Four-time Golden Globe nominee Craig T. Nelson headlined the 10th annual Ellensburg Film Festival (EFF). Nelson appeared at screenings of three of his movies and at a Pass Holder’s Reception on Saturday night.

“It being our tenth year of doing the festival, I believe that this year was a giant success,” Newman said. “We pretty much sold out of our passes. We had high attendance at many of our films.”

The three day festival culminated in a Q-and-A session with Nelson after the showing of his 2005 movie, “The Family Stone,” in the McConnell theatre.

Nelson, a Central alumnus, is best known for his roles in films such as “The Incredibles,” “Poltergeist,” and his starring role in the television show, “Coach.” Currently he’s starring in the hit NBC drama “Parenthood,” which is in its final season.

The committee sold out of VIP passes and had a huge turnout for the film entries, with showings at venues on Central’s campus and in downtown Ellensburg.

EFF board member Laura Newman was pleased with this year’s festival, which showcased many alternative genre films from all over the world, including some edgier films.

One of the more risqué films, “Love in the Sixties,” featured a 60-year-old Texas native who worked as a dominatrix.

Newman explained that the festival was designed to not only bring people into Ellensburg from out of the area, but to bring films in that residents normally wouldn’t be able to see because of the limitations of a small town.

“We really want to bring the community together through film, and show them the art that is filmmaking,” Newman said.

One film in particular that many were talking about was the independent film “Nowhere Girl,” directed by Jed Rigney, whose 2012 film, “Fools on a Hill,” was featured at the festival a few years ago.

One of the stars of “Nowhere Girl,” Jennifer Aspen, was in town for a Q-and-A in support of the film and was rather impressed with Ellensburg.

“I love how the overall artistic parts of the community are integrated into the film festival, and how much local talent is included on the film roster,” Aspen said.

Aspen expressed her hope that another film that she’s in would be screened at EFF, so she could come back and visit.

“Somehow everything here is done just right,” Aspen said, “from the landscaping to the restaurants and shopping in the historical downtown district. It’s perfect.”

Xander Deccio

Talk of next year has already begun within the EFF board members. After bringing in an award winning Hollywood star like Nelson for their tenth year, board members suggested stars like Mark Hamill, famous for the original Star Wars movies, or Richard Gere, who starred in movies like “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “Pretty Woman.”

If Newman has her way, Jennifer Grey will be featured at the next EFF. Newman would hope to screen movies Grey starred in. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “Dirty Dancing,” are two films Newman would be excited for.

“[‘Dirty Dancing’] speaks to me on so many levels,” Newman said. “If we got Jennifer, I’d be happy as a clam.”