Celebrating 10 years of ground-breaking films on Orcas Island

By Colleen Smith • October 2, 2024 1:30 am
A scene from “Conclave.” A scene from “Conclave.” “Conclave.” Oscar nominees Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci along with John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini lead a brilliant cast in Academy Award-winning director Edward Berger’s thrilling adaption of Robert Harris’ high-stakes drama, in which Cardinals gather at the Vatican to elect a new Pope. “Conclave.” Oscar nominees Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci along with John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini lead a brilliant cast in Academy Award-winning director Edward Berger’s thrilling adaption of Robert Harris’ high-stakes drama, in which Cardinals gather at the Vatican to elect a new Pope.
A scene from “Conclave.” A scene from “Conclave.” “Conclave.” Oscar nominees Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci along with John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini lead a brilliant cast in Academy Award-winning director Edward Berger’s thrilling adaption of Robert Harris’ high-stakes drama, in which Cardinals gather at the Vatican to elect a new Pope. “Conclave.” Oscar nominees Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci along with John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini lead a brilliant cast in Academy Award-winning director Edward Berger’s thrilling adaption of Robert Harris’ high-stakes drama, in which Cardinals gather at the Vatican to elect a new Pope.

The biggest little film festival is celebrating a decade.

Marking years of breathtaking visuals, thought-provoking stories, and unforgettable cinematic moments, the Orcas Island Film Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It was voted one of USA TODAY’s top 10 film festivals in the nation and has become a must-attend event for film enthusiasts from around the country who make their annual pilgrimage to the island in October.

“This is a huge milestone for us. OIFF has become the vibrant cultural event we envisioned, and I can’t wait to celebrate with our team and the film lovers who’ve supported us,” said co-director Donna Laslo.

This year’s films will be shown from Oct. 16-20. Attendees will have the exclusive chance to see these films before their official theatrical release and the opportunity to connect with filmmakers and fellow film lovers. Viewers can also partake in Q&As, panel discussions and late-night parties. Movies are shown at the Seaview Theatre or Orcas Center.

This year’s festival showcases 40 of the most buzzworthy films of the year, with many Oscar submissions and contenders. The lineup includes 31 feature films, eight documentaries, two animated features and one short film, representing more than 20 countries, all hand-picked by chief curator Carl Spence from prestigious festivals like Cannes, Venice, Sundance, Telluride, and Toronto.

“When we started this festival 10 years ago, our goal was to showcase the best in cinema,” said Spence. “Each year, the festival has exceeded expectations, and for 2024, we have our strongest lineup yet—40 extraordinary films from around the world. These films inspire, bridge understanding, bring joy, and remind us how much we have in common. I’m excited to share them with our audiences this year.”

Kicking off the festival is “Holy Cow!” an award-winning gem from the Cannes Film Festival. This heartwarming, coming-of-age tale set in the Comté cheese region of France is a delightful ode to the love of cheese. First-time director Louise Courvoisier will introduce the film in person. She is also this year’s recipient of the $10,000 Jean-Marc Vallée Vanguard Award, an unrestricted cash grant recognizing emerging filmmakers with distinct artistic talent.

Closing the festival is “September 5,” a sleeper hit from the Venice and Telluride film festivals. Starring Peter Sarsgaard and Leonie Benesch, this powerful drama promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences and solidify its place among this year’s cinematic standouts.

Oddfellows Hall will serve as the central hub for events during the festival. During the opening night Red Carpet Soiree on Oct. 16, guests can meet and greet visiting artists, directors, writers, actors and producer. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and be camera-ready for photo ops.

On Oct. 18, Oddfellows Hall will be reimagined as Club Deep Dive, an under-the-sea-themed dance and hangout party. The party festivities continue on Saturday night with “Diamonds Are Forever: A 007 Affair,” a James Bond-inspired dance club of elegance and intrigue. As the night unfolds, indulge in late-night bites or be swept to your feet by the infectious beats curated by the legendary DJ CARE and music pioneer Bruce Pavitt.

All parties are $10 and open to the public and are free for OIFF pass holders. Passes are now on sale at www.oifilmfest.org. Single ticket sales start on Oct. 4.

At OIFF, organizers believe everyone should enjoy the magic of cinema, regardless of finances. If ticket prices are a concern, email info@oifilmfest.org for grant-supported tickets and discounts.

A scene from “Ernest Cole, Lost and Found.” A scene from “Ernest Cole, Lost and Found.” Drawing upon a trove of unpublished images, this moving portrait of South African photographer Ernest Cole from director Raoul Peckchronicles the life of an artist in exile.

A scene from “Ernest Cole, Lost and Found.” A scene from “Ernest Cole, Lost and Found.” Drawing upon a trove of unpublished images, this moving portrait of South African photographer Ernest Cole from director Raoul Peckchronicles the life of an artist in exile.

A scene from “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point.” A scene from “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point.” Tyler Taormina‘s delightful bauble chronicles a Christmas Eve get-together for the members of an eccentric Italian-American family. Infused with Frank Sinatra and 60s pop and starring Michael Cera, Francesca Scorsese, and Sawyer Spielberg.

A scene from “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point.” A scene from “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point.” Tyler Taormina‘s delightful bauble chronicles a Christmas Eve get-together for the members of an eccentric Italian-American family. Infused with Frank Sinatra and 60s pop and starring Michael Cera, Francesca Scorsese, and Sawyer Spielberg.

”Room Next Door.” Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore star in this visually exquisite and intimate adaptation of What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez, Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language feature. Winner Golden Lion, Venice Film Festival.

”Room Next Door.” Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore star in this visually exquisite and intimate adaptation of What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez, Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language feature. Winner Golden Lion, Venice Film Festival.