Film Festival Boards
Board of Directors

Marilyn Owel, Board Member Emeritus 

What does the GHFF mean to you?
It means to me that Gig Harbor Film Festival is a gift to our community - and, the community is a gift to the Gig Harbor Film Festival.

What inspired you to become involved with the GHFF?
Theatre and music was great entertainment since Biblical times. We had theatre and music. We had actors, writers, musicians. However, a visionary brought them together with the technical people and a camera and the film industry was born. The first film industry was developed in the United States. The United States film industry added a great deal to our country.

What do you think GHFF will do for the community?
A film festival gives us entertainment, education, relaxation. The Gig Harbor Film Festival is a total part of our community. They are our volunteers. Our local community citizens are a part of the Gig Harbor Film Festival.

Marty Thacker, Executive Director & Board Member 

To be involved in the Gig Harbor Film Festival has given me the opportunity to show the love, care and beauty of our community. Not only for those of us fortunate to live here but for the tourist and our neighbors of Puget Sound. Gig Harbor is an enclave within a harbor that offers friendly smiles, cultural arts, boating, and all that makes our fishing town hum with love. I've had the opportunity to meet and speak with many filmmakers. They hear and learn quickly the care, appreciation and positive support that their films will be given. How exciting for them to learn their treasured work will be seen on a high tech, award winning, 10 screen Galaxy Theatre and appreciated by an articulate, intelligent, sophisticated community of film-enthusiasts. Each will have a chance, first hand, to view our beautiful town, enjoy those friendly smiles and warm handshakes. Now I ask? What more can a film festival ask? It takes a Harbor.... The Gig Harbor Film Festival...It does encompass me!! 'The Reel Gig....where the Harbor meets Hollywood'

Dianna Zentner, President 

As film enthusiasts it is easy to forget how privileged we are to be touched by the creative film makers of our day. Often we do not have the fortune to experience so many of the films that are out there which are not yet supported by the larger film distributors; so many great films that each of us may never experience. It is my hope with the Gig Harbor Film Festival that we will bring some of those unfamiliar, but incredible works of art to this community. In the Puget Sound area alone there are some truly creative films and amazing film makers that we hope to highlight at this year’s festival. I hope you enjoy the Festival and all it has to offer, and that your personal experience at the Gig Harbor Film Festival will go beyond enjoying a few good films.

Paula Lillard, Vice President 

Film has played a major role in my life. As a child I loved going to the Saturday morning matinees with my sister where $.50 got us into the movie and bought popcorn and soda. For me a movie is a place to get away from the stress of my life; it has always given me a place to escape for a short period of time and recharge my batteries. The Festival allows me to express my love for an art form as it provides me an opportunity to use that enthusiasm to create something for the community to enjoy. (Maybe inspiring others to escape into film as well!)

Dean Wilson, Secretary 

The GHFF is a unique opportunity to become involved with cinema more as a “participant” instead of just being another member of the audience. I believe the GHFF will be of great benefit to the community by expanding awareness of the cinematic arts, especially in building interest among youth for the many aspects of cinema. My background in grant writing and non-profit organizations are the skills I bring to GHFF and it’s been great to be part of a fledgling, but very promising organizational team with both the aspirations and inspirations to pull off a great event.

Angie Picchi, Treasurer 

I have always been involved in volunteering and taking an active part in a worthwhile project. The Gig Harbor Film Festival fits perfectly in my life style giving me the opportunity for enjoying film, people and my community.

Betty Felker, Director 

I feel it is very timely to have the film festival as part of the culture of the growing community. There are many enriching films being made by young artists that can educate on world issues, environment and issues involving youth and families. Gig Harbor is growing and ready for an exciting new venue in our community. It will provide venues for learning and education in interesting subjects, opportunities for families to view films together and have good family discussions, and a new venue for creative projects to be shared by community members.

Karen Ashton, Director