Olympia Film Festival
Washington State's most community-rooted film festival, held annually in November in Olympia, presenting adventurous independent and international cinema to the state capital's unusually politically engaged and arts-oriented community.
Overview
The Olympia Film Festival is Washington State's most community-rooted film festival. Founded in 1981 and held annually in November in Olympia -- Washington's state capital and home of Evergreen State College, one of the most progressive liberal arts colleges in the United States -- the festival presents adventurous independent and international cinema to one of the Pacific Northwest's most politically engaged communities.
Olympia's distinctive culture is shaped by Evergreen State College, which practices an unusual educational philosophy emphasizing interdisciplinary study, no grades, and student autonomy. The college's alumni community and its continuing influence on Olympia's arts scene gives the city a creative ferment that supports a film festival program emphasizing formal adventurousness and political engagement.
The festival operates through the Olympia Film Society, one of the Pacific Northwest's most active independent cinema organizations, which runs the Capitol Theater as a year-round independent cinema.
Key Sections
- International Feature Program -- adventurous world cinema
- American Independent Film -- US independent features
- Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
- Short Film Competition -- competitive short programs
- Pacific Northwest Film Showcase -- films by regional filmmakers
What Filmmakers Should Know
Olympia accepts open submissions. The Evergreen State community creates exceptional engagement with formally challenging and politically provocative cinema. For Pacific Northwest filmmakers, Olympia provides an important alternative to the Seattle-dominated regional film circuit.
Major Awards
- Audience Award -- voted by Olympia festival audiences
Festival History
Olympia Film Festival was founded in 1981 and has operated for over four decades as one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved community film events.
See Also
For Pacific Northwest festivals, see Film Festival Strategy. For the Seattle International Film Festival, see Seattle International Film Festival.
