Northwest Film Fund

The Documentary Pooled Fund

The Documentary Pooled Fund was created in 2003 by Humanities Washington to give financial support to emerging and established Northwest filmmakers, and with the belief that documentary films represent an important exploration of the culture  In 2011, Northwest Film Forum resurrected the Pooled Fund as Northwest Film Fund.

History From 2003-2005, ten projects were supported by the Fund (gifts ranged from $10,000 - $20,000). Films were chosen for their exploration of culture, self, history and ideas – the full range of human experience.

The Way to the River (Anne Rutledge, David Current, 2003). Billy Frank, Jr. and his family respond to racism, sovereignty and conservatives in making social change.  

Made in China (John Helde, 2003). Tom Helde (the filmmaker’s father) returns to China for the first time since coming of age there between the wars. 

The Meaning of Food (Sue McLaughlin, 2003). A 3-part documentary that surveys the historical, social, philosophical and cultural significance of food.  

Game Show Dynamos (Patricia Boiko, 2004) A couple who have financed their family for decades on the winnings made from game shows.

Sam Now! (Reed Harkness, 2004) An exploration of what happens when a boy and his half brother begin to search for their missing brother.  

Bollywood and Me (John Jeffcoat, 2004) Bollywood produces more films than Hollywood, and this film tells the (meta)story of a filmmaker who sets out to paint the portrait of a country obsessed by movies.  

I Remember Theodore Roethke (Jean Walkinshaw, 2004). A biography of the poet Theodore Roethke, who spent the last two decades of his life in Seattle. With rare footage of Roethke and fellow poet, David Waggoner.

Stormy Lessons (Karen Hirsch and Laurie Kazanjian, 2005). Shot primarily in Stevens Elementary School in Seattle, the film follows teacher Mike Oliver’s work with emotionally troubled and violent children.  

Walking to Werner (Linas Philips and Dayna Hanson, 2005). Performer/director Linas Philips walks from Seattle to Los Angeles to meet his hero, Werner Herzog. Walking the whole way, Philips is drawn to stories of the people he meets.  

Wheedle’s Groove (Jennifer Maas, 2005) The story of the soul and funk scene in 1960s and 1970s Seattle, and how this music has been rediscovered by today’s DJ’s and hiphop artists. 

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