Updated March 2 In 2020, its first year under new direction, the Portland International Film Festival heralded a new mission: to be unbound from traditional cinematic conditions. In 2021, that undertaking is more requirement than choice. Obviously [last] year was very tough for all of us as human beings, let alone nonprofit organizations, says NW Film Center director Amy Dotson. But it was also freeing. We took our own medicine. The result is a hybrid event, trying to reach audiences (largely) at home. With over 75 films available to stream, the festival still offers diverse international fare. But there s also a physical presence at its Zidell Yards drive-in. In addition to screening high-profile new titles like
This weekend, the Portland International Film Festival returns for its 44th year, after a truncated 2020 iteration and brief fall revival. Rather than retreat to a fully virtual model, the NW Film Center has opted for a hybrid presentation: certain titles will be screened at a Zidell Yards drive-in, and others will be available online for the festival s full March 5â14 duration. In addition to a robust program of shorts and features, PIFF will also offer a pair of virtualspecial events.
Keeping with NW Film Center executive director Amy Dotsonâs commitment to cinema unbound,  films range from the local to the national to the international, and the drive-in will screen old classics likeÂ
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Here Are the Most Exciting Arts Events of the Spring Season See The Matrix at a drive-in, stream Oregon s most famous theater festival from home and witness the return of a Portland jazz institution. Anna Gray and Ryan Wilson Paulsen s Future Dictionary, Volume III (Spider plant), part of Hard and Soft (Mack McFarland)
Hard and Soft Backyard exhibition space Congress Yard Project started last year as a way to keep art shows going during the pandemic. Rather than shutting down for the winter, the outdoor gallery decided to make use of Portland s rainy season. For
Art shows a bit more intense and cerebral this winter in Portland
Updated Jan 13, 2021;
Emerging out of 2020, galleries and art institutions are showing new and invigorating work by new and interesting artists. Some shows continue the hard conversations churned up in 2020; others offer well-earned distraction. In general, shows this season feel a little more intense, a little more cerebral than they have in the past. Maybe our attention spans are stretching after a year of social distancing.
Signage in the windows of the downtown Portland NW Film Center building is part of Carrie Mae Weems’ “Resist COVID / Take 6!” information campaign.Courtesy of Portland Art Museum
Portland winter theater, film guide: Organizers adapt to bring arts into homes
Updated Jan 12, 2021;
The winter season traditionally offers a full plate of theater, dance and other arts events. But with COVID-19 restrictions still firmly in place, companies have had to pivot to offer theater and film audiences new avenues to enjoy performances.
While some organizations are still finalizing plans and methods of delivery, the theater groups below have already rehearsed and recorded performances to stream on various platforms. Also this winter, two well-known film festivals are ready to stream movies, or provide drive-in screenings.
Mark your calendars for these winter events: