Curtains were rolled, popcorn was popped, and dancefloors were filled – the Opening Night for the 20th Annual Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival was a success! As hundreds of moviegoers from the gay and lesbian community gathered at Capitol Hill’s Egyptian Theater to celebrate film, Washington Filmworks joined in on the important evening and asked attendees why they feel film is important to Washington State. Here are a few of their thoughts!
Photo credit: Washington Filmworks
Brad Wilke, Filmmaker: “Film is important to Washington State for a number of reasons. With communication quickly becoming dominated by visual elements, as opposed to textual, filmmakers – specifically WA state filmmakers – have a rare opportunity to position themselves at the cutting edge of this systemic shift by pushing both technical and storytelling boundaries in the spirit of the long and fruitful history of innovation here in our state. By working closely with our state’s entrepreneur and tech communities, filmmakers (and, in turn, the state’s economy) will be positioned to reap the digital and economic windfall that will accompany compelling stories well told.”
Cory Rodriguez, Three Dollar Bill Cinema: “Telling stories through the film medium is most important and necessary in both Washington State and the Pacific Northwest because the region has so much to offer. Not only is Washington full of gorgeous mountains, lush forests, and vast landscapes, it is also overflowing with diversity. From Spokane to Seattle and every city in between, there are people who want to share their opinions, their experiences, and their perceptions of the world. Film really does bring people together. With Washington continuing to grow in both population and influence, the need for community is as big as ever. Film can help make that possible here.”
Photo credit: Washington Filmworks
Cassie Wallender, Moviegoer: “Films in Washington equals tourism in Washington, which supports our local economy. It’s artistic, but absolutely practical too!”
Karen Ozmun, Screening Committee: “Art is an essential part of life – it freshens our spirit and brings our community together. Film is an integral part of this process, because there’s nothing like sitting in a theater and experiencing what is onscreen together with people next to you. Like all arts, film is an act of community cohesion – it glues us together emotionally, socially, and beyond.”
Sara Huey, Sara Huey Publicity & Promotions: “I love seeing Washington on the big screen and, as a member of the filmmaking community here, I’m always proud to see my friends’ work that depicts the beautiful place that we live.”
Photo credit: Washington Filmworks
The Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is happening now with nightly screenings and events. Learn more about the festival here and make sure to catch a few flicks before it ends on Sunday, October 18!