How about a magic trick? Most films perform one; they conceal as much as they reveal. They have us so mesmerized by the world flashing onscreen that we barely tune in to that other world just beyond the frame, that of the film's creators. They cover up their own tracks so nicely, sacrificing their real stories to serve the fictions spun for an audience's enjoyment.
Well, the curtain comes down at this year's Tacoma Film Festival. From Oct. 6-13, The Grand Cinema will blanket this town in over one hundred shorts and features. All of us will find something worth seeing, I'm sure. But beyond keeping movie lovers happy, TFF exists for producers, actors, writers and directors. Many will come from near and far to mingle with viewers and share their works, as well as a part of themselves.
Tacoma Film Festival 2011
Venues: The Grand Cinema, Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma School of the Arts Theater, University of Puget Sound, Annie Wright School, UW Tacoma Carwein Auditorium, Blue Mouse Theatre
TacomaFilmFestival.com, 253.572.6062
Single Tickets: $8.50, $7 Grand Cinema member, $6.50 matinee, senior, student, military, $5 Grand Cinema members matinee
All acces festival pass $125, Weekend Pass $50
Opening Night: Thursday Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m., $15 Grand Cinema member, $20 non member
Awards Ceremony: Sunday, Oct. 9, 3 p.m., $8 Grand Cinema member, $10 non-member
Closing Night: Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m., $15 Grand Cinema member, $18 non-member
LINK: Three stories behind the stories