The 20th annual Woods Hole Film Festival runs this year from Saturday, July 30 through Saturday, August 6 in venues throughout the village of Woods Hole. The oldest festival on Cape Cod and the Islands, the Woods Hole Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing and promoting the work of independent, emerging filmmakers. The Festival screens international narrative and documentary feature films, shorts, and animation, many of them world or New England premieres. Workshops, panel discussions, special events, and nightly parties are held at the water's edge.

Over the past 20 years, the Woods Hole Film Festival has become one of the premiere film festivals in the US, presenting unique and innovative programming and offering filmmakers and audiences alike the chance to participate in a festival experience that changes lives. Whether participating in the annual summer Film Festival, enjoying their off-season programming, such as Dinner & a Movie, or discovering something new through their special events or workshops, for more than two decades, the Film Festival has presented great independent film to Cape Cod audiences.

In so doing, the Woods Hole Film Festival has achieved status as one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the world, according to Moviemaker Magazine. The Festival was designated as one of the top 10 film festivals of 2010 in the Huffington Post. This achievement is due in no small part to the support of our audience, filmmakers, sponsors, and patrons.

This summer, attendees will be able to select from among the more than 100 films throughout the eight-day Festival. In addition to the daily screenings, the Festival offers a special opening night 20th year kick-off screening and party, and a day of family films on Sunday, July 31st.

Workshops will be held on producing narrative and documentary films, and social media. The festival will conduct a panel discussion on war and filmmaking, special digital media installations, and more. Many of the filmmakers will be in attendance, providing a wonderful opportunity for interaction with the audience.

There's more to the Festival than just watching films and attending workshops and panel discussions. The nightly parties at various restaurants within walking distance of the screenings feature food, lots of "schmoozing" with filmmakers and fans alike, and top-notch musical entertainment.

Admission to screenings, staged readings, panels, and parties is $10 with discounts for cardholding WGBH members and Festival patrons. Events are held at various locations throughout Woods Hole and Falmouth and special Festival parking is available. Full Festival passes, which include admission to all screenings, special events, and parties, are $250. Weekend passes are $90, with the same benefits for one chosen weekend. Purchase tickets at www.woodsholefilmfestival.org or www.ticketweb.com beginning July 1, 2011 or in person during the Festival at the Old Woods Hole Fire Station on Water Street.

For more information about films and tickets visit www.woodsholefilmfestival.org or call 508-495-3456.