This year I was fortunate to volunteer for the highly organized Port Townsend Film Festival and earn a pass for my first festival. After nine film events and one forum, I regretted not doing more. During the virtual festival I re-watched some of my favorites, and some that I missed, such as “Fish Wars,” about the 1974 Boldt decision guaranteeing tribal fishing rights, and how it continues to shape the collaborative tribal and non-tribal stewardship of our waters and the animals who live there. PTFF opened my mind and heart.

If Mr. Mann’s dismissal of PTFF was based on one film description, I wonder if he, like me, would be moved to tears, watching “Then Comes the Body,” and “Call Me Dancer,” while feeling both joy and apprehension for young dancers desperate to create despite formidable roadblocks. Or, if in “A Home on Every Floor” he would be captivated by the ingenuity of tiny sets illustrating home in an inhospitable country, or have his mind blown by “Secret Mall Apartment,” “Robert Sheilds: My Life as a Robot,” and “Stalled in Eight Etudes.” In Local Shorts he may have been inspired by films that highlight the delicate interrelated ecosystems we are members and guardians of, as well as the hilariously irreverent “Clean Bill of Health,” and “Glampire” that exceeded all hype.

In my earnest PTFF experience I learned more, felt more connected to other beings, and gained more insight than I expected to, by far, while being much entertained.

Mr. Mann, perhaps your perceived low entertainment value of PTFF caused your disregard. And yet, the creativity and the views into other lives that PTFF offers may bring new perspectives. You might see yourself in these films, or better yet, you might see someone else.

Ellen Sisk

Port Townsend