SIFF Fly Filmmaking Challenge Returns In 2018

From SIFF: The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is excited to shine a spotlight on its annual Film Festival that runs Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, June 10, 2018. Through the Festival Spotlight, SIFF will countdown and reveal what to expect at this year’s festival over the next ten weeks. It’s a sneak peek of groundbreaking film announcements, diverse filmmaker development programs, insights on where the hottest parties are, and expected celebrity guest appearances.

“Annually, through the Seattle International Film Festival, we as Seattleites get a chance to see something completely unique; the power of film to create connection between audiences and filmmakers with a shared story at the heart of it all,” said Sarah Wilke, SIFF Executive Director. “I can’t think of a better way to kick it off our festival announcements than with the revival of the Fly Filmmaking Challenge.”

SIFF, in partnership with Washington Filmworks, welcomes back audience favorite, the Fly Filmmaking Challenge after a three year hiatus. This year’s program documents why creativity matters and how it impacts the world we live in for the better.

For the first time ever, the Fly Filmmaking Challenge hit the road and invited filmmakers from cities across the state to participate. “As a statewide entity that works closely with creative industries, Washington Filmworks knows first hand how creativity and creative professionals transform communities both culturally and economically,” said Amy Lillard, Executive Director of Washington Filmworks. “The six filmmakers selected for this year’s Challenge have chosen to showcase a diverse group of people and places from their community which make a delightful, inspired, and unforgettable program for SIFF audiences.”

Each filmmaker chose a creative professional living in their community as the subject of their documentary film. From a fashion professional to a creative technologist, from a woodworker to a literary artist, SIFF audiences will experience an intimate look inside each artisan’s creative process and understand how their work benefits the quality of life in the city which they live and work.

Given only 10 weeks to plan, produce, and complete a short 5-7 minute documentary short within the creative challenges, filmmakers must think on their feet to present the most compelling film. “Documentary projects often afford months to years of production but this year’s team said they are up to the challenge.” said Dustin Kaspar, SIFF’s Education Programs Manager. “The abbreviated production timeline engages their creative instincts and provides a showcase of their visionary talent through another artist’s process.

The final program features six short films by filmmakers from across the state, intended to shine a light on Washington’s far-reaching and inspired creative industries. The 2018 Fly Filmmakers are Jeff Barehand (Olympia), Graham Bourque (Ellensburg), Myisa Plancq-Graham (Seattle), Elliat Graney-Saucke (Seattle), Kendra Ann Sherrill (Spokane), Masahiro Sugano (Tacoma).

The Fly Filmmaking Challenge is scheduled to premiere on Monday, May 28 and will screen again on Wednesday, June 6. Purchase a Full Series Pass now at a special Early Bird rate. Series passes include priority seating, admission to all regularly priced Festival screenings, and admission to over five weeks of press screenings. Individual tickets go on sale May 3rd. For more information, please visit www.SIFF.net

Image Via SIFF