The 17th annual Port Townsend Film Festival (PTFF) won't be without a Hollywood star or two, but it isn't going to be featuring the "Guess the Guest" contest that has become a festival tradition.

The film festival, set for Sept. 23-25, typically runs a midsummer contest to guess the "mystery guest," someone with major Hollywood connections who cuts the ceremonial ribbon and leads special events.

This year's lineup features multiple stars – some you've heard of, some you haven't heard of, and some you don't yet know well.

Longtime PTFF friend Karen Allen, whose new film "Year by the Sea" is to be screened at the festival, also introduces Sunday night's outdoor screening of her adventure classic "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

David Tart, the principal animator for "Toy Story," talks about his experiences creating the animated favorite, also screening outdoors on Saturday night.

And the guest you've never heard of? Andrew Perez, lead actor in "My Scientology Movie" and "Bastards y Diablos," is a rising star; you'll soon be able to say you "knew him when ... "

NO 'SPECIAL GUEST'

Originally, the festival had one featured guest star. Lately, two or more people from the motion picture industry have been honored.

"A special guest is less and less of a focus," said Janette Force, PTFF executive director. "We are going to have more and more people who are working as actors."

As the festival matures and becomes well known, it's easy to find big names interested in attending. But dealing with working actors means scheduling conflicts and the juggling of priorities. Even if an actor commits early in the year to a PTFF gig, an industry job opportunity could bump that person’s appearance at the festival, Force noted.

"That balance, as we work more and more with actors who are currently working, it's very different than where we started out, when we were honoring stars whose career has eclipsed," Force said. "Now, we find ourselves more and more eager to engage with performers who are active in the industry."

Last year's guest stars were Beau Bridges and Chris Cooper. Previous guests have included John Sayles, Karen Allen, Eva Marie Saint, Elliott Gould, Piper Laurie, Peter Fonda, Cloris Leachman, Bruce Dern, Tony Curtis, Debra Winger, Malcolm McDowell, Patricia Neal, Shirley Knight, Jane Powell, Dickie Moore, Arliss Howard and Vincent Schiavelli.

FILM SELECTION

Force is excited about this year's film lineup, noting that the festival features films for everyone. It's possible to catch as many as 18 separate screenings during the three-day event, with a little strategic planning and an erratic meal schedule.

Advance passes are selling well, Force noted, particularly in the Director and Patron categories, which offer concierge services.

And those who aren't pass holders also have options. Key City Public Theatre hosts the Peter Simpson Memorial Theater, a 66-seat free venue, offering 12 films. The Simpson is supported by a grant from the Port Townsend Arts Commission. The three outdoor films, shown on a screen set up in the middle of Taylor Street, are also free, the festival's gift to the community. Donations are always welcome and help keep the festival accessible. Learn more at ptfilmfest.com.