The first thing that I should tell you about this weekend’s Shoreline’s drive-in film festival is that, as of this writing, there are only wait list tickets available. That being said, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about what will be my first outing to a “public” event in well over a year. Not because I’ve been stuck inside along with the rest of the world, but because it’s going to be SO FUN and the organization that is putting it together, Shorelake Arts, deserves some love. There have been a few festivals, music performances and theater productions set up as drive-in experiences over the last year, but few, if any, were nearby that I am aware of. So the prospect of going out on a Saturday after five, even if it’s in my car alone (though surrounded by other film fans), sounds like a hot night out.

Let me give you the lowdown on this event: filmmakers from all over Washington state were encouraged to apply. Once selected, accepted films will be screened at a Drive-In movie night at Shorewood High School. This year it’s on April 24th (this Saturday) and I just can’t wait. The best of the best in the pool of selected films will take home some cash prizes and a handmade Golden Sasquatch award (adorable!)

I had the opportunity to catch all of the selected shorts chosen for this year’s festival and I’m satisfied with the judges’ decisions. Not all are solid gold, but it gives local film artists a chance to showcase their work when larger festivals may not even give them a second look. This is especially true for the under 18 artisans on the brink of finding their voice. I also really loved that music videos were welcome as part of the submissions. They can create just as intricate and absorbing stories as any other style of filmmaking and it adds some welcome diversity to the submissions.

This may be one of the biggest events put on by Shorelake Arts, but their work doesn’t stop with this single show. Throughout the year they put on intriguing get togethers that I’ve been eager to attend, but timing just hasn’t been on my side until now. Experiences like the edible book festival, battle of the bands, concerts in the park, holiday market, with a couple photography competitions to boot. Being a community outside of Seattle’s purview, I can only imagine that it’s difficult finding funding for the arts that compares to their counterparts in the city. It’s an incredible gift that this organization exists and able to contribute so much to arts in the Shoreline community.

In their own words:

ShoreLake Arts is a community-based arts organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts. Over our 30+ years as a nonprofit, we have directly invested over $6 Million in our community through arts events, arts education, and artist contracts…

Admittedly, this preview is coming in late with the tickets in short supply and the event happening in a day but this is a good opportunity to check out Shorelake Arts and everything they do. Seriously though, I will be making it to next year’s edible book festival (folks make food that looks like book covers!) and you should too.