Snovalley Pride will present its second annual FLICKER queer film festival on Saturday, May 2, at the North Bend Theatre, with two sessions scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m. All proceeds from the event will support Snovalley Pride.
The afternoon session will feature a curated selection of queer short films, including Cowboy Boots, while the evening program will include the Washington special preview of Eric Delehoy’s feature film Winters, Nebraska, followed by a Q&A with the director and members of the cast.
Now in its second year, the festival has expanded from a smaller, single-session event into a two-part program at the North Bend Theatre. The inaugural event, held at Miller’s in Carnation, highlighted a strong community interest in queer storytelling and helped shape this year’s expanded format. The move to the North Bend Theatre, where Snovalley Pride has also been hosting its free monthly Rainbow Reels series, reflects the organization’s continued growth.
Founder and executive director Greg Jamiel said the event is designed to address a gap often felt in smaller or more rural communities, where opportunities for representation in art and media can be limited. “In rural communities, people often have fewer opportunities to see themselves reflected in art, media, and shared cultural experiences. That absence can create a sense of isolation, especially for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals who may already feel like they don’t quite belong,” he said.
Jamiel said the festival creates space for connection, both for those who see their own experiences reflected on screen and for those gaining a broader understanding of others. “Events like FLICKER help change that. They create space for people to gather, to see their stories on screen, and to feel part of something larger than themselves. It’s not just about film, it’s about visibility, connection, and reminding people that they are not alone.”
This year’s programming also reflects a continuing relationship with filmmaker Eric Delehoy. His short film Cowboy Boots, which was screened at last year’s inaugural FLICKER, follows Jack, a gay cowboy from Nebraska, as he navigates identity and belonging during a visit to San Francisco. The feature film Winters, Nebraska, continues that story, following Jack as he returns to rural Nebraska after sixteen years in San Francisco and the loss of his partner, navigating grief, strained family ties, and rekindled relationships.
Jamiel said that connection made it especially meaningful to host the Washington special preview of the feature film in North Bend, marking a full-circle moment for the festival. He said the opportunity also reflects the relationships being built with filmmakers as the event grows and supports artists while growing stories alongside the community.
Beyond the films themselves, the festival is part of Snovalley Pride’s broader effort to expand arts and community programming in the Snoqualmie Valley. The organization, now in its fourth year, continues to host events throughout the region, including its Pride Picnic, drag shows, Sparkle Party and seasonal celebrations, while also working toward hosting a 48-hour film festival.
Evan Halbert and Michael Ridley in Cowboy Boots
Jamiel said the intent is not only to showcase films, but to share the experience of hearing directly from filmmakers. “There’s something powerful about watching a film and then hearing directly from a filmmaker like Eric Delehoy about his journey from short films to a feature like Winters, Nebraska. It opens the door and makes the process feel real and accessible,” he said.
Hosting the event at the North Bend Theatre also adds to the experience, he said, as a historic venue that is part of the cultural fabric of the Valley. A three-hour break between sessions is intended to give attendees time to explore North Bend, visit local shops, and enjoy local restaurants before returning for the evening program, bringing people into the Valley from outside the area.
Jamiel said film can serve as a bridge for connection and understanding. “Film has this unique ability to make you laugh, cry, and see the world through someone else’s eyes,” he said.
He said representation remains central to the festival’s purpose, particularly for those who may not often see themselves reflected in media. “Representation in film matters deeply, especially in a place like the Snoqualmie Valley, where 2SLGBTQ+ individuals may not always feel as visible or reflected as they might in larger cities,” he said. “When people see themselves represented on screen, it sends a powerful message that their lives and their stories matter.”
Jamiel said the festival includes a range of stories, including gay, lesbian, trans, and other experiences, emphasizing shared human themes. He said FLICKER is designed to create a shared experience that brings people closer to their own humanity and to one another. Following the closures of the Seattle Queer Film Festival and Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival, FLICKER is currently the only queer film festival in Washington.
All proceeds from the event will support Snovalley Pride’s ongoing work in the community. Jamiel said the festival’s success will ultimately be measured by the experience it creates for attendees. “Success for us isn’t just about attendance, it’s about how people feel,” he said. “If someone walks away feeling seen, or inspired to create something of their own, that’s everything.”
Films are intended for older teens and adults. Get your tickets HERE.
