Thrillers aren’t the typical cinematic fare at film festivals, but then “Three of a Kind” and “Crimes of the Past” aren’t your typical thrillers.
Those are just two of 54 films playing this weekend at the Gig Harbor Film Festival at the Galaxy Theatre in Uptown Gig Harbor. On the bill are features, documentaries, shorts and kid films.
“Three of a Kind” was written and directed by Boise filmmaker Greg Green. The film’s high production values and noir qualities give it the look of something you might find at your local multiplex.
“A lot of people have said this isn’t your typical film festival film. It is quirky but not in a typical indie film way,” Green said.
The sexy, psychological feature follows a woman who is married to an abusive drug kingpin. Margot Kidder plays the man’s sister in a supporting role.
When he discovers his wife is having an affair, he assigns a femme fatale to kill her. Then things get really interesting.
“I grew up in a home where there was domestic violence. That isn’t why I made the film, but it’s certainly in the mix,” Green said.
The domestic violence angle has had an effect on audiences, he said. “Women have come forward and said, ‘I know this is a movie but this has changed my life.’”
The characters don’t wear white or black hats, Green said. “I made a conscious effort to make sure the character had shades of grey.”
The film shows at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Steve Edmiston is a Des Moines business and entertainment lawyer and filmmaker. A writer, producer and director of films, he’s had several at the Gig Harbor festival in its five-year run. This year, the festival will screen his “Crimes of the Past” and he’ll be moderating a panel on filmmaking.
“I have fallen in love with Gig Harbor’s film festival. I love it as a filmmaker, not just a fan,” Edmiston said.
“Crimes of the Past” was shot in Seattle as a hybrid spy thriller/family drama. The plot revolves around a deep cover ex-CIA operative who wants to reunite with his estranged daughter.
“That union puts them in jeopardy,” Edmiston said. The film stars David Rasche, Eric Roberts and Elisabeth Rohm. It shows at 5:40 p.m. Saturday.
On Sunday, Edmiston will moderate a panel discussion on filmmaking in the era of social media and portable hardware. Director Green will be one of the panelists.
“We’re in the middle of this evolution of how we experience film,” Edmiston said. “It wasn’t really that long ago when we watched film either on a television set or in a theater. You can watch a movie on your iPhone now.”
Edmiston said social media and film festivals are changing the relationship between filmmakers and their audiences.
“Film festivals literally remove the wall between the filmmaker and the audience member because the filmmaker can stand up after the film and talk to the audience.” The panel discussion is at 12:30 p.m. Sunday and is free.
Other film festival highlights include:
“Horse Soldiers of 9/11:” Narrated by actor Gary Sinise, this short tells the story of the first American troops on the ground in Afghanistan: small teams of U.S. Special Operations Forces riding horses into combat. The screening at 12:45 p.m. Saturday will be followed by a Q&A with director Alex Quade and a panel discussion with local military members.
Short Stack Kids Fest: Films just for kids will be shown 1-3 p.m. Sunday. A short stack of pancakes at nearby restaurant Green.House is included in the price (reservations required). Tickets are $6 for kids, no cost for accompanying parent.
Gig Harbor Film Festival
When: Today-Sunday
Where: The Galaxy Theatre in Uptown Gig Harbor, 4649 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Gig Harbor
Tickets: $8 adults; $6 seniors and students
Information: 253-851-FILM, gigharbor filmfestival.org
craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com 253-597-8541
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