The Gig Harbor Film Festival (GHFF) is gearing up for another exceptional event by opening with the award-winning documentary The Big Cheese. Filmmakers, movie aficionados, and anyone that enjoys stories can immerse themselves in screenings of independent narrative films, documentaries, and shorts September 24-27. It is a weekend of movies, Q&A’s, workshops, festive parties, and special events based at the Galaxy Theatres in Gig Harbor.
The Big Cheese is one of more than 90 films featured at the 2026 GHFF with block themes ranging from “The Rad Batch” to “Locally Sourced.” This year’s lineup includes U.S. and World Premieres, locally produced films, and curated shorts programs. Because the Gig Harbor Film Festival is focused on independent films, guests get to see movies that are not otherwise available.
More than 70 filmmaker teams are expected to attend, with strong representation from Pacific Northwest storytellers. Known as a “Filmmaker’s Film Festival,” the GHFF has earned a reputation as a supportive launchpad for both emerging and established filmmakers.
Already gaining traction on the festival circuit, The Big Cheese screening will be followed by an exclusive Q&A with Seattle cheesemonger Courney Johnson and film editor Nick Weiss-Richmond. Johnson, a co-owner of Street Cheese, a specialty shop in Seattle, is featured in the film. Audiences will dive into the competitive world of artisanal cheese mongering as the competitors prepare for the Mondial du Fromage in Tours, France. The upbeat film aims for the heart with personal challenges, passion, and historic victory.
“I knew I wanted to bring this film to Gig Harbor,” says Pamela Holt, Executive Director, after viewing it at a sold-out festival screening earlier in the year. A VIP cocktail party featuring curated cheeses from Johnson’s shop will precede the Opening Night screening.
Friday and Saturday include plenty of films, workshops, and conversations. Blocks of films are created by topics and attendees will have a program to guide and plan their schedules. Cash awards and category winners are presented on Sunday morning with the winning films shown afterwards.
“This festival is a South Sound gem!” enthuses Holt. “There is something for everyone.” The GHFF is proud to be recognized as one of the Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals on FilmFreeway globally.
Gig Harbor Film Festival
gigharborfilm.org
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS