Reflections From My First SIFF Experience
Photo by Felix Mooneeram on Unsplash
For years, Jen and I have dreamed of being able to go to a film festival. It’s always seemed like a fun time filled with opportunities to watch great movies and connect with other people who are as obsessed with this medium as we are. This year, we had the privilege of attending a few film screenings at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). And it was an absolute blast! We had a wonderful time and are already plotting ways that we can go again next year.
While there, we only attended three screenings, but we are looking forward to seeing more films the next time we have an opportunity to attend a film festival.
This year we watched:
Here are some reflections from our time at SIFF:
It’s Fun to Be Around Movie People
People who really love movies are just built a little differently. A lot of the people who were at SIFF are passionate about film and watch with a different eye. It was fascinating to listen to the conversations that other people were having in line about what they had been watching and what they were excited to see next. It was nice to be steeped in an environment where people are just as obsessed as we are.
Movies are a Way to Connect
Each screening that we went to was packed! People from all ages and walks of life were there. I was really amazed at the diversity of the audience in each screening. And we were able to witness these diverse people who might never connect otherwise start conversations with each other over the film that we were experiencing. The films not only built empathy with those on the screen, but also provided valuable conversation starters for those in the audience.
Diverse Storytelling is Vital
Each of the films that we watched focused on people whose lives are very different than mine. One took place in Turkey, the second in Northern Macedonia, and the third in a fictionalized version of the USA. I found it so valuable to walk a mile in the shoes of each of these protagonists and see the world through a new lens.
Indie Films are Important
Giant blockbusters have their place in cinema, but there’s something special about indie films. These three films that we saw were absolutely excellent, each featuring a unique story and perspective that is absolutely worthy of the big screen. I’m so glad that these three films got made and really hope that they find distribution so that more people can experience them.
Making a Movie is Hard
This is something that I think I’ve taken for granted as I consume so much media on a weekly and even daily basis. The time, effort, and money that go into a movie cannot be overstated. Each movie that gets made is a miracle, and we can celebrate that incredible accomplishment. While watching these three films, I kept marvelling at the fact that they got made, which is a huge feat in and of itself.
What is even more amazing is that for these films and so many more, this is just the beginning. Now the people behind these films are working to secure distribution, which is a whole part of the process that I am not nearly familiar enough with and am excited to research more.
Until Next Time…
I really loved our time at SIFF, being with fellow movie people and getting to experience these stories in a packed theater that we might not otherwise have had a chance to see. I know I’m looking forward to my next opportunity to go to another festival and experience the magic of movies like The Things You Kill, DJ Ahmet, and Slanted all over again.
And if you have the opportunity to go to a film festival, even for just a few screenings, I highly recommend it!