Surrealist games were used by practitioners of the eponymous ‘school’ to disrupt conventional lines of thinking and idea-generating and come to “deeper truths”. Used by figures such as André Breton, René Magritte and Max Ernst, these games democratize the free-flowing uncertainty of surrealist thought and reveal each one of our inner artists. Use the password “localsightings” to post, view it full-screen, or see all participatory activities.

(Jessica Daugherty, Portland, OR, 2020, 5 min)

In which we reimagine the fate of Atreyu’s beloved horse, Artax, and he makes it out of the Swamp of Sadness alive. But first he must wade through the bog we are all in. This time, he makes it out – and so can we, dear friends.

(Tamar Tabori, Alan McTavish, Vancouver, BC, 2019, 9 min)

A journey of how routines, patterns, and cycles are a part of human behavior, and that by breaking a habit and practicing the opposite, we challenge what is normal.

(Caryn Cline, Linda Fenstermaker, Reed O’Beirne, Seattle,WA, 2020, 3 min)

The subtle movement of a dancer’s arms invites three panels of film into one frame in this micro-symphony of sounds and images.

(Ellison Shieh, Seattle, WA, 2020, 3 min)

An exploration of a second generation Taiwanese American’s disconnect with the homeland; an American upbringing and a childhood reimagined.

(Justine BP, Vancouver & Tofino, BC, 2019, 9 min)

An experimental documentary that explores the complex interactions between human beings and water.

(Melina Coumas, Portland, OR, 2019, 4 min)

Shot on 16mm, this film explores what home means to a young woman from a multi-cultural background. In Spanish with English subtitles.

(Nicole Baker, Portland, OR, 2020, 4 min)

A strange, melancholy travelogue through the post-human world.

(Miles Sprietsma, Portland, OR, 2020, 4 min)

Observations on the constant flux of coastline.

(Taylor L. Bednarz, Seattle, WA, 2020, 4 min)

A young man wrestles with understanding his identity while confined in his apartment.

(Emme Williamson, Olympia, WA, 2020, 4 min)

Created during the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine, this piece engages with the slippery nature of time and its emotional impacts.

(Chessa Casper, Seattle, WA, 2020, 7 min)

An audiovisual poem exploring time, gender, origins, transformation, and self-actualization.

Presented by Seattle’s Northwest Film Forum, the 23rd Annual Local Sightings Film Festival [Online] virtually showcases creative communities from throughout the Pacific Northwest. The 2020 program, which runs from September 18-27, features a competitive selection of curated shorts and feature film programs, inviting regional artists to experiment, break, and remake popular conceptions around filmmaking and film exhibition.

Local Sightings 2020 champions emerging and established talent, supports the regional film industry, and promotes diverse media as a critical tool for public engagement. This year’s festival also celebrates NWFF’s 25th Anniversary as an organization.

• FEATURE FILMS
• SHORT FILM PROGRAMS
• WORKSHOPS & PANELS
• SPECIAL EVENTS
• 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Vote for your favorite films by 12pm PDT on Closing Day, Sep. 27; BEST FEATURE and BEST SHORT winners receive a future screening opportunity at NWFF!