40th Portland International Film Festival Celebrates World’s Filmmakers and Cinephiles

Northwest Film Center Director Bill Foster

Portland, OR. Northwest Film Center Director Bill Foster kicked off the XL Portland International Film Festival (PIFF) at a party in the Portland Art Museum’s Schnitzer Sculpture Court. The celebration on February 9th followed the opening night screening of Raoul Peck’s I Am Not Your Negro. Over three weeks in February, at various theatres in the area, fans choose from nearly 100 feature films and 60+ short films; some star big names like Kristen Steward and Cynthia Nixon. PIFF continues through February 25th. (Photo credit, Jason Quigley)

Click here for a link to the full PIFF schedule.

Paula Bernstein from Filmmaker Magazine with NW filmmakers Beth Federici and Alicia J. Rose.

The opening night reception for the 40th Portland International Film Festival was sold out.

Long-time NWFC Silver Screen Club Member and supporter Lisa Karplus

Representatives from Elk Cove Winery the Festival sponsor

(Photo by Jason Quigley www.photojq.com)

Here’s the trailer for one of the featured films to pique your interest. It’s called, The Olive Tree.

Personal Shopper is a thriller by Olivier Assayas starring Kristen Steward.

A Quiet Passion is the life story of the celebrated American poet Emily Dickinson (Cynthia Nixon), from her youth as a headstrong schoolgirl through to her reclusive adulthood, where poetry was solace.

Since 1977, the Portland International Film Festival has been the Northwest Film Center’s annual showcase of new world cinema. There are a host of different film categories from which to choose, including the following:

MASTERS

Exciting new works from some of the leading voices of national and world cinema—filmmakers whose singular bodies of work makes each new film a cause for special anticipation.

NEW DIRECTORS

While this year’s Festival is rich with new works by established masters, discovering the work of emerging talents is part of the discovery, too. These debuts and second features indicate that new cinema talents are thriving worldwide and hold great promise.

DOCUMENTARY VIEWS

This year’s non-fiction showcase offers fresh perspective on the world we live in and the fascinating people and stories that surround us. Some are masters, some emerging, but they share a passion to tell entertaining and enlightening stories from fascinating places.

GLOBAL PANORAMA

Capturing the imagination and praise of audiences world-wide, these compelling films tell stories that resonate beyond their borders, while offering insight into the unique cultures from which they emerge. A showcase of festival prizewinners, submissions for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, and the critically acclaimed for cinema lovers of all persuasions.

PIFF AFTER DARK

Our late night series at the Bagdad Theater offers special treats for adventurous devotees of genre, and genre-bending films that provocatively push boundaries. The late-night thrills for those that think they’ve see it all start at 10:30 pm and may keep you up even later.

WAYS OF SEEING

Bold, original, and aesthetically inventive new works pushing against the borders of cinematic expression, which in the process challenge our assumptions about the possibilities of image and sound, form and narrative.

ANIMATED WORLDS

Animated features and shorts that have charmed audiences world-wide.

FILMS FOR FAMILIES

Film lovers of all ages will be entertained by these films suitable for younger viewers.

SHORT CUTS

Short programs featuring over 50 memorable snapshots from around the world and here in Oregon.

Click here for a link to the full PIFF schedule.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.