United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, human rights activist and award-winning actor Danny Glover kicks off the Port Townsend Film Festival Friday, September 21, with two special events.
Glover first speaks to an audience about human rights, illuminated by the soft light filtered through stained glass windows at the 1880-era First Presbyterian Church, Friday, September 21 at 1;30 pm. He will be joined in the sanctuary by Rais Bhuiyan, who survived a random gunshot to the head from a shooter targeting people he suspected were Muslims. Admission is free, but be there early to get a place in line.
Glover’s second appearance will be at the American Legion Theatre after his screening of “To Sleep with Anger,” Friday, September 21, at 6:30 pm. This event is limited to Festival pass holders only. A single-pass is $40.
Highlights of the three-day weekend include three special screenings: a single screening Saturday of the Buster Keaton silent film “Steamboat Bill, Jr.,” with original live music played by two former members of Ranch Romance; a second film, “Eyes of the Totem,” filmed at a studio in Tacoma in 1924, screens Friday and Saturday. Lost for year, “Eyes of the Totem” was discovered and restored, then scored by Tacoma composer John Christopher Bayman, who will attend for Q & A.
Rais Bhuiyan, who opens the Festival conversation with Glover, appears again Sunday with a series of short films, “The Secret Life of Muslims.” These films will be screened throughout the weekend prior to feature films. He attends the festival with more than 60 filmmakers from around the world.
After dark, Taylor Street becomes an outdoor movie theatre, with kid-friendly films and free admission. Friday night see the animated version of “The Lion King,” Saturday, see “The Princess Bride” and Sunday, the Festival screens the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night.” All screenings begin at 7:30 pm, with straw-bale seating provided. Bring your lawn chairs and put them up early to guarantee a seat.
Over 90 documentary and narrative films will screen in seven theatres with 11,000 seats. A complete listing of films and their trailers, more special events and online pass sales are at www.ptfilmfest.com.