Fun films and fun times – Tumbleweed Film Fest returns for sixth year

“Oroville is becoming the home for a truly international film festival. We have two directors coming from Los Angeles.” Geoff Klein, co-founder, Tumbleweed Film Festival

“Each venue offers its own unique atmosphere to the experience, so it’s also a fun, social happening, where film goers can talk about the movies and also meet some of the filmmakers. Mo Fine, co-founder, Tumbleweed Film Festival

Mo Fine and Geoff Klein, founders of the Tumbleweed Film Festival. Gary DeVon/file photo

OROVILLE – The sixth annual Tumbleweed Film Festival returns to Oroville July 30 to Aug. 1, bringing plenty of great short films and good times, as it turns local venues in the area into film theaters for a night.

This year’s Tumbleweed Film Festival kicks off with an opening night reception at the Pastime Bar and Grill on Thursday, July 30 at 5:30 p.m., followed by screenings at Vicki’s Backdoor Club at 7 p.m.. A Family Night of short films also takes place at the Oroville High School Commons on Thursday at 6 p.m. Then on Friday, July 31 the festival continues at the Alpine Brewing Co. and closing night takes place at the Esther Bricques Winery on Saturday, Aug. 1. Each evening offers a unique setting to watch the films with a different set of short films from around the world.

“Oroville is becoming the home for a truly international film festival. We have two film directors coming from Los Angeles and have already sold tickets to filmgoers in the Okanagan B.C. area, as well as from the Seattle area,” said Geoff Klein, festival co-founder.

“Tumbleweed offers a great selection of entertaining short films, but it’s not just the films that make this event so special,” adds Maureen Fine, who co-founded the festival with Klein. “Each venue offers its own unique atmosphere to the experience, so it’s also a fun, social happening, where film goers can talk about the movies and also meet some of the filmmakers.”

The festivities begin with an opening night reception at the Pastime Bar and Grill from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the Alley Bar Patio. The reception includes hearty appetizers, including pulled pork nachos and bruschetta, as well as a beer, wine or a non-alcohol beverage, with music by singer, guitarist and keyboardist Jeff Gee.

This is the Pastime’s first special event since Tim and Dianna Naillon took over as the new owners of the restaurant and bar.

“We are happy that the Pastime will be carrying on the tradition of kicking off the Tumbleweed Film Festival with an opening reception,” said Vickie Hinze, previous Pastime owner. “Like Brant and me, the Naillons appreciate what the arts can do for tourism, and I know they will be enthusiastic supporters of Tumbleweed.”

Following the reception, films will be shown at Vicki’s Backdoor Club at 7 p.m.

“We are excited to be a Tumbleweed venue for a second year. Evening events on Main Street are good for Oroville and going to the movies is a rare treat. Everyone has a good time at this festival,” said Vicki Hart of Vicki’s Backdoor Club.

One of the short films to be shown that night, “Merry Xmas,” features actors Dick Van Dyke and Mathew Modine is included in this evening’s program.

Tickets for the opening night reception and films are $30 and may be purchased on the Tumbleweed Film Festival website or reserved via email at twffpastime@gmail.com, calling the Pastime or in person at the Pastime. Tickets to watch the films only at Vicki’s Backdoor Club are $10 and may be purchased online on Tumbleweed’s website or at the door.

The Family Night event at the Oroville High School offers a great selection of fun family shorts for the entire family. The event takes place at the Oroville High School auditorium at 6 p.m.. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased online from Tumbleweed or directly at the door. For this year’s event, Reman and Reload got into the community spirit and purchased a block of tickets to give to kids in the community. There are a limited number of these tickets that may be picked up for this event at the Camaray Motel in Oroville.

On Friday night, it’s a festive night of “Beers, Brats and Films” at the Alpine Brewing Company, where the brewery offers a lively setting to watch films and mingle on the patio. Doors open at 5 p.m. and films begin at 7 p.m. Tickets, for this age 21 and over event, are $10 and are available for purchase online or at the door. Beer and BBQ are available for purchase.

Last, but not least, Esther Bricques hosts “Films in the Vineyard” for a special night of award winning short films. Three filmmakers will also be in attendance this evening, including the director of the short film “Obituaries,” directed by Ryan Moody, which includes the actor James Franco. Doors open at 5 p.m. with live music from “Mood Swings” and films begin at 7 p.m. Wine by the glass or bottle and appetizers are available for purchase.

Visit www.tumbleweedfilmfest.com for more details or to purchase tickets.