The envelope, please . . . – Winners named at PT film fest

PORT TOWNSEND — A documentary that brings to light the harsh life of child mine workers and a comedy that breaks through the crust of everyday life in Northern Alberta were the big winners in the sixth annual Port Townsend Film Festival.

Named best feature-length documentary, “The Devil’s Miner” follows 14-year Basilio Vargas as he works in a silver mine in Bolivia.

Produced and directed by Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani, it was chosen, the judges said, for both its close-up camera work and the appropriate emotional distance it maintained while depicting a harrowing way of life.

“This powerful film has met the mark,” said Robert Horton, reading the judges’ report.

Horton, Seattle film critic, hosted the breakfast, which was held at 9 a.m. at the Upstage Theatre & Restaurant.

Because of the early hour, none of the winners were immediately on hand to receive their awards and bouquets of flowers.

But Aaron Sorensen, who won best feature-length narrative film for “Hank Williams First Nation,” showed up in time to receive his award in person.

The film, which Sorensen wrote, directed and edited, is an intimate look at a family circle in a Cree Nation community that is broken when an elderly uncle decides he wants to go to Nashville to see Hank Williams’ grave.

His teenage great-nephew is conscripted to go with him, but instead of being a “road” movie, the film moves deftly back and forth between the two bus riders and the lives of people back home.

“Trout Grass,” directed and filmed by Ed George, won best short documentary.

More in Life

A GROWING CONCERN: For March veggie madness, make Brassica the star of your team

SO NEXT SUNDAY, March Madness starts and that following Tuesday is the… Continue reading

Pancake breakfast set for Saturday

The Kiwanis Club of Port Angeles will host a… Continue reading

Mary Kniskern, Sonny’s Spaw and Self Wash owner, shares a moment with Casey, a Great Dane who was rescued after suffering a gunshot wound and the effects of severe hunger in February. (Welfare for Animals Guild)
Great Dane shot in jaw recovering from wounds

Welfare for Animals celebrates event with community

ISSUES OF FAITH: A difference between knowing of and knowing

EASTER IS AROUND the corner, which means you can find those delicious… Continue reading

The Rev. Larry Schellink will present “The Pearl of Great Price” at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Schellink is the guest speaker at Unity in the Olympics, 2917 E. Myrtle Ave.
Weekend program scheduled for Unity in the Olympics

The Rev. Larry Schellink will present “The Pearl of… Continue reading

The Rev. Pam Douglas-Smith.
Unity in Port Townsend planning for Sunday services

The Rev. Pam Douglas-Smith will present “Spiritual Community” at… Continue reading

Community celebration of life Tuesday

Assured Hospice of Clallam and Jefferson County will sponsor… Continue reading

25th Soroptimist Gala Garden Show set for this weekend

A celebration of 2½ decades of assisting local gardeners along… Continue reading

Peninsula College to host Healthy Communities Resource Fair

The Healthy Community Resource Fair is set for Thursday… Continue reading

Nominations open for Clallam Farm Family of Year

The 2024 Clallam County Fair seeks nominations for the… Continue reading

Pictured from left: Patty Rhoden, Mike Glenn and Carla Caldwell.
Grant for $400K presented to Jefferson Healthcare Foundation

The Jefferson Healthcare Foundation has received a grant of… Continue reading

Pictured from left: Denise Harman, director of medical/surgical/pediatrics; Casey Peterson, DAISY award recipient; and Vickie Swanson, chief nursing officer.
Peterson recognized by foundation

The DAISY Foundation has recognized Casey Peterson with its DAISY award. Peterson… Continue reading