below. To see the entire list and peak your interest for what passion lies within you, be sure to visit www.gigharborfilmfestival.org.

Finding Kind (Wednesday Oct. 12, 6 p.m. This film is free.)

Finding Kind is a film by Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson who say they’re on a mission to inspire people of all ages, but students in particular, to take up the cause of kindness. This film brings the issue of bullying to the screen, in a journey and quest to find a common ground in kindness and mutual respect

Waiting for a Train (Saturday Oct. 15 , 3 p.m. Multiple award winning film)

The engaging true story of Japanese emigrant Toshio Hirano, whose life was forever transformed by the music of country legend Jimmie Rodgers. Beautifully shot in historic locations, it follows Hirano’s epic journey from Tokyo to Tennessee to Texas and beyond on his mission for the love of bluegrass.

God's Country (Saturday, Oct. 15 10:30 a.m., with Director Chris Armstrong and actress Jenn Gotzon attending)

Shallow, materialist Los Angeles real estate agent/developer Meghan Daherty (Jenn Gotzon) is given the task by her boss, Mr. Whitaker (Daniel Hugh Kelly) of securing the title on a large parcel in the Mojave Desert property to be developed into a casino-themed resort for his clients. Her journey will amaze and inspire you as this piece of property, called God's Country ends up being developed as a full service campus for a Christian college.

Sons of War (Friday Oct. 14, 12:50 p.m., with Director Douglas P. Andonian attending)

Sons of War deals with the relationship that existed between the director and his father with regard to the father's service as a tank crew in Europe during World War II, the directors insatiable curiosity with respect to his father’s war experiences and the father's refusal to share any of that time of his life with his son.

Out of the Ashes 9/11 (Friday Oct. 14, 2:55 p.m., with Co-Directors Marilyn Berger attending)

On Sept. 11, approximately three thousand lives turned into ash. Eleven days after the terrorist attack, the federal government put in place the largest corporate bailout bill for the airlines and the most generous public entitlement program, the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund – steering victims away from the legal system and into the fund. Seven families are featured to show how this extraordinary event changed and challenged each and our country.

Homecoming (Sunday Oct. 16, 10 a.m., with Director Sean Hackett and Tim Larson attending)

Inspired, in part, by a true story, Homecoming tells the story of Estelle Szymanski, an Army medic who has not been to her Central Florida home in two years. Her 18 days leave journeys between pathos and humor as she attempts to reconnect with her lonely single mother and her directionless, yet noble friends. Watch a clip of the film here.

There are dozens of other films that are not mentioned here. Many of them are family-friendly, including the Sunday morning “Short Stack” breakfast and movies event, with free admission for kids with $6 per adult.

Three-day pass is $40, individual tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors, students and youth.

Learn more about the Gig Harbor Film Festival at www.gigharborfilmfestival.org.

Information courtesy of City of Gig Harbor and Gig Harbor Film Festival.