Film Talks
Film education for the movie-curious to the true cinema fanatics
Many of the films we screen at SIFF start a conversation, inspire an action, or pose a question. Our two-hour Film Talks span the world of cinema with expert instructors, covering everything from South Korean Cinema to the Safdie brothers' Uncut Gems and more. Want to dig even deeper into the films you love? Try one of our shot-by-shot Cinema Dissection events.
Anime Auteurs
February 18 - April 15, 2025
Join instructor Isabella Von Ghoul for dynamic commentary on some of anime’s most celebrated classics: Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira, Mamoru Oshii's Ghost in the Shell, and Rintaro's Metropolis.
Anime Auteurs: Akira
February 18, 2025
Join instructor Isabella Von Ghoul as we deep dive into Katushiro Otomo’s Akira.
A DELIRIUM INTO DECAY: A History of Putin’s Russia in Five Films
February 25, 2025
In this two hour lecture, we will dive deep into film from Russian filmmakers challenging the malady ensuing in the Kremlin through poignant and profound storytelling.
Anime Auteurs: Ghost in the Shell
March 4, 2025
Join instructor Isabella Von Ghoul as we deep dive into Mamoru Oshii's Ghost in the Shell.
Horror, 1960: The Year Horror Became Dangerous
April 8, 2025
Five films, one year, and horror movies would never be the same again. Join instructor Dan Doody as we deep dive into this pivotal year for horror.
Anime Auteurs: Metropolis
April 15, 2025
Join instructor Isabella Von Ghoul as we deep dive into Rintaro's Metropolis.
Cinema Dissection: No Country for Old Men
February 8, 2025
Join facilitator and SIFF Programmer Dan Doody for a scene-by-scene deconstruction of the Coen Brothers’ masterpiece.
Cinema Dissection: In the Mood For Love
February 15, 2025
Join local filmmaker Jeremy Cropf for a scene-by-scene analysis of Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love, a masterclass in yearning, mise-en-scène, and cinematic atmosphere.
Cinema Dissection: Out of the Past
March 1, 2025
Join facilitator and SIFF Programmer Dan Doody for a scene-by-scene investigation tracing every twist and turn of the film’s corkscrew plot to deconstruct what ingredients make for the perfect film noir cocktail.
Cinema Dissection: Cinephile’s Choice - David Lynch
April 19, 2025
Join facilitator and SIFF Programmer Dan Doody for a scene-by-scene deconstruction of a film by America’s master of surreal cinema.
Cinema Dissection: Grey Gardens
April 26, 2025
Join filmmaker Jeremy Cropf for a scene-by-scene breakdown of Grey Gardens, Albert and David Maysles’ iconic documentary about the eccentric mother and daughter duo, Big Edie and Little Edie.
Cinema Dissect-Off: 28 Days Later
May 10, 2025
Join our favorite Cinema Dissection nerds Jeremy Cropf and Dan Doody for a scene-by-scene breakdown of Danny Boyle’s post-apocalyptic horror masterpiece, 28 Days Later.