Welcome H. Nelson Tracey!
Our 2026 Filmmaker in Residence is
H. Nelson Tracey.
Port Townsend Film Festival works to build both an invigorating annual festival where we all make meaningful connections through film and a year-round, nationally-connected community where filmmakers thrive and grow. An integral part of building that community is our annual Filmmaker in Residency Program.
In late May and early June 2026, we are proud to be hosting H. Nelson Tracey. (IMDb). Nelson was chosen in large part because of his innovative approach to residency. Rather than treating his time in the Pacific Northwest as an escape from his normal LA-based life, Nelson is coming to Port Townsend to write a screenplay set in Port Townsend. While here, he also intends to start the groundwork for filming, with plans for a future film production. This direct involvement strategy worked wonders in the creation of his debut feature and has now inspired him to hone this process into an even more successful endeavor.
Nelson is reaching out already to community members interested in becoming involved in the production. When he’s not writing, research, meetings, and participation in other local film events will fill Nelson’s residency schedule. The excitement and planning will culminate with a public event on Friday, June 5, at 5:30pm at the Cotton Building.
For more information about getting involved in the production, see the PTFF website.
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.
Breakup Season was initially developed during a residency at Eastern Oregon Film Festival in La Grande, Oregon where it was filmed just two years later.
“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.
What some of Nelson’s fellow PTFF Filmmakers in Residence have to say about their experience:
“PTFF allowed the time and space to reflect deeply on our film edit. We treasured the honest feedback from the local community on our film cut as well, and made lasting relationships with cinema enthusiasts.”
Mo Scarpelli
rakefilms.com
2015 PTFF Film Fellowship (with Alexandria Bombach)
“The Port Townsend Artist in Residency is so much more than a typical artist’s retreat - it’s a warm embrace from a welcoming community. It’s an entire new world of experiences and conversations that can break open incredible ideas. We loved the creative freedom and we love Port Townsend!”
Lisa Klein and Doug Blush
madpixfilms.com
2020 PTFF Filmmakers in Residence
“With the active assistance of PTFF, we turned the artist in residence into a highly productive and extremely worthwhile 6 week workshop to develop a live musical theater piece, based on a documentary we showed at the festival. A group of 12 local volunteers participating with the PTFF staff was creative, dynamic and supportive. This wild idea was wonderful in every way.”
Gary Weimberg
lunaproductions.com
2019 PTFF Film Fellowship (with Catherine Ryan)
Our volunteer community is growing! Filling out the volunteer form (or sending in your updated waiver) is the easiest way to stay connected. It keeps you on our radar and ensures you’ll receive updates about the Festival, plus opportunities to gather and get involved throughout the spring and summer.
PTFF at Soundcheck Art & Music Festival
Be a Part of Soundcheck!
Soundcheck is looking for volunteers the weekend of Feb 27-March 1. Like being part of the party rather than just attending? Now’s your chance. Afternoon and evening shifts available on Friday and Saturday for assistance with the Info Table and the Spaghetti Dinner. Morning shifts on Sunday for the Info Table.
Save The Date!
27th Annual Port Townsend Film Festival is September 24-27, 2026