FRENCH CINEMA NOW 2013: SIFF AND SPECIAL GUESTS TO CELEBRATE 19 EXTRAORDINARY FRANCOPHONE FILMS

SEATTLE, WA - October 24 - 30, SIFF presents French Cinema Now, its second annual mini-festival of contemporary Francophone cinema. The celebration features 19 extraordinary Francophone features and documentaries with some of the biggest names in French cinema today, including Juliette Binoche, Julie Delpy, Denis Coté, Isabelle Huppert, and more. With special guests in attendance and one fabulous opening night party, the week promises a wealth of inspiring and eye-opening cinematic experiences.

 The week kicks off on Thursday with the Opening Night Film, BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR. Even before it was awarded the Palme d'Or, Abdellatif Kechiche's newest film was the sensation of this year's Cannes Film Festival for its now-celebrated sexual encounters between the two actresses, Léa Seydoux (Midnight in Paris) and newcomer Adèle Exarchopoulos. After the film, we'll head to Bastille Café & Bar in Ballard for a party with a touch of Paris.

This year's 19 films explore the breadth of cinema from French-speaking countries around the world. They include director Julie Delpy's evocative summer-in-the-70s comedy, a darkly funny Québecois avant-garde drama, a magical animated feature set in an enchanted forest, and a lushly filmed tale of a charismatic yet troubled dancer from Chad. And that's just the beginning!

Additionally this year, six of the films included are the result of a unique partnership between SIFF and presenting sponsor TV5 Monde. They were all released in either 2011 or 2012, but were never shown in Seattle theaters. By showcasing them at French Cinema Now, these impressive films will get a much-deserved wider audience.   Carl Spence, SIFF's Artistic Director, says, "I am thrilled with the films and guests we've lined up for this year's festival! The diversity of styles and bravura performances really show the incredible quality of Francophone cinema culture right now."

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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