Courtney Tait
Courtney Tait is a writer from Victoria, B.C. who lives in Portland. Read More
POW Film Fest
Enjoy films by more than 50 female and non-binary directors from around the world.
Courtney Tait
Courtney Tait is a writer from Victoria, B.C. who lives in Portland. Read More
If the future is female, then Portland’s four-day POW Film Fest, held each March, is ahead of its time. POW Film Fest is recognized as one of the nation’s top women’s film festivals, showcasing films by female and non-binary directors, along with hosting filmmaker workshops and moderated panels.
Background
“A lot of people have this preconceived notion that it’s going to be a bunch of romantic comedies, and it’s not,” said former POW Film Fest Executive Director Tara Johnson-Medinger. “We have a variety of topics, themes and ages of women producing the films.”
A film producer herself, Johnson-Medinger was aware of women’s lack of representation in filmmaking when she rebooted the festival in 2008. (The festival had been on hiatus after its original launch in 2003.) In an industry where just 7% of directors are female, POW Film Fest brings visibility to films directed by women and non-binary directors. “Our mission is to provide space where women can thrive as media makers,” she said.
The Main Event
POW Film Fest receives between 500 and 1,000 entries each year, with 35 films typically chosen for screening. The festival invites attendees to experience cinema crafted by seasoned and up-and-coming filmmakers alike at various venues in Portland, including the historic Hollywood Theatre. (As an added bonus, you can indulge in pizza, beer, wine or kombucha while viewing.)
“It’s a fun night out with friends and [it] can open your eyes to other cultures,” said Johnson-Medinger. “There’s a lot of buzz and people wanting to hang out and have conversations after each film.”
Education
Along with narrative and documentary features and shorts from around the globe, POW Film Fest screens short films created in POWGirls workshops. These courses teach girls ages 15–19 skills in video production, cinematography and other aspects of filmmaking. Part of the festival’s educational efforts, the workshops provide female youth with strong instruction and support in their filmmaking endeavors.
The festival “is for anyone interested in engaging with really good stories and supporting the next generation of women leaders and directors,” said Johnson-Medinger. (And yes, this includes men, who are encouraged to attend!)
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