Ninth annual Tacoma Film Festival begins Oct. 9
Matthew Salzano, A&E Editor
The 2014 Tacoma Film Festival (TFF) has something for every moviegoer. Fans of any genre will find something they like in the week-long film festival packed with 100 different films.
This is the biggest year yet for TFF. TFF Marketing Manager Zach Powers said it keeps growing every year, like any good art festival.
The films have never been shown before in the South Sound region, and many showings will be accompanied by filmmakers.
“I don’t think anyone who enjoys film as an art medium will have any trouble finding a few films that they’re excited about,” Powers said.
The films aren’t the only exciting part. This year, TFF will be joined by Leonard Maltin, legendary film critic and historian. He is famous for his regular contributions in Comcast Cable and television shows such as “Entertainment Tonight.” TFF organizers hope that Maltin is the beginning of a trend of national names to vist TFF.
Maltin is attending two events, welcoming guests on Friday night and signing books on Saturday. Tickets are limited and available online. Powers described Maltin’s visit as exciting and a great representative of what TFF strives to be about.
“Film discussion and film as a tool to kickstart discussion is hugely important to us at (TFF),” Powers said. “Leonard Maltin really, really embodies that. His life work embodies that.”
Showings are held from Oct. 9 to Oct. 16 in four locations: The Grand Cinema, Tacoma Community College, University of Washington Tacoma and the Museum of Glass.
Programs are available at The Grand Cinema and online at http://www.tacomafilmfestival.com/.
TFF also features several exciting events throughout the festival. Before the event officially kicks off, Animator Benson Shum of 253Film will present an animation master class. Shum has worked on films such as “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” “Wreck-it Ralph” and “Frozen.” The event will be held at The Grand Cinema at 7 p.m. Oct. 4.
The Grand Cinema will kick off the festival with “Laggies,” a romantic comedy directed by Seattleite Lynn Shelton starring Keira Knightley, Sam Rockwell and Chloe Grace Moretz, at 7 p.m. Oct. 9. “Laggies” was filmed in Seattle and blends local culture with national recognition.
After viewing the film, guests can head to The Old Rector Building and enjoy a cash bar, music and good company at the Opening Night Mixer. The film screening costs $11.
Whether an Art major, a Biology student or a soon-to-be nurse, every Lute is sure to find something to enjoy.
