The annual Friday Harbor Documentary Film Festival (FHFF) presents a four-day festival filled with exciting special events. It showcases screenings of 15 feature-length documentaries and blocks of short films across four venues in the heart of town. Films fall into three thematic categories: Tales from the Heart, Explorers & Adventures, and Things to Consider. Most screenings include a Q&A session with the filmmaker. The Young Filmmakers Showcase highlights the work of students aged 13-17 and 18-26 years.

Special events include:
• The Opening Night Gala Honoring Filmmakers is a not-to-be-missed festive evening that celebrates all filmmakers in attendance! Following time to enjoy food and drinks, the program includes a video introducing our filmmakers and showcasing all of their films that will be screened at the festival. A highlight of the evening is presentation of the Andrew V. McLaglen Lifetime Achievement Award honoring a person who has made outstanding contributions to raising the general public’s awareness of important issues, either through activism or filmmaking. The evening concludes with viewing one of the festival’s most intriguing feature films.
• The Filmmakers Forum - The relaxed, informal Filmmakers’ Forum provides you with the opportunity to learn about the art of filmmaking -- how films are planned, filmed, and produced – from the people who made this year’s films. Visiting filmmakers participate in a lively discussion of their experiences creating the fabulous documentaries being screened at the festival. Audience members are welcome to enter the conversation, asking questions or offering comments.
• Awards Ceremony - Join us to celebrate the Festival’s best films as determined by votes from the audience! Audience Choice Awards are presented for Best Overall Feature, Best Explorers and Adventures, Best Things to Consider, Best Tales from the Heart, Best Short Film, and Best Young Filmmakers Showcase in 2 age groups. The Local Hero Award will honor a local person or organization who has made a significant impact on life in the San Juan Islands. The Best Overall Feature winner will be screened following the awards ceremony.

Plan now to visit Friday Harbor and enjoy all FHFF has to offer. See you at the movies!