SIFF Is Back! A Preview
Preview: Seattle International Film Festival
April 14-24, 2022
By Peter Cameron
I’m inclined to claim that film is dead. But if anything can unearth this medium, it’s the Seattle International Film Festival. Yes everybody, SIFF is back! And it’s possibly better than ever.
With the success of smash hits like Squid Game or the Oscar win for Parasite, Americans are waking up to the realization that Hollywood isn’t their only source for art and entertainment. And that’s just South Korea! It’s important to note that many of the hits we hold in such high regard wouldn’t exist without international cinema. There’s no Star Wars without Akira Kurosawa. There’s no Pulp Fiction without Godard. So, who knows—this year’s SIFF might shape the next generation of classics.
I remember the first time I attended. Standing outside the Uptown, queued around the block—it was exciting. I had no idea what I was going to see. It’s an experience that my good friend and fellow Nada Mucho contributor Tim Basaraba calls “Optimum Immersion.” SIFF is the perfect opportunity for Optimum Immersion. With over 262 films representing 80 countries, Seattle’s international film festival might finally convince me that film isn’t dead. I have no idea what I’m going to see. And that excites me, because I love film. And I want it to live forever.
So, stay tuned for our take on this year‘s SIFF. And don’t forget to check out FILM IS DEAD every Friday night at 7 p.m. on the Stereo app.