Tacoma Film Festival to feature John Ratzenberger

It isn’t every day that a multi-Emmy-nominated, top grossing box office actor visits the City of Destiny. The 10th Annual Tacoma Film Festival, presented by The Grand Cinema in early October offers the community the chance to meet talented actor, screenwriter, director, and producer John Ratzenberger.

Ratzenberger is best known for his role as “Cliff Clavon,” the wry mail carrier in the classic sitcom Cheers. He is also the only actor who has appeared in all of Pixar’s computer animated movies to date (from Toy Story to Inside Out), his most memorable vocal animations likely being “Hamm The Piggy Bank” from Toy Story, and “Mack the Truck” in Cars. Animations for characters from A Bug’s Life, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, and Brave have also endeared him to children and adults alike.

Our special guest John Ratzenberger will help celebrate the Tacoma Film Festival by appearing at two events including a Saturday morning movie at The Blue Mouse and a special evening mixer offering the chance to meet the star in person. Tickets are now on sale for both events:

• “Toy Story with Pixar Star,” a family friendly film event at The Blue Mouse Theater at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10 featuring a film introduction by John Ratzenberger and free mini donuts and milk for all. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 12 and under). More info & tickets
• “An Evening with John Ratzenberger,” a night of food, drinks, and entertainment at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10 at Annie Wright School. Guests will have the opportunity to hear a brief speech from Ratzenberger, participate in a hosted Q & A with the actor, request an autograph, and take a picture with the star. Appetizers and dessert will be provided compliments of Europa Bistro, and there will be giveaways with hosted entertainment. Tickets are $40 and $35 for members of The Grand. More info & Tickets

Screening over 100 independent films from the Northwest and countries around the world, the Tacoma Film Festival (TFF) connects the community with acclaimed filmmakers and film selections that cannot be seen elsewhere in Washington this fall.

This year for the first time ever, TFF will also feature 25 New Faces of Independent Film, the world’s only convergence of Filmmaker Magazine’s list of up-and-coming filmmakers from around the globe. 25 New Faces events will offer festival goers the opportunity to watch and discuss films with talented filmmakers expected to rise to prominence in the industry. Past 25 New Faces honorees have included Ryan Gosling, Hillary Swank, Ellen Page, Lucy Walker, Julia Garner, and many others.

Additional information related to 25 New Faces and other TFF events will be announced on September 10 when event tickets go on sale. The full festival schedule will be announced on September 17 when printed programs will be available in stores and museums across the city.

Applications are still being accepted for press credentials for the 10th Annual Tacoma Film Festival. Applications and headshots must be received no later than Friday, September, 25. For more information about TFF 2015, visit www.tacomafilmfestival.com, and follow the hashtag #TFF2015.

General tickets for Tacoma Film Festival will be available starting in September 17 at The Grand’s Box Office (606 S Fawcett Ave, Tacoma 98402), or online at www.tacomafilmfestival.com.