Lights, Camera, Vashon! Explore the Dazzling Slate for VIFF 2024

Vashon Island Film Festival(VIFF) is the beating heart of the Pacific Northwest’s indie scene. The Vashon Film Institute (VFI) just rolled out their red carpet-worthy film slate for this year’s festival, running from August 8-11, and let me tell you, it’s a showstopper.

The third annual VIFF is set to light up the iconic Vashon Theatre with a curated selection of twelve features, ten shorts, and a new category spotlighting local talent. If you thought you’d seen it all, honey, think again. This festival isn’t just about watching movies—it’s about experiencing them. And with events like the Red Bicycle Awards Ceremony happening on Sunday, August 11, in the newly renovated outdoor pavilion at The Backlot, VIFF is pulling out all the stops to make sure this is an island event you won’t want to miss.

Mark Mathias Sayre, the mastermind behind VFI and a longtime Vashon resident, is the man with the plan. As the CEO of The Forge, a motion picture distributor, Sayre knows a thing or two about what makes a film festival sizzle. “I don’t envy our jury’s job,” Sayre quipped. “Our line-up is as strong as it’s ever been—it truly is the best of the best from this year’s festival season.” With a lineup this juicy, even the most seasoned festival-goer will be hard-pressed to choose just one film to indulge in. But hey, darling, that’s a dilemma I’m more than happy to have.

So, what cinematic treats are on the menu? For starters, VIFF will showcase seven narrative and five documentary features, with most making their Pacific Northwest premieres. Among them is *Bang Bang*, fresh from its World Premiere at Tribeca 2024, starring the incomparable Tim Blake Nelson. This one’s got all the makings of a classic with Nelson playing a retired pugilist haunted by his past. It’s been hailed as “the most satisfying movie at [the festival]” and “a career highlight” for Nelson, so you’ll definitely want a ringside seat for this.

Another standout is *Black Dog*, which captured hearts and the prestigious Palm Dog Grand Jury Prize at Cannes 2024. Directed by Guan Hu, it’s a North American premiere that takes you to the edge of the Gobi Desert where a man and a stray dog find solace in each other amidst the tumult of pre-Olympic China. If you’re craving something a little more mind-bending, *Fluxx*—the Grand Jury Prize winner at Malibu Film Festival—will have you questioning reality as famed actress Vada Pierce (Shelley Hennig) races against time to piece together a terrifying mystery.

And let’s not forget the documentaries that will shake you to your core. *Bastards of Soul* follows the meteoric rise—and tragic end—of the band Bastards of Soul. It’s a soulful exploration of fame, loss, and the enduring power of music that’s already garnered accolades at the Dallas International Film Festival. Then there’s *Porcelain War*, a haunting tribute to the resilience of the human spirit filmed by ordinary civilians in war-torn Ukraine. This doc has been racking up awards left and right, and after watching it, you’ll understand why.

For those who love a good short, VIFF’s got you covered with a dazzling array of narratives, documentaries, and even an animated gem or two. And with the addition of the Local Spotlight category, you’ll get a taste of Vashon’s very own filmmaking talent, including the world premiere of Emily Moss Wilson’s *Inheritance*. There’s also the local short film competition shortCUTZ, where one lucky filmmaker will snag a year of free haircuts—talk about cutting-edge prizes!

Now, let’s talk tickets. If you’re ready to dive into the cinematic feast that is VIFF, single screening tickets are up for grabs, but move fast, —these tickets are hotter than a Hollywood premiere. For those of you who can’t resist a full festival immersion, VFI members can snag an all-access pass for a cool $79.99, which includes entry to all screenings and those fabulous Backlot events.

As Sayre puts it, “Our commitment at VIFF remains to quality, which I feel confident our program reflects. In this way, we are able to mirror the experience offered at major festivals. The difference is we do it in shorts and sweatpants instead of black tie attire—what you might call ‘island casual.’” I don’t know about you, but I’m all in for quality, comfort, and a cinematic experience that’s as intimate as it is extraordinary.

So, there you have it, folks—a sneak peek at what promises to be a film festival to remember. Whether you’re an indie film aficionado or just looking for a fabulous time, VIFF is where you’ll want to be this August. Grab your popcorn, darling, because this is one reel ride you won’t want to miss!