Editor’s Note:

 The 9^th Annual Rainier Independent Film Festival will be held next weekend, May 15-17, in various locations in Ashford, WA, and it’s a stellar undertaking. Besides the excellent films, the great number of film folk milling about for questions and answers is a special treat. The Mountain News covered the festival a few years ago, and learned how professional and entertaining this film fete truly is, so, we’ll be back again this year.

In the meantime, here is the official announcement from Andrea Edmondson, the festival’s assistant director:

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 ASHFORD, WA – Rainier Independent Film Festival (May 15-17) announces its official line-up, including over 38 dynamic films spanning a variety of genres and topics.

 In its 9th year, the Rainier Independent Film Festival is dedicated to providing a venue for independent filmmakers to have their films screened in the tranquil area surrounding Mount Rainier. Mixing films, workshops and the laid-back setting of the area, this festival is unique as a opportunity to meet and mingle with film industry people outside of the hustle and bustle typically associated with the business.

Located in the shadow of Mount Rainier, the Ashford Valley provides the perfect setting for this festival. Our screening venues include the Mt. Rainier Lions Theater and the Cine-Yurt at Wellspring. All projection is shown in the latest digital technology.

Complete with international, national, and regional film selections the festival is a unique experience.

RIFF organizers are welcoming several filmmakers to the festival, including two returning veteran filmmakers from RIFF.

“The Shoot” is the third film the Adams Family has had at RIFF, and two years ago their film “Knuckle Jack” won Best Audience Award.

John and LuLu Adams will be in attendance for “The Shoot,” which screens on Saturday night at 7PM.

This year’s opening night film, “Booze, Boys, and Brownies” written, directed and performed in by Veronica Mannion is a lively, modern musical that takes a humorous look at a young actresses foes and follies as she tries to make her way through a busy but entertaining life. Veronica will be in attendance for a post-film discussion following the 7:00 pm screening on Friday, May 15th, at the Ashford Lions Theater.

 Other films with filmmakers in attendance include the closing night films, “Wildlike” and “Land of Leopold.”

Among the documentaries playing at RIFF this year is the much talked about -and award winning environmental film – “Growing Local,” which plays at noon on Saturday.

This is the fifth year that RIFF has combined efforts with the guest curator, Warren Etheredge, and look for Warren’s films on Saturday, May 16th, at the Mt. Rainier Lions Theater from 1 pm -5 pm, and on Sunday from 2 pm – 4 pm.

In addition, Etheredge will lead a workshop on Sunday, May 17 at 12 pm at the Mt. Rainier Lions Theater in Ashford, titled, “Don’t Shoot The Messenger.”

With a wealth of knowledge and an entertaining presenter Warren will examine cinematography – what works, what doesn’t, and why. As a result, his workshops are always a favorite part of the festival.

Rounding out the festival weekend will be the closing night films “Wildlike” at 4 pm, followed by “Land of Leopold” at 6 pm. Both of these films will have filmmakers in attendance.

Festival Awards will be presented following the closing night screening, including Best Student Film, Best Short Documentary, Best Full Length Documentary, Best Narrative Short, Best Feature, and Audience Favorite.

For more information and the full festival schedule visit http://www.RainierFilmFest.com. For movie or workshop tickets go online to (www.RainierFilmFest.com) or in person at the Whittaker’s Motel in Ashford.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Rainier Mountaineering, Inc., The Warren Report, Reel NW KCTS 9, Audio Visual Factory Productions,The Harmon Brewery & Eatery, Mt. Rainier Visitor Association, Guest Services, Inc