Filmmaker In Residence 2026

H. Nelson Tracey

Port Townsend Film Festival works to build both an invigorating annual festival where filmmakers, producers, and audiences connect and a year-round community where filmmakers thrive and grow.

In late May and early June, we are proud to host H. Nelson Tracey. (IMDb)

H. Nelson Tracey is a writer, director, and producer whose debut feature film Breakup Season played to two sold-out screenings at the 2024 Port Townsend Film Festival, and won both the Audience Award and a Jury Commendation for Screenwriting. The holiday-themed romantic dramedy was released in theaters and on digital after an extensive festival run, screening at 39 film festivals and winning 34 awards. Breakup Season is now available to stream on Amazon and Tubi.

In May 2021, Nelson was a Filmmaker in Residence at the Eastern Oregon Film Festival in La Grande, Oregon. It was here he initially developed Breakup Season, which would go on to be filmed in the same community 2 years later. Now, as the PTFF Filmmaker in Residence, he plans to continue that tradition of location-driven storytelling, using the residency to explore a new feature set in the Pacific Northwest. 

“My debut feature was born from a filmmaker residency, so I’m acutely aware of the impact designated creative time away from home can have on my process. I am over the moon to be returning to Port Townsend, a community that euphorically embraces indie film. Focused creative time is sacred, and I will treat it as such. This is the official launch of my sophomore feature. Folks, let’s make a movie!”

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Nelson graduated with a BFA in Film Production from Chapman University. He lives in Los Angeles. 

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The Port Townsend Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and welcomes tax-deductible donations to help bring this project to life. Funds contributed through this page go directly toward the development and production of this film as part of Nelson’s 2026 PTFF residency.

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We highly encourage connecting with Nelson’s work before, during, and after his Residency. 

Visitors are encouraged to sign up for updates, get involved, contribute to the project, or reach out about collaboration opportunities using the buttons below.

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Specific Requests For
Port Townsend Residents

In addition to general interest/support, Nelson is on the lookout for the following specifics from the Port Townsend community:

  • Filming Locations

    • A large Victorian style (or similar) historic home open to being used as a prospective filming location.

    • Wedding venues and event spaces open to being used as a prospective filming location.

    • Houses open to being used as a prospective filming location.

    • Shops & restaurants open to being used as a prospective filming location.

  • Actors/Performers

    • Towards the end of June, Nelson will be hosting a live screenplay reading of excerpts from pages written during the residency. Local actors of all types are encouraged to sign up and express interest in participation.

  • Donations

  • Sponsors

    • This film is going to be made with the support of our community. In addition to donations, we’re seeking individuals, businesses, and corporations who want to be involved in making a film at a sponsorship level. Contributions over $1000 or as in-kind support are encouraged to reach out to us directly before making a donation.

Contact Us Here to Get Involved

Please reach out using our contact form if you would like to be involved in any of these capacities.