All Posts

Documentary filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their films to the 14th Annual Friday Harbor Film Festival, happening October 22–25, 2026 in Friday Harbor, Washington. Submissions are now open through August 1, 2026, with feature, short, and young filmmaker categories, engaging filmmaker Q&As, and a dedicated Filmmakers Forum.

The short documentary Lina. offers an intimate portrait of a six-year-old Ukrainian child and her family after their rescue from a Russian-occupied village. Screening January 30 at the San Juan Island Library and January 31 at the Lopez Island Grange, the film is paired with Checkpoint Zoo. The January 30 screening includes a special meet-and-greet with Executive Producer Silke Johnstone of The Humanity Funds.

Friday Harbor Film Festival is pleased to collaborate with San Juan Island Grange #966  on an upcoming community event that brings together documentary film, local knowledge, and hands-on learning around one of our region’s most important marine resources—seaweed. Taking place Thursday, January 15, from 5:00–7:30 PM  at the San Juan Island Grange, this evening is part of the Grange’s ongoing Lecture Series, which highlights timely topics connected to sustainability, food syst

Kick off Friday Harbor Film Festival’s 2026 Best of the Fest Series with a free double feature of Checkpoint Zoo and Lina., Audience Choice Award winners from FHFF 2025. Join us January 30 at the San Juan Island Library with filmmaker Silke Johnstone in person, and January 31 at the Lopez Island Grange with a special interview with director Joshua Zeman. Two powerful films, one unforgettable weekend.

Celebrate the New Year with FHFF’s 2026 Best of the Fest Series—free monthly documentary screenings from January through September on San Juan and Lopez Islands. Featuring audience-favorite films from the 2025 festival, plus live or pre-recorded filmmaker Q&As. Full Film Guide coming January 5.

Experience Counting Orca through two free online screenings presented by the Center for Whale Research. Learn about Dr. Ken Balcomb’s groundbreaking work with the Southern Resident killer whales, then stay for a live Q&A with the filmmakers and CWR researchers. Register for this special virtual event and discover ways to support ongoing orca conservation.

Discover the outstanding filmmakers and inspiring documentaries celebrated at the 2025 Friday Harbor Film Festival. 🎬 From Audience Choice winners to special honors like the Ken Balcomb Lifetime Achievement Award and Local Hero Award for Tina Whitman, the festival showcased exceptional talent and storytelling that inspire change.

With so many ways to experience the festival, we’ve designed pass options to fit every type of moviegoer — from couples who want the full weekend to families, day-trippers, and those planning just a few favorites. Explore the details of each pass type below, choose the one that fits your festival plans, buy your pass, and mark your calendar for when ticket reservations open for your pass type.

Discover the 13th Annual Friday Harbor Film Festival, Oct 23–26, 2025! With 34 features, 21 shorts, Young Filmmakers Showcase, and NEW reserved seating, this year’s lineup is our biggest yet. Explore key dates, passes, volunteer opportunities, and the new FHFF Ambassador program.

Don’t miss the free Best of the Fest screening of A Dream Takes Flight on Friday, August 22 at 7 PM! Follow aviator John Norman’s journey to build and fly a replica of Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis. Screenings take place simultaneously at the SJI Grange and Lopez Island Library, with a live Q&A featuring Norman in person at the Grange and streamed to Lopez. Presented by the Friday Harbor Film Festival. Learn more at FHFF.org.

On Tuesday, July 16, you are invited to experience the award-winning documentary film Resident Orca, which tells the story of Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut—also known as Tokitae or Lolita—and her decades in captivity far from her Salish Sea home.

This impactful art experience is offered in conjunction with our July 16 screening of the acclaimed documentary Resident Orca, chronicling the decades the Southern Resident orca Tokitae spent confined at the Miami Seaquarium and the dedicated efforts to secure her freedom.

This event brings together film, immersive experience, and expert insights to spotlight the heartbreaking story of Tokitae (Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut), a Southern Resident killer whale who spent her life in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium from her capture in 1970 until her death in August 2023.