The Tumbleweed Film Festival takes place in Oroville, WA from Thursday, July 30 to Saturday, Aug. 1.
Dedicated film fans from Osoyoos are invited to cross the border this weekend to attend the sixth annual Tumbleweed Film Festival.
“We always get good support from Osoyoos and we’re expecting the same again this year,” said Seattle’s Geoff Klein, the co-founder of the Tumbleweed Film Festival, along with business partner Maureen Fine.
Washington’s most unique film festival returns to Oroville this coming weekend where more than 40 American and international short films will be presented, said Klein.
Klein and Fine brought Tumbleweed Film Festival to Osoyoos and the small theatre at the Nk’ Mip Desert Cultural Centre for two years in 2012 and 2013 and are strongly considering a return for next summer, said Klein.
“Ideally, we would like to come back to Osoyoos next year and we will be looking at ways to make it happen,” he said.
This year’s film festival will take place over three nights and feature different short films from around the world starting Thursday, July 30 and continue through until Saturday, Aug. 1.
The opening night gala will once again take place at Pastime Bar and Grill. There will also be a separate Family Film Night on Thursday in the auditorium at Oroville Secondary School.
At the reception at Pastime Bar and Grill, which includes an ample variety of appetizers, guests will enjoy a special screening of films at Vicki’s Back Door.
The venue then switches to Alpine Brewing Company on Friday and wraps up Saturday at Esther Bricques Winery.
“To have three unique and separate venues is very unique and appealing to most of the people who attend our festival,” he said. “There is more of a party atmosphere on opening night and Friday evening and then more serious film fans can take in the great international films we’ll have on display at a beautiful Okanogan winery on Saturday.”
Each evening will feature different films and the festival lineup is always comprised of a mix of comedies, dramas, documentaries and animation.
This year’s offerings include films from the U.S., Spain, England, Portugal, France, Australia, Argentina and Kenya.
The opening night reception begins at 5 p.m. with films starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and may be reserved online or in-person at the Pastime Bar and Grill.
The Family Night films in the Oroville High School auditorium will include action adventures, funny cartoons and even a love story. Movies start at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door or on the Tumbleweed website.
On Friday, July 31, the theme “Beers, Brats and Short Films” at the Alpine Brewing Company, where attendees may sample handcrafted German style beers or taste wines from some of the local wineries.
Attendees will also enjoy a BBQ dinner for purchase on the patio featuring the official “Wurst of the Fest”. Doors open at 5 p.m. and films start at 7 p.m. Attendees must be 21 or older. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door or on Tumbleweed’s website.
Saturday, Aug. 1 brings “Movies in the Vineyard” back to the Esther Bricques Winery, which hosts a special night of wines, award winning films and live music.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and films start at 7 p.m. Attendees under age 21 are welcome. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door or online at Tumbleweed’s website.
As a veteran independent filmmaker, Klein said Tumbleweed offers the opportunity for many talented people to showcase their work in a unique setting in front of appreciative crowds.
“The reality is many of the films that come to our festival might never be accepted into larger festivals and we provide an opportunity for these talented filmmakers to show their work in front of a captive audience,” he said. “They love coming to our festival.”
For more information or to secure tickets, you can send an email or visit www.tumbleweedfilmfest.com.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
