Parties, receptions, and the awards ceremony — everything happening around this year’s film lineup.
Get your palate warmed up for a mooo-ving Opening Night! Enjoy an artfully curated charcuterie spread from gather Gig Harbor and Street Cheese (Seattle), paired with local wine, beer, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. Then strike a pose for red carpet photos before settling in for the Opening Night film, The Big Cheese.
Directed by Sara Joe Wolansky — 86 minutes — PG-13
What is a “cheesemonger?” It's like a sommelier, but for cheese. It's less pretentious and more punk rock. In Europe, cheesemongering is a vaunted, prestigious career — but in America, cheesemongering usually means working minimum wage behind a grocery store counter.
Adam “Mr. Moo” Moskowitz wants to change things by coaching an underdog American team to victory at the Mondial du Fromage — the Olympics of cheese — in France.
The ragtag, tattooed Team USA has never won against the European cheese goliaths. Will this be the year?
We are honored to welcome special guests Courtney Johnson, the main subject of the film, and Nick Weiss-Richmond, Editor. Please join us for a lively Q&A moderated by alumni filmmaker Natalie Lynch. Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn more about cheesemongering from the best in the world!
Flash your VIP Pass and keep the Opening Night celebration going at Fondi! Enjoy authentic Italian flavors, light bites, and a selection of beer, wine, or a handcrafted cocktail. Relax on the outdoor fireside patio, mingle with fellow VIPs and filmmakers, and start planning your unforgettable festival weekend.
After a full day of cinematic discoveries, come meet the creative minds behind some of your new favorite films!
Enjoy delicious appetizers and dinner, refreshing libations, and warm hospitality at the beautiful waterfront home of GHFF Board Director Peter Morkill and his wife, Liz.
A beloved GHFF tradition, this unforgettable evening brings filmmakers and festival guests together for great food, lively conversation around the fire pit, and breathtaking sunsets.
Join us for a special day of workshops and conversation to help filmmakers deepen their knowledge, expand their network, and learn from accomplished working artists.
This year, our cozy space at the Kindship Studio means we can accommodate pre-registered filmmakers and VIP Passholders. We will have a limited number of seats available for VIP and GA Passholders as space permits.
10:00am–11:00am: Carving a Path from Vision to Screen
Longtime feature and documentary director Tamra Davis, whose documentary The Best Summer is featured in this year's festival, shares how to communicate your vision, pitch yourself effectively, and build the collaborations that get films made and seen.
11:30am–12:30pm: Shaping Performance from Casting to Cut
Prolific film and television actor Troy Metcalf and rising director Nick Hartanto explore how actors and directors use communication, shared language, and creative choices to shape performance. Their award-winning short film, Daly City, will be screened at this year's festival.
1:00pm–2:00pm: Digging for Storytelling Gold
Discovery Channel veteran Jerry McNutt, whose award-winning documentary Somehow Hopeful is featured in this year's festival, shares how to uncover stories worth pursuing, cut through the noise, and shape compelling work across genres.
2:30pm–3:30pm: Building a Life in Storytelling
Tamra Davis, Jerry McNutt, Troy Metcalf, Nick Hartanto, and Man or Mountain filmmaker Collin Monda come together for a candid conversation about the choices, unexpected turns, and collaborations that shape a creative life.
This approach also subtly communicates something special about the day: audiences can learn from these artists in the workshops and then encounter their work onscreen during the festival.
Hosted by Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor
Grab a Philly cheesesteak and get ready to rock! Enjoy an evening under the big tent with a DJ spinning iconic hits from American Bandstand. Dig into dinner, soak up the retro vibes, grab your dance shoes, and enjoy the night with fellow filmmakers, volunteers, and festival friends.
Start the final day of the festival with breakfast burritos, yogurt, and fresh fruit from Metropolitan Market, plus refreshing mimosas, tea, and Cutters Point coffee in the IMAX lobby. Special thanks to Kiwanis and the Galaxy Theatre team for hosting this beloved festival tradition.
Come celebrate the winning films and filmmakers! Join us in celebrating outstanding achievement across twelve film categories, with cash awards for filmmakers honoring the legacy of GHFF founder Marty Thacker. Returning this year, the Audience Choice Awards will be selected by festival guests!
Stay to cheer on the winners, then catch the award-winning films one more time at 11:15am, 11:30am, 1:45pm, and 2:00pm.
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