PORT TOWNSEND— The “sardine” is in the can.

During the time leading up to the Port Townsend Film Festival — which will be Sept. 23-25 this year — the closely-guarded identity of the special guest is turned into a guessing game in which the first person to supply the answer gets bragging rights and a picture taken with the star.

During the “Guess the Guest” contest, film festival personnel refer to the guest as the “sardine” as a way to discuss the guest without divulging his or her identity, said Janette Force, film festival executive director.

“We do that so we can say, ‘The sardine is on the phone,’ and not everyone in the room knows who it is,” she said.

The first clue is:

“Born to a silent star,

“Heaven’s delinquent

“And Oscar’s propinquity.”

Subsequent clues will be unveiled July 6 and July 13.

The identity of the guest and the contest winner will be revealed Wednesday, July 20.

“When you hear who it is, you will not believe that we got them,” Force said.

In past years, the guest’s identity has been made public in August. That time line was moved up to build momentum for the appearance, Force said.

Force is currently assembling the schedule for the three-day festival, with about 70 films already committed.

Many of these are documentaries, but there is some lighthearted fare, including a vampire movie and a film shot entirely on an iPhone.

Festival passes range from a $35 version that includes one screening to the $1,250 all-access “mogul” pass.

Guesses can be submitted by email to info@ptfilmfest.com — include “Contest” in the subject line — or by hand-delivery to the Port Townsend Film Festival office, Mount Baker Block, 211 Taylor St.

Guesses should include mailing address, daytime phone and email address.

The first correct answer received will win the contest.

For more information about the festival, visit www.ptfilmfest.com or phone 360-379-1333.

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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.