PORT TOWNSEND — The lights are being hung, the projectors are being set, and tonight at 6, action will begin with the first movie of the 10th annual Port Townsend Film Festival.
The film lover’s block party kicks into full swing an evening early this year with two showings of the movie, “Kisses” at the Rose Theatre and Rosebud Cinema, both at 235 Taylor St. — one at 6 p.m. and the second at 6:15 p.m.
The film, and a special Thursday Night Gala for pass-holders, are a preview of the three full days of celluloid celebration that begin Friday.
73 films to be shown
Seventy-three films are scheduled throughout the city.
Terry Tennesen, film festival director, said he believes everything is coming together right on time.
“It seems to be getting there,” Tennesen said. “The movies are all going to start on time.”
The festival’s very special guest, Cloris Leachman, is expected to arrive in Port Townsend early today.
Leachman, 83, has worked in film and television for more than 60 years. She has won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, one Daytime Emmy Award and eight Primetime Emmy Awards.
She will be available for multiple question-and-answer sessions throughout the festival.
On Friday, she will speak to students at Port Townsend High School.
At 2 p.m. Saturday, all are welcome at an informal gathering with Leachman on Taylor Street.
A Very Special Evening, which is sold out, will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Uptown Theatre. Following the screening of her Oscar-winning role as Ruth Popper in the 1971 film, “The Last Picture Show,” Leachman will be interviewed by Turner Classic Movies host, Robert Osborne, and answer questions from the audience.
Another of Leachman’s performances can be seen during the screening of “High Anxiety” at the Sunday night outdoor movie.
Tonight’s gala for pass-holders, a celebration of the Port Townsend Film Festival’s 10th anniversary, will be at 8 p.m. at the new Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St.
Venues, tickets
Films will be shown at the Uptown Theatre at Lawrence and Polk Streets, the Drop-In Theatre at 714 Washington St. — where films will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for free in the community center — the Pope Marine Theatre at Water and Madison streets, the Rose Theatre and Rosebud Cinema, and the Taylor Street Outdoor Cinema.
The EisenbeisCondos Hospitality Center, where tickets and passes can be purchased, is located at 830 Water St.
The center is open from noon to 6 p.m. today, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Advance tickets for the general public are $12 per film, $10 for film festival members.
Prices for passes are $175 for a regular pass, $500 for a preferred pass, $1,250 for a guaranteed pass, and $90 for a student pass.
Rush tickets, which will be sold 15 minutes before the lights go down for a film — if they are available — will be $8.
For more information, go to the festival office, 211 Taylor St., Suite 32A, phone 360-379-1333 or see the festival Web site at www.ptfilmfest.com/.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.