Tumbleweed Film Fest rolls back into town Aug. 4-6

Published 11:45 am Thursday, July 28, 2011

OROVILLE – Billing itself as “Washington’s most unique film fest,” the Tumbleweed Film Festival (TwFF) rolls its annual film festival back to Oroville Aug. 4, 5 and 6.

Tumbleweed, www.tumbleweedfilmfest.com, highlights films from around the world, as well as local wineries and breweries, which are turned into movie theaters for a night. Tumbleweed’s festival offers attendees the opportunity to watch seldom seen international films, while sampling locally made wines and beers.

This year’s festival includes three evening showings. Each night features different short films, ranging from comedy and drama, to documentaries and animation.

“This year we’ve had an influx of so many great films that we added an additional evening,” said Tumbleweed co-founder Mo Fine.

The festival kicks-off with an outdoor family night of films on Thursday, Aug. 4 at the Veranda Beach Resort.

“We wanted to bring back the nostalgia of the drive-in theater, where families can hang out together, under the stars, beside beautiful Lake Osoyoos and watch family friendly films,” said Geoff Klein, TwFF co-founder.

The event offers live music, a barbecue for purchase, as well as wine sampling by the area’s wineries. Doors open at 7 p.m. and films start at 9:30 pm. Tickets for films are $8 for individuals or $20 family packs.

On Friday, Aug. 5, TwFF turns the Alpine Brewing Co. into a movie theater for a night. Films include adult oriented comedies, a little drama and some twist and turns. Attendees may sample the brewery’s hand-crafted beers, or drink wines from four local wineries. A barbecue is available for purchase. Doors open at 5 p.m. and films start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 and all attendees must be 21 or older.

Saturday, Aug. 6 features a night of movies in the vineyards at the Esther Bricques Winery. Films include many thought-provoking shorts including some Oscar nominated shorts. The event offers light appetizers and features tastings of the winery’s vintages. Doors open at 5 p.m. and films start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8.

Festival founders Fine and Klein started the festival to combine their love of filmmaking with their love of Washington’s Okanogan Valley.

About Tumbleweed Film Festival: Tumbleweed Film Festival is a Washington State non-profit organization that is committed to bringing the art of storytelling, through filmmaking, to communities throughout the State of Washington and British Columbia. Visit www.tumbleweedfilmfest.com for more details on this year’s annual festival, as well as their on-going “Best of Fest” events.