SIFF: Seattle International Film Festival

Of the more than 45 (that's almost one per week!) individual film festivals held each year in Seattle, SIFF has the Most!  The most extensive film schedule, the most diverse international selection, the most variety of activities and opportunities for film lovers...and it is alMOST here! 

The 2011 festival kicks off next week, Thursday, May 19, with an Opening Night Gala featuring a screening of the inspirational The First Grader and a fabulous party.  It continues for three and a half weeks, offering more than 400 films, eleven gala parties and tributes, and 26 "special presentations," which are groups of films designed to appeal to particular audiences.  There truly is something for everyone and, with the "SIFFter," a cool feature on the website,   you can input  your preferences (film genre, country, venue, date, time) and get a personalized film schedule. 

Is SIFF for you?  Yes, because...

• it's simple and inexpensive.  Films show at 18 venues between Renton and Everett; most tickets cost $11 with significant discounts for seniors, youth, and members.  You can purchase tickets on-line.
• if you can't afford to pay, it is possible to volunteer in a number of ways.  Your reward is the chance to see the films for free!
• there are myriad opportunities to interact with a host of professionals in the film industry (producers, cinematographers, directors, actors).  There are activities for children and teens, panels of experts, live music events, and other events.
• many festival films are seen here for the first time anywhere - or, at least, in the United States!  This was true for iconic examples such as, Trainspotting, Braveheart, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Poltergeist, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Donnie Darko, and Last Days.
• you'll be watching films that, for the most part, won't be released in theaters until next fall - or re-visit old favorites that haven't shown on the big screen for decades.  Further, some films will never be screened again - it's easy to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
• you'll realize what a wonderful, literate, enthusiastic film community exists in Seattle!

If you love SIFF, you'll be happy to know that the organization operates year-round, providing on-going screenings at the SIFF Cinema at the Seattle Center, dinner and a movie series at the Volterra Drawing Room in Ballard, and a youth education service (Futurewave). 

Learn more at http://www.siff.net/index.aspx