Welcome to the Friday Harbor Film Festival

Entertain

Inspire

Enlighten

Be the Change

The exciting seventh annual Friday Harbor Film Festival, was held October 25-27, 2019 on San Juan Island, screened 31 documentary films, 23 short films, and a selection of films produced by student filmmakers.  Films were shown in 6 venues, all within an easy walk from the ferry landing, airport and port.  

Special events included the Opening Night Filmmakers Gala, during which the Andrew V. McLaglen Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Paul G. Allen for his extraordinary achievements in documentary filmmaking through his company, Vulcan Productions.  The informal Filmmakers Forum was held Saturday morning.  

The Festival closed on Sunday night with the Audience Choice Awards, honoring the best films - read about the winners here. The Local Hero Award was also presented to Joe Gaydos, founder of the SeaDoc Society. 

Each year the Festival invites dedicated, talented filmmakers to showcase their documentary films’ unique ability to entertain, inspire, and enlighten audiences while encouraging students to learn the art of storytelling through film.

It takes a small village to produce the Festival, which depends on the dedication of a group of extremely committed friends and neighbors who devote their time and energy to the event. They believe in the importance of conveying important and meaningful stories through film, as well as discussions with the filmmakers themselves.  

Come be a part of the next extraordinary Festival, October 23-25, 2020!

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Our office is located at 10 1st Street and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 1pm - 5pm.

A “double featured” WELCOME to our Film Festival Friends! 

Welcome to Friday Harbor in the spectacular Salish Sea! On behalf of the Mayor, Council, and citizens of our historic Town, I want to thank you for attending the seventh annual Friday Harbor Film Festival.

Duncan Wilson

Town Administrator, Friday Harbor

Each year we are fortunate to screen some of the greatest documentaries from around the world, presented in our eclectic and historic venues. While the films are clearly in the spotlight, there is much more to see and do while enjoying your time on San Juan Island.

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There are fabulous restaurants, beautiful lodgings, and abundant natural wonders to fill the senses. No visit is complete without viewing our resident orca population, discovering our many beaches or shopping in the downtown core.

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Friday Harbor is well known for the arts; offering a vast number of public displays and numerous art galleries and museums. Works of local artisans can be found throughout Town and at the weekly Saturday market in cozy Sunshine Alley.

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The Town would like to thank the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors who make the Friday Harbor Film Festival such a special time of year. We hope that you will visit often to enjoy our charm and hospitality!

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See you at the movies!!

Duncan Wilson
Friday Harbor Town Administrator
(360) 378‑2810
www.fridayharbor.org

Jay Inslee

Governor, State of Washington

As Governor of the state of Washington, it is an honor to welcome everyone to the annual Friday Harbor Film Festival in beautiful San Juan County.

The San Juan Islands are among the most beautiful places in the United States and provide a stunning backdrop for educational, entertaining, and thought-provoking films.

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Documentary films serve an important role in helping to entertain and inform people of all ages. As in previous years, I am sure the films showcased in this year’s Friday Harbor Film Festival will encourage viewers to think about the importance of protecting the environment, including the waters, islands, and shorelines that make up the San Juan region.

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Whether you are a local resident, a traveling Washingtonian, or visiting from out of state, I encourage you to soak up all that Friday Harbor has to offer during the Festival. With a cherished history, artistic amenities, and wonderful natural assets, there is something for everyone to enjoy during your stay.

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Congratulations on your event, and thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Friday Harbor Film Festival possible. I hope you enjoy the festivities and I wish you many years of continued success.

Jay Inslee, Governor
State of Washington
(360) 902‑4111
www.governor.wa.gov