GOLDENDALE — Get your popcorn ready. Filmmaker and Klickitat County native Matt Marzano will present his debut documentary feature film, “Showdown for Sheriff: A Constitutional Conflict” at the Goldendale Grange on Sept. 19-20. Each night’s festivities will kick off with a red carpet walk at 5:30 p.m., leading into a 6:30 p.m. showtime and subsequent Q&A.
Staring into the face of a county divided — one side vehemently opposed to Sheriff Bob Songer and the other firmly in support — Marzano hit the road, gathering insight and opinion from more than 100 individuals within Klickitat County amidst 2022’s contentious re-election campaign.
In his filmmaker statement, Marzano reflected on the ultra-divided state of his home county and the country at large. “I’m beginning to wonder if we can even listen to opinions we don’t believe in, or have the algorithms gotten so deep that we are now intolerant,” Marzano said. “I’d like to think we can still listen and debate.”
“Showdown for Sheriff” was conceived with that hope in mind.
Songer, who ultimately ousted opponent Sergeant Garique Clifford in a tight contest, is a Constitutional sheriff, believing his power supersedes state and federal authorities. At the helm of Klickitat County, Songer has refused to enforce gun laws and mask mandates, even constructing a 150-plus citizen posse to keep a watchful eye on his jurisdiction.
While Songer’s unwavering right-wing lean has earned the support of many throughout Klickitat County, alienated critics believe his rule demonstrates a blatant abuse of power. Even three years removed from its events, Marzano’s project promises to relay the voice of the people — many of whom maintain their stance on Songer’s controversial ways in 2025.
•••
Tickets are available online and in person. Screenings will also take place the following weekend in Trout Lake (Sept. 26) and White Salmon (Sept. 27-28). More at www.moviesbymatt.com.
Commented