SIFF says this year’s Festival is Much Ado About Something

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

SEATTLE (April 8, 2013) Drumroll, please...SIFF announced today that the 39^th Seattle International Film Festival will open with Joss Whedon's adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. Confirmed to attend Opening Night on May 16 are director Whedon and the stars of the film: Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker, Nathan Fillion, and Clark Gregg.   

Shakespeare's classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in Whedon's Much Ado. Shot in just 12 days (and using the original text), the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick offers a dark, sexy, and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love.

"I could not be happier that the Seattle International Film Festival will be opening this year with Much Ado About Nothing," said Much Ado star Alexis Denisof, who stars as Benedick in the film. "I grew up in Seattle, and it is where all my dreams of being an actor began. Bringing this movie to my hometown is a very special occasion."

Upon completion of principal photography for Marvel's The Avengers, Joss Whedon found himself contractually obligated to take some time off before continuing with post-production. It was during that break that Whedon and his wife, producer Kai Cole dedicated themselves to making Much Ado About Nothing. The film was shot entirely in Whedon and Cole's own home, and made with a group of close friends (and recurring "Whedonverse" players) who share the filmmakers' love of Shakespeare.  

"Much Ado is the perfect film to open the 2013 Festival," said SIFF Artistic and Co-Director Carl Spence. "The mash-up of Shakespeare with Joss Whedon's creativity in storytelling contemporizes the source material, infusing it with modern-day antics and making the original text refreshingly funny and accessible.. This film is a passion project for Whedon, Cole, and his cast, and we are thrilled to celebrate it here in Seattle."  

Whedon and his assistant, Daniel Kaminsky, edited Much Ado on a laptop during post-production lunch breaks for The Avengers as well as on weekends. Continuing in this DIY ethos, the film also marks Whedon's debut as a cinematic composer. The end result is a film that reflects the joy and freedom the cast and crew had in creating it.  

The Seattle International Film Festival Opening Night Gala will take place on May 16 at McCaw Hall with the after-party at Seattle Center's Exhibition Hall immediately next door. With an expected attendance of 3,000 it is one of Seattle's largest and best gala events of the year. General Admission Tickets and Red Carpet Experience tickets are available for purchase at www.siff.net or by calling the SIFF Box Office at 206-324-9996.

To download Much Ado About Nothing press notes and artwork, please visit: www.roadsideattractionspublicity.com
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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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