Get your ferry pass ready because the Vashon Island Film Festival is back. Aside from its idyllic setting, the fest, which runs August 8 – 11, features critically acclaimed and award-winning films including a slate of seven features, five docs, and ten shorts. The fest also shines a spotlight on local talent, screening several short films and a full-length feature from area filmmakers.

What to watch

Among the feature films screening at VIFF is “Bang Bang,” directed by Vincent Grashaw and starring Tim Blake Nelson. It’s a grungy, gritty and intense tale about a former boxer that had festival goers raving at the Tribeca Film Festival. Also screening is the North American premiere of “Black Dog” – because who can’t resist a story about a man and his dog. Certainly not those at Cannes, as the film took home the ‘Un Certain Regard’ prize at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. This dark comedic tale unfolds against the backdrop of the Beijing Olympics preparations.

The psychological thriller “Fluxx,” starring Shelley Hennig, Shiloh Fernandez, and Tyrese Gibson, is a wild ride and not to be missed – especially if you’re into mind games. On a lighter note, “Griffin in Summer,” is a must-see at this year’s fest. The coming-of-age dramedy is another VIFF film that had a successful ride at Tribeca – hauling in awards for Best U.S. Narrative Feature, Best Screenplay, and Best New Narrative Director.

More award winners

Other notable entries include “I Saw the TV Glow,” directed by Jane Schoenbrun (of the indie horror hit “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair”). A darling with the critics, this film has been name checked as one of the best films of the year by some of the top cinema soothsayers. Another coming-of-age tale, albeit a little bit darker than “Griffin in Summer,” is the Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner for World Cinema, “Sujo,” which is set against the backdrop of cartel violence. “Swarm” (RÓJ), a Polish thriller about family isolation and conflict rounds out the impressive lineup of features.

The docs are equally engaging with the likes of “Porcelain War” – winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at Sundance – and “Resynator” which was the Audience Award winner for Best Documentary at the SXSW this year.  

The historic Vashon Theatre will host all of the festival screenings. The theater, which was built in 1946, will benefit from a new initiative established earlier this year by VIFF in partnership with the Vashon Film Institute to fund improvements to Vashon’s only movie theater.

After the screenings on Friday, the celebration continues with a live set from the hit cover band “90s Rewind.” And on Saturday, Seattle DJ Marco Collins will be on hand to make sure the festivities spill over well into the night.

The festival not only celebrates movies on the big screen but also serves as a great excuse to explore Vashon Island. A short ferry ride from Seattle and Tacoma, Vashon Island is the perfect place to kick back and take in the quintessential Pacific Northwest scenery. Plus, the food scene there will not leave you wanting in-between films.

For a complete film line-up and fest showtimes visit https://vashonislandfilmfestival.com/