Yesterday, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival opened up with a reception at Saltwater Gallery. Afterwards, the documentary Just Like Us by comedian Ahmed Ahmed was shown at that the Capawock Theatre in Vineyard Haven.

The festival continues throughout the weekend ending on Sunday evening with a closing night party at the Vineyard Haven Marina and the final film, The Trip, showing at the Capawock Theatre.

In all there are over 30 films appearing at the festival, including features, documentaries, and short films from around the world. It is a chance to travel far and wide tasting different cultures and ways of making art without ever having to make a ferry reservation. Well, for those of us who live here, that is.

And speaking of those of us who live here, the Martha’s Vineyard Youth Leadership Initiative is being represented in the Think Globally, Shoot Locally competition. The film is produced by Meagan McDonough, winner of the 2011 Walter Cronkite Award and Shav Anderson and will be showcased on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Vineyard Playhouse.

The festival also hosts a number of parties throughout the weekend in and around Vineyard Haven, even bringing back to life the beloved Che’s lounge space, known this weekend as the festival lounge.

For a complete list of films, parties and how to purchase tickets, visit mvfilmfest.com. You’ll be glad you did.