SIFF ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP FOR 41st SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

4/29/2015 | SIFF Festivals
Rachel Eggers | 206.315.0683 | rachel.eggers@siff.net

SEATTLE -- April 29, 2015 -- The Seattle International Film Festival, the largest and most highly attended festival in the United States, announced today the complete lineup of films, guests, and events for the 41st annual Festival (May 14 - June 7, 2015). 

This year, SIFF will screen 450 films representing 92 countries: 193 features (plus 4 secret films), 70 documentaries, 19 archival films, and 164 shorts. The films include 49 World premieres (23 features, 26 shorts), 51 North American premieres (33 features, 18 shorts), and 18 US premieres (7 features, 11 shorts). The Festival is bookended by two hilarious comedies: 20th Century Fox's Spy, a critics' favorite from the team behind Bridesmaids, director Paul Feig and star Melissa McCarthy, and The Orchard's The Overnight, the "grown-up play date" tale from up-and-coming director Patrick Brice that stars Jason Schwartzman, Taylor Schilling, Judith Godrèche, and Adam Scott. 

In addition, SIFF 2015 Tribute Guest and prolific actor Kevin Bacon will be presented with the Festival's Career Achievement in Acting Award and interviewed on stage in conjunction with Focus World's Cop Car. Screenings of classics Footloose and Diner will also be held in celebration of his body of work. An Evening with Jason Schwartzman will feature an on-stage interview and a screening of Bob Byington's 7 Chinese Brothers, in which he stars with his real-life French bulldog, Arrow.

SIFF 2015 will also present popular recurring programs of films like African Pictures (made possible by a grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences), Face the Music, Northwest Connections, and Catalyst - as well as launching a new section, Culinary Cinema, which will include special dinner pairings in partnership with local restaurants. 

"This year's Festival is bigger and more international than ever, with a record 92 countries represented," notes Carl Spence, SIFF Artistic Director. "Adding to our diverse international line-up is our new program, Culinary Cinema, which features 11 fantastic films. And I'm particularly excited to welcome Kevin Bacon as this year's Tribute Guest - SIFF will now be only one-degree of separation away!" Adds Mary Bacarella, SIFF Managing Director, "I'm thrilled with the selection this year - once again, it's a 'something-for-everyone' festival. We can't wait to enjoy another 25 days of SIFF with our incredible Seattle audience."

This year's gala, premiere, and special presentation films feature a star-studded line-up including Max Landis' directorial debut Me Him Her with Luke Bracey, Dustin Milligan, Emily Meade, Scott Bakula and Geena Davis; Chris Evans in Before We Go; Julie Benz in Circle; Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Segal in the Centerpiece Gala film End of the Tour; Jason Lee in Good Ol' Boy; Pixar's Inside Out directed by Pete Docter; John Cusack and Elizabeth Banks in Love & Mercy; Nick Offerman and Connie Britton in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl; Ian McKellan and Laura Linney in Mr. Holmes; Jemaine Clement and Regina Hall in People, Places, Things; Hunter Parrish and Tim Daly in A Rising Tide; Stephen Fry and Hugh Jackman in That Sugar Film; and Billy Zane and Kevin Alejandro in West of Redemption.

The 2015 Seattle International Film Festival is presented by SIFF, the non-profit arts organization that reaches more than 300,000 annually through SIFF Cinema, SIFF Education, and the annual flagship Festival.

The box office opens April 30 online at SIFF.net, by phone at 206.324.9996, and in person at any SIFF venue box office. View the full public program on April 30 here.


GALAS

Opening Night Gala

Spy

Director and writer Paul Feig scheduled to attend

Comic tour-de-force Melissa McCarthy brings her unique blend of physical comedy and wit to the role of Susan Cooper, a CIA agent who must go deep undercover to rescue her partner (Jude Law) and another top agent (Jason Statham) who have gone missing. (d: Paul Feig c: Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Morena Baccarin, USA 2015, 120 min)

Centerpiece Gala

End of the Tour

After the 1996 publication of "Infinite Jest" journalist David Lipsky embarks on an unforgettable five-day interview with enigmatic author David Foster Wallace. Based on Lipsky's acclaimed memoir, End of the Tour portrays their significant encounter with humor, tenderness and fantastic performances. (d: James Ponsoldt c: Jesse Eisenberg, Jason Segel, Anna Chlumsky, Joan Cusack, Mamie Gummer, USA 2015, 106 min)

Closing Night Gala

The Overnight

Actors Jason Schwartzman, Judith Godrèche and director Patrick Brice scheduled to attend

In an attempt to acclimate to Los Angeles, a young Seattle couple spends an increasingly bizarre evening with the parents of their son's new friend. A hilarious take on parenthood, marriage, and sexual frustration. (d: Patrick Brice c: Adam Scott, Taylor Schilling, Jason Schwartzman, Judith Godrèche, USA 2015, 80 min)


SPECIAL GUESTS

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN ACTING AWARD

Kevin Bacon

Featuring Cop Car

Plus screenings of Footloose and Diner

With his sly grin, boyish handsomeness, and mischievous energy used to perfect effect in a wide range of film roles-from teen movie heroes and scenery-chewing supervillains to sadistic guards and emotionally crippled FBI agents-actor and musician Kevin Bacon has carved out a unique career as a captivating performer working with movie star charisma who can flow easily from lead to supporting role. 

AN EVENING WITH

Jason Schwartzman

Featuring 7 Chinese Brothers

Plus Closing Night Gala screening of The Overnight

Jason Schwartzman has consistently infused his signature charm, deadpan humor, and quick-wit into such films as Rushmore, I Heart Huckabees, Marie Antoinette, The Darjeeling Limited, Moonrise Kingdom, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.


FILMS WITH PARTIES

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (d: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon c: Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler, Olivia Cooke, Nick Offerman, Connie Britton, USA 2015, 104 min)

Director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon scheduled to attend

Saturday Party at Pacific Place

The Second Mother - Renton Opening Night (d: Anna Muylaert c: Regina Casé, Michel Joelsas, Camila Márdila, Karine Teles, Lourenço Mutarelli, Brazil 2015, 111 min)

Actor Camila Márdila scheduled to attend

Party at Renton Pavilion Center 

People, Places, Things (d: James C. Strouse c: Jemaine Clement, Regina Hall, Stephanie Allynne, Jessica Williams, Gia Gadsby, USA 2015, 86 min)

Actor Jemaine Clement scheduled to attend

Saturday Party at Kaspar's

54: The Director's Cut (d: Mark Christopher c: Ryan Phillippe, Salma Hayek, Mike Myers, Mark Ruffalo, USA 2015, 106 min)

Director Mark Christopher scheduled to attend

Followed by The Studio 54 Experience at the Neptune Theatre

Go beyond watching a film - experience it live as we transform the Neptune Theatre into Club Studio 54 for one night. Performances by Studio 54 Dancers, glitterballs, disco lessons, and thumping tunes. 

Good Ol' Boy - Kirkland Opening Night (d: Frank Lotito c: Jason Lee, Anjul Nigam, Brighton Sharbino, Hilarie Burton, Roni Akurati, USA 2015, 104 min)

Director Frank Lotito scheduled to attend

Party at Kirkland Performance Center

Tangerine - Gay-La (d: Sean Baker c: Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, Karren Karagulian, Mickey O'Hagan, Alla Tumanyan, USA 2015, 89 min)

Director Sean Baker scheduled to attend

Party at the Baltic Room

Excuse My French - African Pictures Celebration (d: Amr Salama c: Ahmed Dash, Hani Adel, Kinda Allouch, Ahmed Helmy, Egypt 2014, 99 min)

Director Amr Salama scheduled to attend

Party at NW African American Museum

Eisenstein in Guanajuato (d: Peter Greenaway c: Elmer Bäck, Luis Alberti, Rasmus Slatis, Netherlands/Mexico/Belgium/Finland 2015, 105 min)

Director Peter Greenaway scheduled to attend

Saturday Party at W Hotel Seattle

 


25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MARTIN SCORSESE'S THE FILM FOUNDATION

This year, SIFF celebrates the 25th anniversary of Martin Scorsese's The Film Foundation with 12 films; 8 are presented in the Festival and 4 are presented in partnership with STG and their Trader Joe's Silent Movie Mondays at the Paramount:

Alyam, Alyam, d: Ahmed El Maanouni (Morocco 1978); Black Girl, d: Ousmane Sembène (Senegal 1966); Caught, d: Max Ophüls (USA 1949); TheColor of the Pomegranates, d: Sergei Parajanov (Armenia 1969); The Dark Mirror, d: Robert Siodmak (USA 1946); Rebel Without a Cause, d: Nicholas Ray (USA 1955); The Red Shoes, d: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger (United Kingdom, 1948); The Mark of Zorro, d: Fred Niblo (USA, 1920); My Best Girl, d: Sam Taylor (USA, 1927); The Unholy Three, d: Tod Browning (USA, 1925); Snow White, d: J. Searle Dawley (USA, 1916).

ARCHIVAL PRESENTATIONS

Time travel may still just be a dream in the scientific world, but in cinema it is practically inevitable, as every film captures several distinct moments in time: the period of the story, the era of the film's creation, and the instance of discovery and even rediscovery by the filmgoer. Here are some highlights from the 19 archival films in this year's line-up.

The Alloy Orchestra performs live with The Son of the Sheik (d: George Fitzmaurice c: Rudolph Valentino, Vilma Banky, George Fawcett, Montagu Love, Agnes Ayres, USA 1926, 68 min)

Renowned pianist Donald Sosin performs live with Cave of the Spider Women (d: Dan Duyu, China 1927, 60 min); presented with the 1967 Shaw Brothers remake The Cave of Silken Web (d: Ho Meng Hua, Hong Kong 1967, 82 min)

Saved From the Flames - A Trip to the Moon and Other Trips Through Time and Space with film impresario Serge Bromberg live in person.

A Tribute to Stewart Stern: Rebel Without a Cause Live Screenplay Reading directed by Ryan Piers Williams. Rebel Without a Cause will also screen.

 


SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Mr. Holmes

Ian McKellen plays the elderly detective Sherlock Holmes, who now lives on a farm with his housekeeper and her young, inquisitive son. Mr. Holmes wrestles with his aging body and mind, as well as the final, unsolved case he worked on 30 years earlier. (d: Bill Condon c: Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Milo Parker, Hiroyuki Sanada, Hattie Morahan, United Kingdom 2015, 105 min)

Inside Out

Director Pete Docter and Producer Jonas Rivera scheduled to attend

Meet the little voices inside your head! Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter (Up) takes us to the most extraordinary location of all-inside the mind of an 11-year-old named Riley. Presented in 3D. (d: Pete Docter v: Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, USA 2015, 106 min)

Shaun the Sheep

After a scheme to get a day off goes horribly wrong, Shaun, his herd, and sheepdog Bitzer set off to the big city to find Farmer and cure him of his amnesia. This laugh-a-minute movie from Aardman Animation is guaranteed to delight both young and old. (d: Richard Starzak, Mark Burton v: Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Omid Djalili, Richard Webber, Kate Harbour, United Kingdom 2015, 85 min)


FEATURE FILM PREMIERES

World (23)

2045 Carnival Folklore (d: Naoki Kato c: Junya Ishii, Misaki Oka, Yusuke Hayashi, Hideyuki Okamoto, Ryo Hamamoto, Japan 2015, 100 min)

Beach Town (d: Erik Hammen c: Sarah Winsor, Ahren Buhmann, Riley Neldam, Kenna Kettrick, William Poole, USA 2015, 72 min)

Chatty Catties (d: Pablo Valencia c: Megan Hensley, Matthew Grathwol, John Autry II, Julia Holter, Jennie Russ Tamblyn, USA 2015, 85 min)

Circle (d: Aaron Hann, Mario Miscione c: Julie Benz, Mercy Malick, Carter Jenkins, Lisa Pelikan, Cesar Garcia, USA 2015, 87 min)

Fourth Man Out (d: Andrew Nackman c: Evan Todd, Parker Young, Chord Overstreet, Jon Gabrus, Kate Flannery, USA 2015, 95 min)

Front Cover (d: Ray Yeung c: Jake Choi, James Chen, USA 2015, 86 min)

The Glamour & The Squalor (d: Marq Evans f: Marco Collins, Shirley Manson, Macklemore, Ben Gibbard, Mike McCready, USA 2015, 82 min)

The Golden Hill (d: Rajan Kathet c: Tsewang Rinzin Gurung, Yeshi Choeden, Kunga Tashi, Mentok Gurung, Nepal 2015, 74 min)

Good Ol' Boy (d: Frank Lotito c: Jason Lee, Anjul Nigam, Brighton Sharbino, Hilarie Burton, Roni Akurati, USA 2015, 104 min)

The Great Alone (d: Greg Kohs f: Lance Mackey, Dick Mackey, Kathie Smith, USA 2015, 84 min)

Happy 40th (d: Madoka Raine c: Yvonne Woods, Brian Slaten, Madoka Raine, Jenni Blong, Robyn Cohen, USA 2015, 100 min)

The Hollow One (d: Nathan Hendrickson c: Kate Alden, Jesse James, Chelsea Farthing, Tony Doupé, Tonya Skoog, USA 2015, 97 min)

In Utero (d: Kathleen Gyllenhaal, USA 2015, 84 min)

License to Operate (d: James Lipetzky f: Aquil Basheer, Kenneth Jones, Alfred Lomas III, Reynaldo Reaser, Stinson Brown, USA 2015, 103 min)

Me Him Her (d: Max Landis c: Luke Bracey, Dustin Milligan, Emily Meade, Scott Bakula, Geena Davis, USA 2015, 98 min)

Paper Tigers (d: James Redford, USA 2015, 102 min)

The Primary Instinct (d: David Chen f: Stephen Tobolowsky, USA 2015, 73 min)

A Rising Tide (d: Ben Hickernell c: Hunter Parrish, Ashley Hinshaw, Tim Daly, Victor Slezak, Jonathan Togo, USA 2015, 98 min)

Those People (d: Joey Kuhn c: Jonathan Gordon, Jason Ralph, Haaz Sleiman, Britt Lower, Meghann Fahy, USA 2015, 89 min)

Under Construction (d: Rubaiyat Hossain c: Shahana Goswami, Mita Rahman, Rikita Shimu, Rahul Bose, Bangladesh 2015, 88 min)

The Village (d: Levan Tutberidze c: Crystal Bennett, Tornike Bziava, Mikheil Gomiashvili, Georgia 2015, 112 min)

West of Redemption (d: Cornelia Duryee Moore c: Billy Zane, Kevin Alejandro, Mariana Klaveno, USA 2015, 90 min)

North American (33)

Big Father, Small Father and Other Stories (d: Phan Dang Di c: Do Thi Hai Yen, Nguyen Ha Phong, Le Cong Hoang, Truong The Vinh, Mai Quoc Viet, Vietnam/France/Germany 2015, 102 min)

A Blast (d: Syllas Tzoumerkas c: Angeliki Papoulia, Vassilis Doganis, Maria Filini, Themis Bazaka, Yorgos Biniaris, Greece/Germany/Netherlands 2014, 83 min)

The Blue Hour (d: Anucha Boonyawatana c: Atthaphan Poonsawas, Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang, Duangjai Hirunsri, Chaowalit Teangsap, Nithiroj Simkamtorn, Thailand 2015, 96 min)

The Boda Boda Thieves (d: Donald Mugisha c: Hassan Insingoma, Prossy Rukundo, Saul Mwesigwa, Michael Wawuyo, Peace Birungi, Uganda/Kenya/South Africa/Germany 2015, 85 min)

Bonifacio (d: Enzo Williams c: Robin Padilla, Vina Morales, Daniel Padilla, Eddie Garcia, Cholo Barretto, Philippines 2014, 105 min)

Breathe Umphefumlo (d: Mark Dornford-May c: Pauline Malefane, Sifiso Lupuzi, Zebulon Mmusi, Mhlekazi Moseia, Busisiwe Ngejane, South Africa/United Kingdom/Germany 2015, 89 min)

Cherry Tobacco (d: Andres Maimik, Katrin Maimik c: Maris Nõlvak, Gert Raudsep, Getter Meresmaa, Anne Reemann, Maarja Jakobson, Estonia 2014, 93 min)

The Coffin in the Mountain (d: Yukun Xin c: Weimin Huo, Xiaotian Wang, Yun Luo, Yuzen Yang, Li Sun, China 2014, 119 min)

Cooking Up a Tribute (d: Luis González, Andrea Gómez f: Joan Roca, Josep Roca, Jordi Roca, Spain 2015, 87 min)

Corrections Class (d: Ivan I. Tverdovsky c: Maria Poezhaeva, Filipp Avdeev, Nikita Kukushkin, Artem Markaryan, Irina Vilkova, Russia/Germany 2014, 98 min)

Dreams Rewired (d: Martin Reinhart, Thomas Tode, Manu Luksch n: Tilda Swinton, Austria 2015, 85 min)

Eisenstein in Guanajuato (d: Peter Greenaway c: Elmer Bäck, Luis Alberti, Rasmus Slatis, Jacob Öhrman, Maya Zapata, Netherlands/Mexico/Belgium/Finland 2015, 105 min)

Fassbinder - To Love Without Demands (d: Christian Braad Thomsen f: Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Irm Hermann, Harry Baer, Lilo Pempeit, Denmark 2015, 109 min)

The Fire (d: Juan Schnitman c: Pilar Gamboa, Juan Barberini, Luciano Suardi, Marcelo D' Andrea, Andrea Garrote, Argentina 2015, 95 min)

Hedi Schneider Is Stuck (d: Sonja Heiss c: Laura Tonke, Hans Löw, Leander Nitsche, Germany/Norway 2015, 92 min)

How To Win At Checkers (Every Time) (d: Josh Kim c: Thira Chutikul, Ingkarat Damrongsakkul, Natarat Lakha, Thailand/USA/Indonesia/Hong Kong, 2015, 80 min)

The Invisible Boy (d: Gabriele Salvatores c: Ludovico Girardello, Valeria Golino, Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Christo Jivkov, Noa Zatta, Italy 2014, 100 min)

Key House Mirror (d: Michael Noer c: Ghita Nørby, Sven Wollter, Trine Pallesen, Jens Brenaa, Denmark 2015, 94 min)

Little Forest - Winter / Spring (d: Junichi Mori c: Ai Hashimoto,Takahiro Miura, Mayu Matsuoka, Yoichi Nukumizu, Karen Kirishima, Japan 2015, 120 min)

Liza, the Fox-Fairy (d: Károly Ujj-Mészáros c: Mónika Balsai, David Sakurai, Piroska Molnár, Zoltán Schmied, Gábor Reviczky, Hungary 2015, 98 min)

Love Among the Ruins (d: Massimo Alì Mohammad c: Mary Di Tommaso, Massimo Malucelli, Stefano Muroni, Filippo Parma, Edoardo Siravo, Italy/USA 2015, 71 min)

Love, Theft and Other Entanglements (d: Muayad Alayan c: Sami Metwasi, Maya Abu Alhayyat, Riyad Sliman, Ramzi Maqdisi, Kamel Elbasha, Palestine 2015, 93 min)

A Matter of Interpretation (d: Lee Kwang-kuk c: Shin Dong-Mi, Kim Kang-Hyun, Yu Jun-Sang, South Korea 2014, 99 min)

Morbayassa (d: Cheick Fantamady Camara c: Fatoumata Diawara, Claire Simba, Brigette Masure, Guinea 2015, 124 min)

My Skinny Sister (d: Sanna Lenken c: Rebecka Josephson, Amy Deasismont, Annika Hallin, Henrik Norlén, Maxim Mehmet, Sweden/Germany 2015, 95 min)

Name Me (d: Nigina Sayfullayeva c: Konstantin Lavronenko, Alexandra Bortich, Marina Vasilieva, Russia 2014, 91 min)

Pioneer Heroes (d: Natalya Kudryashova c: Natalya Kudryashova, Daria Moroz, Alexey Mitin, Russia 2015, 115 min)

Sergio Herman, F**KING PERFECT (d: Willemiek Kluijfhout, Netherlands 2015, 80 min)

Sherry & The Mystery of Palo Cortado (d: José-Luis López-Linares, Spain 2015, 87 min)

Short Skin (d: Duccio Chiarini c: Matteo Creatini, Francesca Agostini, Nicola Nocchi, Miriana Raschillà, Bianca Ceravolo, Italy 2014, 86 min)

Sugarcane Shadows (d: David Constantin d: Raj Bumma, Dany Bhowaneedin, Nalini Aubeeluck, Jean-Claude Catheya, Mauritius/France 2014, 88 min)

Waterline (d: Michal Otlowski c: Jowita Budnik, Sebastian Fabijanski, Mariusz Bonaszewski, Lukasz Simlat, Michal Zurawski, Poland 2014, 94 min)

US (7)

Atlantic. (d: Jan-Willem van Ewijk c: Fettah Lamara, Thekla Reuten, Mohamed Majd, Boujmaa Guilloul, Hassna Souidi, Netherlands/Belgium/Germany/Morocco 2014, 94 min)

Before We Go (d: Chris Evans c: Chris Evans, Alice Eve, USA 2014, 89 min)

Gazelles (d: Mona Achache c: Camille Chamoux, Audrey Fleurot, Joséphine de Maux, Franck Gastambide. Anne Brochet, France 2014, 99 min)

Graziella (d: Mehdi Charef c: Rossy De Palma, Denis Lavant, Claire Nebout, France 2014, 93 min)

Mountain Spirits (d: Singing Chen, Kuo-Liang Chiang, Taiwan 2014, 70 min)

Out of Nature (d: Ole Giæver, Marte Vold c: Ole Giæver, Marte Magnusdotter Solem, Sivert Giæver Solem, Rebekka Nystadbakk, Ellen Birgitte Winther, Norway 2014, 80 min)

War of Lies (d: Matthias Bittner, Germany 2014, 90 min)

 


COMPETITIONS

New Directors Competition

Festival programmers select 12 films remarkable for their original concept, striking style and overall excellence. To be eligible, films must be a director's first or second feature and without U.S. distribution at the time of their selection. Winners receive a $2,500 cash prize.

2015 Entries:

A Blast (d: Syllas Tzoumerkas, Greece/Germany/Netherlands 2014, North American Premiere)

Bonifacio (d: Enzo Williams, Philippines 2014, North American Premiere)

Corrections Class (d: Ivan I. Tverdovsky, Russia/Germany 2014, North American Premiere)

Liza, the Fox-Fairy (d: Karoly Ujj-Meszaros, Hungary 2015, North American Premiere)

Love, Theft and Other Entanglements (d: Muayad Alayan, Palestine 2015, North American Premiere)

A Matter of Interpretation (d: Kwang-kuk Lee, South Korea 2014, North American Premiere)

Morbayassa (d: Cheick Fantamady Camara, Guinea 2015, North American Premiere)

My Skinny Sister (d: Sanna Lenken, Sweden/Germany 2015, North American Premiere)

Short Skin (d: Duccio Chiarini, Italy 2014, North American Premiere)

Under Construction (d: Rubaiyat Hossain, Bangladesh 2015, World Premiere)

Vincent (d: Thomas Salvador, France 2014)

Waterline (d: Michal Otlowski, Poland 2014, North American Premiere)

New American Cinema Competition

Festival programmers select 8 films without U.S. distribution that are sure to delight audiences looking to explore the exciting vanguard of New American Cinema and compete for the FIPRESCI Award for Best New American Film. Jury is comprised of 3 members from the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). The winning film will receive a $2,500 cash prize and a copy of Adobe Creative Suite 6 Production Premium edition.

2015 Entries:

Chatty Catties (d: Pablo Valencia, USA 2015, World Premiere)

Circle (d: Aaron Hann & Mario Miscione, USA 2015, World Premiere)

Fourth Man Out (d: Andrew Nackman, USA 2015, World Premiere)

Front Cover (d: Ray Yeung, USA 2015, World Premiere)

Good Ol' Boy (d: Frank Lotito, USA 2015, World Premiere)

Happy 40th (d: Madoka Raine, USA 2015, World Premiere)

Me Him Her (d: Max Landis, USA 2015, World Premiere)

Those People (d: Joey Kuhn, USA 2015, World Premiere)

Documentary Competition

Unscripted and uncut, the world is a resource of unexpected, informative, and altogether exciting storytelling. Documentary filmmakers have, for years, brought these untold stories to life and introduced us to a vast number of fascinating topics we may have never known existed-let alone known were so fascinating. Winners receive a $2,500 cash prize.

2015 Entries:

Cooking Up a Tribute (d: Luis Gonzalez & Andrea Gomez, Spain 2015, North American Premiere)

Dreams Rewired (d: Martin Reinhart, Thomas Tode, & Manu Luksch, Austria 2015, North American Premiere)

The Glamour & The Squalor (d: Marq Evans, USA 2015, World Premiere)

The Great Alone (d: Greg Kohs, USA 2015, World Premiere)

In Utero (d: Kathleen Gyllenhaal, USA 2015, World Premiere)

License to Operate (d: James Lipetzky, USA 2015, World Premiere)

Mountain Spirits (d: Singing Chen & Kuo-Liang Chiang, Taiwan 2014, US Premiere)

Paper Tigers (d: James Redford, USA 2015, World Premiere)

Romeo Is Bleeding (d: Jason Zeldes, USA 2015)

Sergio Herman, F**KING PERFECT (d: Willemiek Kluijfhout, Netherlands 2015, North American Premiere)

War of Lies (d: Matthias Bittner, Germany 2014, US Premiere)

Shorts Competition

All short films shown at the Festival are eligible for both the Golden Space Needle Audience Award and Jury Award. Jurors will choose winners in the Narrative, Animation, and Documentary categories. Each jury winner will receive $1,000 and winners in any of the three categories may also qualify to enter their respective films in the Short Film category of the Academy Awards®.

Golden Space Needle Awards

For the past 30 years, SIFF has celebrated its most popular films and filmmakers with the Golden Space Needle Audience Award. Awards by Festival audiences are given in five categories: Best Film, Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Short Film.

 


CULINARY CINEMA  - new program!

Popcorn is no longer king as the phenomenon of food culture has exploded into cinema. We've selected 11 extraordinary films that explore different aspects of taste and the senses for the cinematically inclined. The program also includes dinner pairings in partnership with local restaurants Bookstore Bar & Café, The Dunbar Room, Loulay, Manhattan, Poppy, and Vude.

The Birth of Saké (d: Erik Shirai f: Yamamoto Toji, Yasuyuki Yoshida, USA 2015, 91 min) 

City of Gold (d: Laura Gabbert f: Jonathan Gold, USA 2015, 88 min)

Cooking Up a Tribute (d: Luis González, Andrea Gómez f: Joan Roca, Josep Roca, Jordi Roca, Spain 2015, 87 min, North American Premiere)

For Grace (d: Mark Helenowski, Kevin Pang f: Curtis Duggy, Michael Muser, Ruth Snider, USA 2015, 92 min)

King Georges (d: Erika Frankel f: Georges Perrier, Nicholas Elmi, Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Eric Ripert, USA 2015, 77 min)

Little Forest - Summer / Autumn (d: Junichi Mori c: Ai Hashimoto, Takahiro Miura, Mayu Matsuoka, Yoichi Nukumizu, Karen Kirishima, Japan 2014, 112 min) 

Little Forest - Winter / Spring (d: Junichi Mori c: Ai Hashimoto,Takahiro Miura, Mayu Matsuoka, Yoichi Nukumizu, Karen Kirishima, Japan 2015, 120 min, North American Premiere)

Sergio Herman, F**KING PERFECT (d: Willemiek Kluijfhout, Netherlands 2015, 80 min, North American Premiere) 

Sherry & The Mystery of Palo Cortado (d: José-Luis López-Linares, Spain 2015, 87 min, North American Premiere)

Steak (R)evolution (d: Franck Ribière f: Franck Ribière, Yves-Marie le Bourdonnec, France 2014, 110 min) 

That Sugar Film (d: Damon Gameau f: Stephen Fry, Brenton Thwaites, Isabel Lucas, Jessica Marais, Hugh Jackman, Australia 2015, 94 min)

 



FACE THE MUSIC

Seattle is a music-obsessed city, so it's only fitting that the Festival features films that showcase the many ways in which music affects our lives, ranging from biopics and documentaries to concert films and live events.

808 (d: Alexander Dunn f: Afrika Bambaataa, The Beastie Boys, Pharrell Williams, Questlove, Phil Collins, United Kingdom 2015, 107 min)

All Things Must Pass (d: Colin Hanks f: Russ Solomon, Heidi Cotler, Mark Viducich, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, USA 2015, 100 min)

Don't Think I've Forgotten: Cambodia's Lost Rock and Roll (d: John Pirozzi f: Sinn Sisamouth, Ros Serey Sothea, Baksey Cham Krong, USA/Cambodia 2015, 106 min)

The Glamour & The Squalor (d: Marq Evans f: Marco Collins, Shirley Manson, Macklemore, Ben Gibbard, Mike McCready, USA 2015, 82 min, World Premiere) 

Love & Mercy (d: Bill Pohlad c: John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti, Jake Abel, Bill Camp, USA 2014, 119 min)

Paco de Lucía: A Journey (d: Curro Sanchez Varela f: Paco de Lucía, Spain 2014, 92 min)

Virtuosity (d: Christopher Wilkinson f: Alessandro Deljavan, Sean Chen, Fei Fei Dong, Vadym Kholodenko, Beatrice Rana, USA/Italy, Russia 2014, 86 min)

 


NORTHWEST CONNECTIONS

Seattleites see more films per capita than the residents of any other American city. This year's lineup of films with their roots in the Pacific Northwest reveals a filmmaking region officially on the map. Every year, SIFF honors the many ways in which the Puget Sound region contributes to the world of cinema, whether it's as an evocative location for outside filmmakers or inspiration for local filmmakers on the rise.

Beach Town (d: Erik Hammen c: Sarah Winsor, Ahren Buhmann, Riley Neldam, Kenna Kettrick, William Poole, USA 2015, 72 min, World Premiere)

Bodyslam: Revenge of the Banana (d: Ryan Harvie, John Paul Hortsmann c: Ronald McFondle, Eddie Van Glam, The Banana, USA 2015, 86 min)

The Hollow One (d: Nathan Hendrickson c: Kate Alden, Jesse James, Chelsea Farthing, Tony Doupé, Tonya Skoog, USA 2015, 97 min, World Premiere)

Paper Tigers (d: James Redford, USA 2015, 102 min, World Premiere)

Personal Gold: An Underdog Story (d: Tamara Christopherson s: Jennie Reed, Dotsie Bausch, Sarah Hammer, USA/Spain, United Kingdom 2015, 89 min)

Pilchuck, A Dance with Fire (d: John Forsen v: Jeff Bridges, USA 2015, 68 min)

The Primary Instinct (d: David Chen f: Stephen Tobolowsky, USA 2015, 73 min, World Premiere)

Uncertain (d: Ewan McNichol, Anna Sandilands, USA 2015, 82 min)

Valley of the Sasquatch (d: John Portanova c: Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, D'Angelo Midili, Jason Vail, David Saucedo, Bill Oberst Jr., USA 2015, 92 min)

West of Redemption (d: Cornelia Duryee Moore c: Billy Zane, Kevin Alejandro, Mariana Klaveno, USA 2015, 90 min, World Premiere)

 


AFRICAN PICTURES

Now in its third year, this program once again presents an impressive and diverse selection of films from and about Africa. 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. 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. 

Beats of the Antonov (d: Hajooj Kuka s: Jodah Bujud, Insaf Awad, Sarah Mohamed Abunama-Elgadi, Seif Alislam, Sudan/South Africa 2014, 65 min) 

Beti and Amare (d: Andy Siege c: Hiwot Asres, Pascal Dawson, Biniyam Kore, Yonas An Kidane, Delelegne Sharwe, Ethiopia/Germany 2014, 94 min) 

The Boda Boda Thieves (d: Donald Mugisha c: Hassan Insingoma, Prossy Rukundo, Saul Mwesigwa, Michael Wawuyo, Peace Birungi, Uganda/Kenya/South Africa/Germany 2015, 85 min, North American Premiere)

Breathe Umphefumlo (d: Mark Dornford-May c: Pauline Malefane, Sifiso Lupuzi, Zebulon Mmusi, Mhlekazi Moseia, Busisiwe Ngejane, South Africa/United Kingdom/Germany 2015, 89 min, North American Premiere) 

Challat of Tunis (d: Kaouther Ben Hania c: Jallel Dridi, Moufida Dridi, Mohamed Slim Bouchiba, Narimène Saidane, Tunisia/France, Canada, Qatar, United Arab Emirates 2014, 90 min) 

Décor (d: Ahmad Abdalla c: Horeya Farghaly, Khaled Abol Naga, Maged El Kedwany, Egypt 2014, 116 min) 

Excuse My French (d: Amr Salama c: Ahmed Dash, Hani Adel, Kinda Allouch, Ahmed Helmy, Egypt 2014, 99 min)

I Am the People (d: Anna Roussillon c: Farraj Abdelwahid, France 2014, 111 min) 

The Malagasy Way (d: Lova Nantenaina, Madagascar/France 2014, 84 min)

Morbayassa (d: Cheick Fantamady Camara c: Fatoumata Diawara, Claire Simba, Brigette Masure, Alex Ogou, Guinea 2015, 124 min North American Premiere) 

Run (d: Philippe Lacôte c: Abdoul Karim Konaté, Isaach De Bankolé, Rasmane Ouédraogo, Reine Sali Coulibaly, Abdoul Bah, Ivory Coast/France 2014, 97 min) 

Sugarcane Shadow (d: David Constantin c: Raj Bumma, Dany Bhowaneedin, Nalini Aubeeluck, Jean-Claude Catheya, Mauritius/France 2014, 88 min, North American Premiere)

 


SHORTSFEST

With 164 shorts this year, SIFF's annual celebration of short film remains one of the hot tickets at the Festival. Taking place during Memorial Day weekend, this mini-fest is packed with talented, up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world. Take advantage of the opportunity to experience the best short films from the past year - many will also play before feature films throughout the Festival.

 


MOODS 

"What sort of film do I feel like seeing tonight?" With our handy Moods groupings, we've made it easy for everyone to find the type of cinematic experience you're in the mood for. Instead of using traditional categories, which require a bit of work to figure out, we've aimed to connect films with you - the audience - by organizing them into 10 areas that match your mood.

LOVE...

Romance and love in all its forms, pleasures, and idiosyncrasies. 

MAKE ME LAUGH

Films that make you chuckle and tickle your funny bone.

OPEN MY EYES

Revealing films and documentaries revolving around history, politics, and contemporary events from around the world. 

THRILL ME

Suspense, thrills, and action. Films with a faster pace that might also surprise you when you least expect it! 

PROVOKE ME

Mesmerizing dramas and documentaries that explore thought-provoking questions, realities, and topics. 

SHOW ME THE WORLD

Prepare to be taken to another place-from exotic, far-off lands to vibrant experiences outside of everyday life.

SCI-FI AND FACT

Science, technology, environment, the future, and beyond! 

TO THE EXTREME

Explore the outer limits with films that go beyond the edge.

CREATIVE STREAK

The exploration of artistic endeavors from all disciplines: literature, film, art, dance, 

and performance.

FACE THE MUSIC

Films that intersect the world of music on all fronts: from biopics and concert films, 

to musicals and live events.

 


SIFF EDUCATION

SIFF offers three programs during Festival: FutureWave, Films4Families, and Forums.

FUTUREWAVE AND FILM4FAMILIES

SIFF has programs curated to make the Festival more accessible to younger audiences. FutureWave features are a great place for our cinema-savvy teen audience to find their love of world cinema and Films4Families is the perfect way for younger children (and the young at heart) to have a fabulous experience at SIFF. Both programs also have Youth Juries comprised of youth from their age bracket to watch all the films and present the Youth Jury Award in their respective categories.

FORUMS & PANELS

Where audiences and filmmakers come together to learn about and experience making movies. Unless otherwise noted, Festival forums and panels are held at SIFF Film Center.

  • Crash Kids (ages 9 -12)
  • Digital Storytelling in the Classroom: A Professional Development Workshop for Teachers
  • How to Correctly Pitch Your Project
  • Screenwriting is All About Rewriting
  • The Reel Deal: How to Market Your Face and Your Film
  • ShortFest Happy Hour and Panel
  • ShortsFest Keynote: New Frontier of Short Films with Jason Sondhi
  • Finding the Short Film Gatekeepers
  • Marketing Short Films
  • Catalyst Keynote with Amy Dotson, Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP)
  • Making Provocative Documentaries
  • Contemporary Indigenous Cinema
  • Communication between Directors and Composers
  • Catalyst Filmmaker Panel
  • Creating the Hyper-Engaged Fan
  • Filmmaker MBA: Documentary Distribution Masterclass
  • Workflow: The Importance of Planning Ahead
  • Crowdfunding to Build Independence
  • Expanding the New Media Horizon
  • Filmmaking Across the African Continent
  • Will You Distribute My Movie? How To Deal With the Marketplace for Indie Film
  • Film Critics Revisited: How to Talk About Movies in the 21st Century

 


VENUES

SEATTLE

SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, SIFF Film Center, Harvard Exit, AMC Pacific Place 11, McCaw Hall, Cinerama, Neptune Theatre, Neumos, and SIFF Lounge at Triumph Bar. 

RENTON

Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center

KIRKLAND

Kirkland Performance Center

BELLEVUE

Lincoln Square Cinemas

 


SIFF 2015 BY THE NUMBERS

450 films

92 countries

193 feature films

70 documentary features

19 archival films

164 short films

4 secret films

49 World Premieres (23 features, 26 shorts)

51 North American Premieres (33 features, 18 shorts)

18 US Premieres (7 features, 11 shorts)


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 450 features, short films, and documentaries from over 80 countries each year. SIFF Cinema exhibits premiere theatrical engagements, repertory, classic, and revival film showings 365 days a year on five screens at the SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and SIFF Film Center, reaching more than 150,000 attendees annually. SIFF Education offers educational programs for all audiences serving more than 13,000 students and youth in the community with free programs each year.  

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