Independent Film Festivals in Portland, Oregon

If there is one thing that you can say about Portlanders it's that we like to break the mold and celebrate life in our own way. One glance at the extensive lists of music, film and art festivals occurring around the city year-round is proof of the way that we all march to the beat of our own drums (and cameras, and brushes). Although by no means is this an all-inclusive list of the film festivals in Portland , here is a list of my top favorites.

Reel Music Festival
January 21- March 22
Whitsell Auditorium: 1219 SW Park Avenue , Portland , OR 97205

The NW Film Center starts the annual film festival schedule of right with a festival that celebrates the hidden stories behind popular music. From a look at the way artists become inspired to films focused on retracing the history of music, the Reel Music Festival delights film buffs and music lovers alike.

Bicycle Film Festival
February 24 - 26
Clinton Street Theater: 2522 SE Clinton St. , Portland , OR 97202

Begun over a decade ago, the Bicycle Film Festival is an international event traversing the world with films focused on celebrating and influencing bicycle culture.

Portland International Film Festival
February 10 - 26
Screening schedule & locations to be released February 1st.

In its 34^th year, the Portland International Film Festival draws audiences in excess of 30,000 viewers to watch short films from across the globe in the largest film festival in Oregon . Viewers wanting to watch many of the films can purchase The Silver Screen Club for as little as $60 and receive member discounts, free screening passes and more.

Portland Women's Film Festival
March 9-13
Screening schedule & location to be released January 21st.

Women film makers rejoice! Portland Women's Film Festival (POW) returns to put films created by women on the big screen. Returning to the film scene in 2008, POW has empowered women in their quest to share stories from a new perspective.

Portland Underground Film Festival
June (Official dates TBD)
Clinton Street Theater: 2522 SE Clinton St. , Portland , OR 97202

Currently accepting submissions for their 2011 season, Portland Underground Film Festival (PUFF) brings sexy, thoughtful and timely independent films to the one of Portland 's most beloved theaters. Filmmakers wanting to submit their films for consideration can contact the Clinton Street Theater directly before April 30^th.