The Friday Harbor Film Festival (FHFF) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Lopez Island Library to expand our Best of the Fest Series to the Lopez Island community. Starting this year, free monthly screenings of award-winning documentary films will be held simultaneously on San Juan Island and Lopez Island, offering both communities an enriching cinematic experience.
Each month from January through September, FHFF presents award-winning documentaries accompanied by Q&A sessions with the films’ directors and subjects. Programs begin at 7 pm and are offered in collaboration with the San Juan Island Library, the San Juan Island Grange, and now, the Lopez Island Library. Since they’re on Fridays, they make for a great “date night” activity.
2025 BEST OF THE FEST SERIES SCHEDULE
Porcelain War – March 28 (San Juan Island Library, Lopez Island Library)
Out There: A National Parks Story – April 18 (SJI Grange/Lopez Island Library)
Wilding – May 16 (SJI Grange/Lopez Island Library)
Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers – June 20 (San Juan Island Library, Lopez Island Library)
A Dream Takes Flight – August 22 (SJI Grange/Lopez Island Library). Special Event! Fly-In at the Friday Harbor Airport on August 23.
Hvaldimir, Conversation with a Spy Whale – September 12 (San Juan Island Library, Lopez Island Library)
ABOUT THE LOPEZ ISLAND LIBRARY
The Lopez Island Library has a rich history spanning over sixty years. It began at the close of World War II when Otis and Nan Perkins established the Lopez Island Memorial Library in their home to honor their son, Warren, who died in the war. The collection later moved to various locations, including the basement of Glen and Jean Boushey's home and the Legion Hall annex. In 1975, a group of citizens formed the Lopez Library League, and with the support of the Josephine Stedham Scripps Foundation, fundraising efforts commenced in early 1976.
The Library League secured the Little Red Schoolhouse, a seventy-year-old building that had previously served as a school, restaurant, and fire station. Local architect Howard "Pete" Petersen donated his time to draft a two-phase remodel plan. Materials were donated by local contractors, and community volunteers supplied labor. Thousands of books were given by local residents, nearby colleges, and other libraries, as were furnishings. In March 1977, the Lopez Island Library opened its doors in this new home, staffed by its first trained librarian, Sandra Schugren. Over the years, the library has undergone several expansions and renovations, continually adapting to the community's needs.
"I love this opportunity to collaborate with FHFF and share such a nicely curated set of films with the Lopez community."
-- Lopez Island Library Director Darren Hoerner
We warmly welcome the Lopez Island community to join us for the Best of the Fest Series. For detailed information about this year's films, please explore the Best of the Fest Film Guide HERE.
Mark your calendars and plan to enjoy these exceptional documentaries on either San Juan or Lopez Islands!
The 2025 Best of the Fest Series is sponsored by The Journal of the San Juan Islands.
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