Real Twin Peaks 2026 – I Know Catherine, The Log Lady: The Story Behind the Film

The first panel discussion of the Real Twin Peaks 2026 event in Snoqualmie Valley, Washington was held on Thursday, February 19 at Friends & Co. Ice Cream in downtown North Bend. I spoke with Director Richard Green and Art Director Alex Shurun who created the wonderful documentary about Catherine Coulson titled, “I Know Catherine, The Log Lady.” We spoke about creating the film, reactions from audiences following a year of screenings throughout the United States and other interesting tidbits about the wonderfully talented actress.

REAL TWIN PEAKS 2026 – “I KNOW CATHERINE, THE LOG LADY: THE STORY BEHIND THE FILM”

The panel discussion with Richard Green and Alex Shurun was held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19 at Friends & Co. in downtown North Bend, Washington. This was the third time a Real Twin Peaks panel was held at this venue. In previous years, we held conversations with Twin Peaks second season prop master, Jeff Moore and with Richard Green and the late Rebekkah Del Rio about David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive.

Friends & Co. Ice Cream Company opened on July 30, 2023 in North Bend. This local spot serves a variety of delicious ice cream and other sweet treats. During the Real Twin Peaks event, the shop offered the Twin Peaks Sundae which contained scoops of cherry chip and Espresso chip drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauce. The dessert was topped with whipped cream and a cherry (tied stem not included).

Here is a replay of the panel discussion which runs about one-hour and four-minutes.

I KNOW CATHERINE, THE LOG LADY

Almost a year ago to the day this panel was held, Richard Green’s documentary “I Know Catherine, The Log Lady,” was screened during a special surprise showing at the historic North Bend Theatre.  Compiled from nearly 60 interviews, 80 hours of Catherine Coulson’s theatrical performances and countless hours from her role as The Log Lady in Twin Peaks, this film is more than a documentary.

This film is the true story of the inspiring death and big, big life of Catherine. Celebrated actors, producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, family and friends all came together at her death bed to help her play her most iconic role one last time.

Richard spent about two years conducting hour-long interviews with a host of folks who knew or worked with Catherine including David Lynch, Grace Zabriskie, Kyle MacLachlan, Kimmy Robertson, Mark Frost, Lisa Loomer, Michael Horse, Jenny Sullivan, Dana Ashbrook, Fred Elmes, Nicolas Meyer, Robert Schenkkan, Bill Rauch, Timothy Near, Mindy Alper and more.

Alex Shurun served as Art Director for the film. Her stunning artwork inspired by Twin Peaks caught Richard’s eye. He incorporated her art in the film, particularly during transition scenes with maps.

Originally from Ukraine, Alex had watched David Lynch and Mark Frost’s groundbreaking show countless times on Ukrainian television. She longed to visit the Real Twin Peaks of Washington state and manifested her dreams through colorful drawings of places in the show.

Richard also commissioned two Log Lady-themed pieces, one of which is seen in the film. Alex’s drawing above was inspired by the iconic publicity photo of Catherine Coulson as The Log Lady on the set of the Double R Diner in Van Nuys, California.

During our panel discussion, Richard shares a harrowing tale of how Alex and her son escaped Ukraine and ended up in the United States. They were recently married at the end of December 2025, which shows the power of this wonderful and strange show bringing people together.

Since that surprise screening in North Bend, Richard and Alex have traveled to theatres throughout the United States screening this documentary. Fellow Twin Peaks Blog author Vinnie Guidera provided a fantastic recap from the screening at the Ojai Playhouse in Ojai, California that was attended by Twin Peaks co-creator Mark Frost and Executive Producer Sabrina Sutherland.

The room was packed at Friends & Co. on that Thursday night. I wasn’t sure how many people would be in town that evening. Our conversation was filled with stories from Richard editing the film and looking to Catherine Coulson and David Lynch’s spirits for guidance. I found the philosophical discussion about communicating with the afterlife to be rather fascinating.

Richard and Alex shared they are considering releasing a three-part mini-series of the film. There was a tremendous amount of unused footage that would expand the story and present even more about Catherine Coulson’s life. They are also considering a Patreon that would offer access to unedited interviews with those who knew Catherine.

They have also launched a rather unique program for people who loved the documentary. You can become a curator which gives you a link to share with your friends.

This special link offers $5.00 off the film and, if redeemed, provides you with $5.00. You can either keep that money or donate it to a charity that Catherine Coulson supported including HRC, World Forestry or UNICEF.

Visit the IKnowCatherine.com website for details on how to become a curator.

I’m grateful to Alex and Richard for their time. An hour passed by so quickly as I found our conversation engaging and thought-provoking. Thank you for your work on telling Catherine’s story, especially for fans like me who never got to meet her.