Rocky Friedman, Linda Yakush, Jim Ewing, and Jim Westall hatched their idea for a hometown film festival with one goal in mind: it should have something for everyone. Peter Simpson, writer, poet, and film lover joined them, and in year five, became the first Executive Director.

Launching with the motto "A film lover's block party celebrating great films and filmmakers,” the first Port Townsend Film Festival launched on September 22, 2000. They closed off Taylor Street and brought in hay bale seating for an evening of free outdoor movies, opened three indoor movie venues, and screened 24 documentary, feature, and short films over three days and nights.

More than two and a half decades later, the people of Port Townsend still love their Film Festival. Every year, the word of just how special it is travels just a little further. The waves of creative, diverse moviemakers and moviegoers converge… and so the film lover’s party goes on!