My second time attending the Seattle International Film Festival on a full pass (third if you count a digital only pandemic year), but the first time that I live in the middle of the action. With all four theaters hosting SIFF within less than a mile’s walk from me, I am excited for my most prolific festival outing yet.

May 7th – Day 0 – Opening Night Gala

I’ve attended the opening night gala at SIFF a handful of times now, and they are always a fun time, though with one fatal flaw. First the good, it’s an excuse to dress up in a formal dress which is something I always relish. It’s also enriching to be in a large venue with so many people who enjoy my passion, and hearing SIFF’s artistic director, Beth Barrett, speak is always a pleasure. With the opening night film being the new I Love Boosters, we were also blessed with the ability to have Boots Riley present to introduce the film himself. The opening night presentation and film are hosted in the beautiful Paramount theater, however that does bring about the negative of the evening, the acoustics in the Paramount are not meant for the viewing of a film, so while there is a review below, it is a film I will need to revisit with better sound to get more concrete feelings on.

I Love Boosters – Dir. Boots Riley – stars rating withheld until second viewing

May 8th – Day 1 – Scheduling Issues Already

While I’ve never made it though a film festival without needing to call an audible on my scheduling, this is the first time that I’ve had to do it on day 1. It’s completely my fault though. I don’t tend to pay close attention to shorts packages when I schedule my film fest agenda, and it almost led to me missing Paper Trail, the new animated short by Don Hertzfeldt. Thankfully, I caught it in time and was able to make it fit with only minimal losses (I won’t be seeing the new John Carney film Power Ballad tomorrow, but it opens wide in June, so I’ll have my chance.)

May 9th – Day 2 – What Have I Done?

It turns out that getting home from a movie at 2:30 am is not as easy as it once was when you’re approaching 40 and I felt that intensely today. As I got in line for my first film of the day (the earliest possible screening for the day) I had a feeling that it was going to be a difficult day. Long story short, I only made it to 2 films today, but pacing myself is important. A film festival is a marathon, so hopefully the lighter day today makes the rest of the week plus a little easier, and I’m seriously considering cancelling my next midnight film on Friday.

Hot Water – Dir. Ramzi Bashour – ★★★★
The Friend’s House is Here – Dir. Maryam Ataei and Hossein Keshavarz – ★★★★½