Betty Felker, President

I feel it is very timely to have the film festival as part of the culture of the growing community. There are many enriching films being made by young artists that can educate on world issues, environment and issues involving youth and families. Gig Harbor is growing and ready for an exciting new venue in our community. It will provide venues for learning and education in interesting subjects, opportunities for families to view films together and have good family discussions, and a new venue for creative projects to be shared by community members.

Eva Bennison, Treasurer

Angie Picchi, Asst Treasurer

I have always been involved in volunteering and taking an active part in a worthwhile project. The Gig Harbor Film Festival fits perfectly in my life style giving me the opportunity for enjoying film, people and my community.

Holland Cohen, Secretary

Patty Jackson, Board Member

I am excited be part of the Gig Harbor Film Festival Board of Directors. Our beautiful landscape and the warm and welcoming ways of our residents make Gig Harbor the perfect venue for the festival. Throughout my life I have been an avid movie-goer. Films take you on a journey while never having to leave your seat. They tell great stories, make us laugh and cry, and often teach us important lessons. The GHFF will enhance our community both culturally and economically. So, if you haven’t joined us, yet…please plan to attend our Festival this year!

Marilyn Owel, Board Member & Co-Founder

What does the GHFF mean to you?
It means to me that Gig Harbor Film Festival is a gift to our community - and, the community is a gift to the Gig Harbor Film Festival.

What inspired you to become involved with the GHFF?
Theatre and music was great entertainment since Biblical times. We had theatre and music. We had actors, writers, musicians. However, a visionary brought them together with the technical people and a camera and the film industry was born. The first film industry was developed in the United States. The United States film industry added a great deal to our country.

SecretaryWhat do you think GHFF will do for the community?
A film festival gives us entertainment, education, relaxation. The Gig Harbor Film Festival is a total part of our community. They are our volunteers. Our local community citizens are a part of the Gig Harbor Film Festival.

Pat Schmidt, Board Member

I was so pleased and honored to asked to be a board member of the Gig Harbor Film Fest. The Film Fest adds a wonderful new dimension to GigHarbor. For those who are new or looking to relocate to GigHarbor, the Film Fest adds to our GigHarbor draw. To those of us who have lived here a long time, it is wonderful to have new things to feel passionate and proud of. GigHarbor has a Film Fest-not many communities the size of ours, can say that. Our goal is to bring filmmakers to Gig Harbor whose stories broaden our minds to engage, inspire, provoke and understand that all of us are connected and have a story to tell.

Scott Schoenen, Board Member

I am truly honored to be a part of the Gig Harbor Film Festival. Film, perhaps unlike any other artistic medium, has the ability to transform and reshape our perspectives on a mass scale. The Film maker’s ability to reach an audience and entertain, teach, and propose diverse viewpoints are essential elements to our growth as a community, and indeed, as a civilization. I am a strong believer in the plurality of thought, creative freedom and open expression. The Gig Harbor Film Festival only further supports those basic tenants of our culture. By participating in the arts generally, and the Gig Harbor Film Festival specifically, our community will continue to develop and grow in a way that is truly transformative. Thanks to all of you for your participation and support!

Marty Thacker, Executive Director & Co-Founder

To be involved in the Gig Harbor Film Festival has given me the opportunity to show the love, care and beauty of our community. Not only for those of us fortunate to live here but for the tourist and our neighbors of Puget Sound. Gig Harbor is an enclave within a harbor that offers friendly smiles, cultural arts, boating, and all that makes our fishing town hum with love. I've had the opportunity to meet and speak with many filmmakers. They hear and learn quickly the care, appreciation and positive support that their films will be given. How exciting for them to learn their treasured work will be seen on a high tech, award winning, 10 screen Galaxy Theatre and appreciated by an articulate, intelligent, sophisticated community of film-enthusiasts. Each will have a chance, first hand, to view our beautiful town, enjoy those friendly smiles and warm handshakes. Now I ask? What more can a film festival ask? It takes a Harbor.... The Gig Harbor Film Festival...It does encompass me!! 'The Reel Gig....where the Harbor meets Hollywood'.