SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES AFRICAN PICTURES LINEUP

SEATTLE -- The Seattle International Film Festival (May 15 - June 8, 2014) once again presents an impressive and diverse selection of films from and about Africa as part of its African Pictures program. Supported by a generous multi-year grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, African Pictures brings the best in cinema to audiences in Seattle and the broader Northwest. 

The Academy grant gives SIFF an unparalleled opportunity as a major international film festival to showcase a substantial program of African cinema. Featured selections include indigenous films, films by African filmmakers working outside the continent, and films on topics relating to Africa's changing contemporary political and social landscape.

 The 2014 African Pictures will continue its tradition of excellence. This year's lineup includes the world premiere of Leading Lady, the latest comedic romp from the director of SIFF 2013 audience favorite Fanie Fourie's Lobola. In addition, Four Corners makes its North American premiere and brings a stark and gritty narrative of strategy and the streets to SIFF audiences. Five African Pictures feature films are debut efforts from new directors, and all African Pictures shorts will be in juried competition at SIFF 2014. 

In 2013, the inaugural African Pictures lineup challenged and delighted viewers with documentaries, comedies, political dramas, and snappy shorts. SIFF 2013's Best Director Golden Space Needle Award, a write-in competition open to all films in the Festival, went to Nabil Ayouch for his Horses of God, an African Pictures selection from Morocco. Likewise, Fanie Fourie's Lobola, an African Pictures romantic comedy from South Africa, took home the Best Film Golden Space Needle Award.    

About SIFF

Founded in 1976, SIFF creates experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world with the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema, and SIFF Education. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in North America, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest, most highly attended film festival in the United States, reaching more than 150,000 annually. The 25-day festival is renowned for its wide-ranging and eclectic programming, presenting over 250 features and 150 short films from over 70 countries each year. SIFF Cinema exhibits premiere theatrical engagements, repertory, classic, and revival film showings 365 days a year on four screens at the SIFF Film Center and the historic SIFF Cinema Uptown, reaching more than 100,000 attendees annually. SIFF Education offers educational programs for all audiences serving more than 11,000 students and youth in the community with free programs each year.  

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