Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology
OMSI is the place to be in Portland, as the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology will present five days of screenings, panels, presentations, parties, and an annual award ceremony.
The festival is open to a variety of genres and will highlight films and animations created by visionary filmmakers and animators from across the globe. The festival also features VR and other special technology showcases and dome screenings in the Kendall Planetarium.
You can view information about the festival including the trailers and information about individual films and shorts at pdxfestofcinema.com.
Festival Passes
Interested in attending more than one showing? Checkout the Festival Pass options! Choose between the Festival & Party Pass or the Festival Pass- Screenings Only option.
PFCAT Celebrations
PFCAT Kick-Off Party
Thurs. August 7th | 8 – 11 pm at Jupiter NEXT
Join us for an evening of music, drinks, and appetizers as we launch the festival in style at Jupiter NEXT! This is the perfect way to dive into the festival spirit and set the tone for the incredible films and experiences ahead.
PLEASE NOTE: This event will be located at Jupiter NEXT. This will not take place at OMSI.
PFCAT “Big Night” Party
Sat. August 9th | 9:30 pm – midnight at Wayfinder Beer
The Big Night Party is a fun way to kick off the final stretch of the festival. We’re heading to Wayfinder Beer, a favorite spot on the Central Eastside. Hang out, meet PFCAT filmmakers and animators, and connect with fellow festival-goers.
PLEASE NOTE: This event will be located at Wayfinder Beer. This event will not take place at OMSI.
PFCAT Closing Night Party and Awards Ceremony
Sun. August 10th | 8 – 10:30 pm at OMSI
Come celebrate the end of the 2025 festival at this special event with a red carpet, music, photographer, drinks, and appetizers.
PLEASE NOTE: This event will be located at OMSI in Theory Restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers! Explore frequently asked questions. For more information please contact us at events@OMSI.edu or (503) 797-4000.
Yes, we will have two options. The Festival Pass- Screenings Only will only include the films and panels. The VR sessions are NOT included.
The Festival & Party Pass includes access to the 3 evening parties plus all the films and panels. The VR sessions are NOT included.
The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.
These shorts and films do not necessarily have closed captions or audio descriptions. Volume amplification is available for all content in the Empirical Theater but not the other spaces.
Limited quantities of the following devices are available for Empirical Theater guests only and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:
– Fidelio RX volume amplification units
– Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch
The rough inside measurements of the Empirical Theater seats not including arm and back rests:
– Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
– Two VIP chairs 21.5” wide and 19” deep
– Additional VIP chair available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
– The weight capacity for the VIP chairs are between 200lbs-250lbs
Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:
– Noise reducing headphones
– Fidget toys
– Sunglasses
– Visual and auditory timer
– 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
– Sanitizing wipes
Our Empirical Café features:
– Made-to-order coffee drinks; Grab-and-go salads and sandwiches; Fresh pastries; Beer, Wine and Cider (available evenings only); Popcorn, candy, and a selection of classic movie theater treats.
Food and drink is welcome in the theater, but not allowed in the Planetarium.
Our Theory Restaurant features:
– Wood-fired pizzas, Grab-and-go salads and sandwiches; Fresh pastries; Beer, Wine and Cider.
All films and events will begin promptly with no movie previews. Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
Yes, re-entry will be allowed into all spaces.
OMSI has switched to a new parking system via the mobile parking app, Parking Kitty, to create an easier and more streamlined experience for our visitors. OMSI parking will cost $5 + fees for 2 hours or $8 + fees for all day parking. For guests arriving after 5:00pm, we will apply a flat fee of $2 for the evening.