Vashon filmmakers are getting ready to roll out the red carpet for Vashon FilmAid — a brand-new film festival that will not only shine a spotlight on local filmmakers but also help fill the coffers of Vashon Theatre.

Vicki Dunakin, a film director and producer who is one of the event’s organizers, said the festival is intended to support the owners of Vashon Theatre, who are recovering financially from a difficult year that included a recent burglary.

The festival will take place Jan. 8 through 14 at Vashon Theatre. Admission will be by donation, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to support the theater.

Screenings will include award-winning feature films such as “Heart of the Game,” “My Winnipeg,” “Perfect Sport” and “The Business of Fancy Dancing.”

The festival will also include the local premiere of the mocumentary “The Life of Lucky Cucumber,” and documentaries “March Point,” “Eye to Eye” and “Hidden Worlds: Underground Rome.”

There will also be an evening of live action and animated short films.

What makes the festival unique is that each film has a Vashon connection — in the form of contributions from directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, composers, actors and other film professionals who live on the Island.

Most screenings will be followed by question-and-answer sessions with those Island filmmakers.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.vashontheatre.com. To get involved, e-mail Dunakin at vdunakin@comcast.net.

Contact Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Arts Editor Elizabeth Shepherd at arts@vashonbeachcomber.com or 206-463-9195.

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