WOMEN IN CINEMA 2014: SIFF CELEBRATES EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN FILMMAKERS

SEATTLE, WA - January 22 - 26, SIFF presents Women in Cinema, a festival celebrating the exceptional contributions of women to the world of cinema. The five-day event showcases 9 significant new features and documentaries by women filmmakers from around the world. The selection represents some of the most innovative and exciting women working in film today, including films starring Academy Award®-winning actors Melissa Leo (Bottled Up) and Anna Paquin (Free Ride), Chiemi Karasawa's documentary about the incomparable Elaine Stritch (Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me), Jillian Scheslinger's thrilling account of then fourteen-year-old Laura Dekker's attempt to sail around the world alone (Maidentrip), and Taylor Schilling of "Orange is the New Black" in Marion Bridgedirector Wiebke Von Carolsfeld's latest (Stay).  Other highlights include The German Doctor, Argentina's official submission to the Academy Awards, and Something Necessary, a remarkable collective achievement from a new, energizing production initiative in Kenya. This film represents our ongoing efforts to bring films from Africa to Seattle audiences, beginning with Festival 2013's inaugural African Pictures program.  The week kicks off on Wednesday the 22th with the Opening Night Film, Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me, where we'll be joined by the film's director, Chiemi Karasawa. After the film, we'll head to TASTE Restaurant at the Seattle Art Museum for wine from OS Winery and hors d'oeuvres from Executive Chef Craig Hetherington. 

In addition to the films, SIFF and Women in Film present After the Shoot: A Post Discussion, a FREE panel discussion with post-production artists and wizards, who will discuss how the changing notions of "fixing it in post" continues to alter the process of filmmaking. Beth Barrett, SIFF's Director of Programming, says, "In a time when women filmmakers are still in the minority, it's important to keep the conversation going and recognize these exciting and engaging voices. We're very inspired by these films, and look forward to sharing them with our Seattle audience, who prove again and again that they are passionate about supporting independent cinema."

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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