Family films are notoriously difficult, but audiences should definitely find something familial and fun in an independently financed feature from director (and co-writer) Jane Beaumont Hall. 

Punctuated with a fine performance by a pretty youngster in Suzanne Marie Doyon (as Julie) and by veteran thespian Max Gail as Grandpa, this flick succeeds by not patronizing its audience, and by celebrating the central role that extended families play in small towns. That the film does not strive for Disney perfection is also admirable.

Set on the shoreline of the serene state of Oregon, Tillamook unravels over one summer vacation. Julie, who narrates the adventure, relocates with her financially troubled family from Los Angeles to Manzanita and into her Uncle Jimmy's modest home. Surrounded by sparring parents, a storytelling grandfather and a college-bound sister whose life consists of a constant game of tonsil hockey with her immature boyfriend, Julie spends her summer sauntering along the oceanfront without direction until she stumbles across a Spanish gold coin. The tale of the Tillamook Treasure is local lore, the legend being that the finder of the loot is not to be a simple explorer but an individual brave enough to not be afraid of the ghost of the slave buried with the booty.

Inspired by her find, Julie is soon entranced by an imposing elk that appears intermittently, and she finds herself following bird feathers, mystical runes, fate-filled voices and her innate Native American feelings into the mountains and into a collection of real and dream-like adventures.

The film is dotted with a crazy array of characters, and, solid performances from cast members at either end of the age spectrum.

A respect for Native American traditions and for colorful local histories is the key to Tillamook. And that the film rewards a young girl's honest intent to benefit others shows off the fine purpose of these filmmakers. With a striking score and the use of the Huber Marionettes and mystical recreations of the folkloric tale, Tillamook manages to show that true treasure is measured not only in gold but also by the harmony of a good home and the riches represented by rediscovering the bonds of family relationships.

Winner of a number of film festivals, including Best Family Film at the Newport Beach Film Festival and Best Children’s Film at the Tiburon International Film Festival.