“The impact of the Port Townsend Film Festival is about the stories our films tell and the rich resonance those stories find with our audiences,” festival executive director Danielle McClelland said.

The Port Townsend Film Festival is opening this week on Thursday, Sept. 22, but will also be online between Sept. 26-Oct. 2 for those people who would like to watch a range of films in the comfort of their own homes on their own schedules, alone or with a group.

“Independent filmmakers are looking to have a deep impact on a specific audience rather than the mass appeal of the studio productions,” McClelland said. “Our programmers are seeking out films they know will affect the people of Port Townsend and our guests.”

McClelland said the online version of the festival will have a total of 27 90-120 minute screening blocks: 22 of those are feature films and five of those are shorts blocks made up of a group of shorts that in total equal 90-120 minutes.

McClelland mentioned “Daughter of a Lost Bird” as “a very exciting film being offered online.” She said that “it has special significance for this area.” According to the film’s website (daughterofalostbird.com), “the story follows Kendra, an adult Native adoptee, as she reconnects with her birth family, discovers her Lummi heritage, and confronts issues of her own identity. Her singular story echoes many affected by the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Indian Adoption Project.”

See vimeo.com/533738588 for a trailer of “Daughter of a Lost Bird.”

Some filmmaker interviews are available only in the online film festival, included in the price of their films, while some films may only be viewed in person in Port Townsend.

“The great thing about the online festival is that you get access to unique interviews with the majority of the filmmakers,” McClelland said.

“Staff, community members, and film industry professionals host compelling conversations with the writers/directors/producers behind these amazing films.

“Many of the filmmaker interviews available online are with artists who are not able to be here in PT, so it is an added value, no doubt about it.”

For unlimited viewing, an online pass is $135, versus the $250 for unlimited in-person viewing. Single show passes are $15 for online viewing, $20 for in person attendance. Sale of the single online pass begins the day of the online festival, but other passes are available now.

Visit ptfilmfest.com for more information, a thorough listing and synopsis of each film and where and when it can be viewed, and to buy passes.

For specifics about online viewing, visit ptff2022.eventive.org/HowtoFest-virtual.