Olympia Film Society presents incredible lineup of screenings, events, guests and a kick-ass gala that is the 29th annual Olympia Film Festival.

The Opening Night Gala will match previous year's spectacles. The "Glam Gala" gets fabulous at 6 p.m. with glamorous costumes galore. The gala includes a screening of Velvet Goldmine that includes a VIP reception with director Todd Haynes.

"He's one of my favorite directors," admits Olympia Film Festival Director Lisa Hurwitz, who has been in this position since June and a member of OFS for three years. "I guess that's one of the perks of the job."

Other highlights of the event include annual favorite All Freakin Night featuring five freaky films to chill you, Locals Only filmmaker showcase, a kung-fu double feature with Crippled Avengers and Fist of White Lotus, House of Wax presented in 3D, special kids' films and the Best of the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

A first-ever Olympia Film festival lifetime achievement award will be presented to two people. Comedian, actor and writer Fred Williard will be honored at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13. On closing night, Philip Kaufman - whose greatest success has been the film The Right Stuff, which received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture - will be honored.

"Olympia Film Fest is the annual centerpiece for OFS, and one of the biggest events on Olympia's arts calendar," says Hurwitz. "For being such a small town, this event has such a world-class lineup."

For a complete listing or for tickets visit www.olympiafilmsociety.org.

CAPITOL THEATER, NOV. 9-18, $7-$10 SINGLE TICKETS, PASSES AVAILABLE, 206 E. FIFTH AVE., OLYMPIA, 360.754.6670

LINK: 2012 Olympia Film Festival schedule