SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2022 April 14 - 24th Eclectic Arts
48th SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2022
April 14th through April 24th, 2022
My very first in-person SIFF event was the Opening Night Gala on April 14th at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Seattle, WA. This year SIFF went hybrid, similar to many of us at our jobs. After having been fully virtual last year, this year the organization decided to not only keep the virtual portion but fold in a good number of in person events and screenings.
Thankfully the world outside is improving to the point where these in-person events can take place. I’m sure in planning this year’s event, much of that had to be discussed months ago with alternatives in place, based on the state of the pandemic.
Like many of the events that I cover, there was absolutely a buzz in the air as in-person SIFF had been on hiatus for two years. So, to finally be back in-person, many long time SIFF supporters were ecstatic to say the least.
There was a red carpet experience, an after-party on a closed down 9th avenue, and a DJ prior to the program starting at 7pm. A few words from the board of directors, a montage of the upcoming festival films, a few words from Beth Barrett (the artistic director of SIFF), and the mayor of Seattle (who presented Tom Skerritt with the Mayor’s Award), the opening film began.
“Navalny” is a documentary but you would never know it.
If you’re like me and aren’t familiar with the story of Alexei Nalvany, the film will have you riveted to the screen. If you already know about the news surrounding him, then the film may come across differently (but still be compelling).
As many of you know, I don’t like to go through the plots in my film reviews. This film in particular would be ruined if you went into it already knowing what happens.
But I will say this. The old saying life is stranger than fiction applies here. The twists and turns that director Daniel Roher presents are just astounding. After the first fifteen minutes, you actually forget that you’re watching a documentary at times. It’s that engrossing.
At the conclusion of the film, there was a Q&A session with the director, producers, and editor from the movie.
5 out 5
Only In Theaters (review held as requested)
This documentary tells the fascinating tale of the Los Angeles Laemmle Theatres arthouse chain. The ups and downs of running a non traditional set of theatres as well as the hardships that were compounded by the pandemic shutdown of 2020-2021.
4.5 out of 5
Daughter of a Lost Bird (review held as requested)
This documentary is a look at race, culture, and when two worlds collide. Anyone that is from one race that was brought up by another race will most likely find something that resonates with this film.
4.5 out of 5
Nothing Compares (in-person viewing)
I was fortunate enough to cover Sinead O’Connor’s concert performance in January 2020 here in Seattle. It was one of the last live events before the lockdown.
The documentary “Nothing Compares” is a non-traditional look at Sinead the artist and person. It is not an exhaustive documentary that goes from her birth to the present. While it certainly covers some of those years, it tends to fuse past media (such as interviews and performances) to tell the story of this highly influential musician and artist.
Director Kathryn Ferguson spent three hours interviewing Sinead for the audio soundbites that are throughout the film. She does a wonderful job of showing just how Sinead hasn’t wavered over the years. The controversies were really self expression about things Sinead felt passionately about. The controversy really came from others and how they reacted to it.
“Nothing Compares” is a necessary and brilliantly done documentary about one of the artistic and misunderstood leaders of the music world.
5 out of 5
Resurrection (in-person viewing - review held as requested)
Let me just say that Rebecca Hall is absolutely amazing in this film. There is a part where she does like a ten minute monologue, with a single camera on her face, that is Oscar worthy.
The film itself? It definitely fits in the programming section that is called WTF. I’ll just leave it at that.
4 out of 5 (for Rebecca Hall’s performance)
Sweetheart Deal (review held as requested)
This documentary is a really raw and rough look at prostitution, drug addiction, and recovery along Aurora Avenue in Seattle - which has a reputation of offering illegal trades to any and all takers.
Without giving anything away, it also is a document about a very serious legal case that spawned from one of the subjects the film follows around.
The film is hard to watch at times but that is a compliment to the creatives behind it.
4 out of 5
Speak No Evil
This film is a thriller that takes its time building up the story but the payoff is well worth it. Two couples randomly meet (one from Denmark, the other from the Netherlands) while on vacation and hit it off.
The Dutch couple offers to have the Danish couple visit for a relaxing weekend at their home. Everything seems fine but, of course, it’s not.
No spoilers here but the finale is dark and really brings the story to a climax that is very fitting for the narrative.
This one is for fans of thrillers with some horror thrown in for good measure.
4 out of 5
The Pez Outlaw
This documentary is a really fascinating look at the collector culture, in this case Pez, and also the way marketing works around the world.
The focus is on one collector in the U.S. who manages to buy Pez that are not sold in the U.S., only abroad. Of course the collectors market in the U.S. goes crazy for these and the collector ends up making a business of buying international Pez dispensers and selling them in the U.S.
Of course this catches the eye of the president of the U.S. Pez company “pezident” so that’s where the outlaw portion comes in. The collector defies the company and continues his ways of bringing in products and selling them for a handsome profit.
The film is enjoyable and I understand the collector mentality so it was on one hand fun to watch the collector stick it to the company. On the other hand, he is clearly breaking the law as he isn’t importing a few dozen Pez dispensers, we’re talking thousands upon thousands.
Any way you look at it, “The Pez Outlaw” is a documentary worth watching.
4.5 out of 5
The Passenger (Spain)
If you’re looking for a midnight movie, you found it. “The Passenger” follows a mother and daughter, along with another passenger, as they take a ride share of sorts in Spain. They run into something from outer space that has infected two human victims earlier in the film.
The rest of the film is centered around the ups and downs as they try to survive in one piece. The movie is interesting and over the top in parts which makes it fun.
If you’re in the mood for a late night popcorn film, “The Passenger” will fit the bill nicely.
4 out of 5
Ali & Ava
This film was a nice change of pace. I’m always amazed when films present a slice of life so real that it doesn’t even seem scripted at times. “Ali & Ava” is one such film. It revolves around two adults, who’s lives intersect in a very organic way. The lead actors carry the film with skill and artistry. The film also touches on interracial relationships, blended families, and other assorted topics that many will relate to.
A quality film.
4 out of 5
Hockeyland
I enjoy most documentaries and if they are sports related, then that’s just a plus. This documentary about two rival high school hockey teams started off well. It shows one team that has been a powerhouse while the other team has been so close to beating the other team but never quite gets the job done.
As the movie follows the season and the players, it starts to lose its way a bit. While it’s still a good film, it didn’t find a way to dig deep enough to create the emotional weight that would have made it great.
3.5 out of 5
It’s Just A Phase, Honey (review held as requested)
I wasn’t expecting this German film to be as funny and heartwarming as it was but it was certainly welcome.
The story revolves around a family where the mother and father are losing their interest in each other. The film follows their paths that eventually lead them…somewhere. No spoilers here.
The cast was superb and it was a film I would watch again. Recommended.
5 out of 5
Life Of Ivana (review held as requested)
This documentary follows a mother and her children that live in the Arctic as she attempts to move them to the furthermost northern village.
Initially, the film was interesting but after a while it started to drag on - much like something you would have seen on television many years ago. The narrative became redundant and hard to focus on.
3 out of 5
Midday Black Midnight Blue (review held as requested)
This drama was filmed on Whidbey Island here in Washington state. It follows a man who is still grieving the loss of the woman he loved over two decades ago.
The narrative was interesting but some of the sequences were a little confusing. They eventually sorted themselves out though.
It’s a tough film to digest but it was created with a solid vision that comes through in the end product.
4 out of 5
Warm Blood (review held as requested)
This film is a nod to the 1980’s but instead of the cliche’s that are popular of that era, it goes for the underbelly aspects of films from the time.
I really wanted to like the film but it just didn’t resonate with me. The storyline and the characters were hard for me to care about. Perhaps you’ll feel different.
3 out of 5
N.W. Confidential Shorts Block
I thoroughly enjoyed the first and the last short films in this block. “Rachel’s Don’t Run” and “In The Event Of My Death”. Both were unique visions of stories that could potentially become features.
The other films in the block were hit and miss but they were all interesting. Typically there’s at least one film that is a pass in a shorts block but not this time.
4 out of 5
While I did the best I could with my coverage of the 2022 Seattle International Film Festival, it was a bit underwhelming for me due to contracting the dreaded "C" early into the proceedings. So, my virtual experience from last year was nearly replicated this year. Fortunately, I was able to get out to the Opening Night Gala and two other in-person screenings. But, I had hoped to see several more films with an audience but that wasn’t in the cards for me this year. Hopefully, next year it will be a different story.
I want to thank everyone involved with the festival for persevering through the last two years to bring this wonderful institution back to in-person events and screenings. I, of course, want to thank the PR team for giving me the opportunity to partake in SIFF 2022.
Again, I hope 2023 will be a “third times the charm” sort of experience for me. I want to experience SIFF fully without distraction. Here’s to hoping and I hope to see everyone then!
April 14th through April 24th, 2022
Purchase passes and tickets: HERE!
(Photo credit: Elizabeth Crook)
Opening Night - 4/14/22
My very first in-person SIFF event was the Opening Night Gala on April 14th at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Seattle, WA. This year SIFF went hybrid, similar to many of us at our jobs. After having been fully virtual last year, this year the organization decided to not only keep the virtual portion but fold in a good number of in person events and screenings.
Thankfully the world outside is improving to the point where these in-person events can take place. I’m sure in planning this year’s event, much of that had to be discussed months ago with alternatives in place, based on the state of the pandemic.
Like many of the events that I cover, there was absolutely a buzz in the air as in-person SIFF had been on hiatus for two years. So, to finally be back in-person, many long time SIFF supporters were ecstatic to say the least.
There was a red carpet experience, an after-party on a closed down 9th avenue, and a DJ prior to the program starting at 7pm. A few words from the board of directors, a montage of the upcoming festival films, a few words from Beth Barrett (the artistic director of SIFF), and the mayor of Seattle (who presented Tom Skerritt with the Mayor’s Award), the opening film began.
“Navalny” is a documentary but you would never know it.
If you’re like me and aren’t familiar with the story of Alexei Nalvany, the film will have you riveted to the screen. If you already know about the news surrounding him, then the film may come across differently (but still be compelling).
As many of you know, I don’t like to go through the plots in my film reviews. This film in particular would be ruined if you went into it already knowing what happens.
But I will say this. The old saying life is stranger than fiction applies here. The twists and turns that director Daniel Roher presents are just astounding. After the first fifteen minutes, you actually forget that you’re watching a documentary at times. It’s that engrossing.
At the conclusion of the film, there was a Q&A session with the director, producers, and editor from the movie.
5 out 5
Only In Theaters (review held as requested)
This documentary tells the fascinating tale of the Los Angeles Laemmle Theatres arthouse chain. The ups and downs of running a non traditional set of theatres as well as the hardships that were compounded by the pandemic shutdown of 2020-2021.
4.5 out of 5
Daughter of a Lost Bird (review held as requested)
This documentary is a look at race, culture, and when two worlds collide. Anyone that is from one race that was brought up by another race will most likely find something that resonates with this film.
4.5 out of 5
Nothing Compares (in-person viewing)
I was fortunate enough to cover Sinead O’Connor’s concert performance in January 2020 here in Seattle. It was one of the last live events before the lockdown.
The documentary “Nothing Compares” is a non-traditional look at Sinead the artist and person. It is not an exhaustive documentary that goes from her birth to the present. While it certainly covers some of those years, it tends to fuse past media (such as interviews and performances) to tell the story of this highly influential musician and artist.
Director Kathryn Ferguson spent three hours interviewing Sinead for the audio soundbites that are throughout the film. She does a wonderful job of showing just how Sinead hasn’t wavered over the years. The controversies were really self expression about things Sinead felt passionately about. The controversy really came from others and how they reacted to it.
“Nothing Compares” is a necessary and brilliantly done documentary about one of the artistic and misunderstood leaders of the music world.
5 out of 5
Resurrection (in-person viewing - review held as requested)
Let me just say that Rebecca Hall is absolutely amazing in this film. There is a part where she does like a ten minute monologue, with a single camera on her face, that is Oscar worthy.
The film itself? It definitely fits in the programming section that is called WTF. I’ll just leave it at that.
4 out of 5 (for Rebecca Hall’s performance)
Sweetheart Deal (review held as requested)
This documentary is a really raw and rough look at prostitution, drug addiction, and recovery along Aurora Avenue in Seattle - which has a reputation of offering illegal trades to any and all takers.
Without giving anything away, it also is a document about a very serious legal case that spawned from one of the subjects the film follows around.
The film is hard to watch at times but that is a compliment to the creatives behind it.
4 out of 5
Speak No Evil
This film is a thriller that takes its time building up the story but the payoff is well worth it. Two couples randomly meet (one from Denmark, the other from the Netherlands) while on vacation and hit it off.
The Dutch couple offers to have the Danish couple visit for a relaxing weekend at their home. Everything seems fine but, of course, it’s not.
No spoilers here but the finale is dark and really brings the story to a climax that is very fitting for the narrative.
This one is for fans of thrillers with some horror thrown in for good measure.
4 out of 5
The Pez Outlaw
This documentary is a really fascinating look at the collector culture, in this case Pez, and also the way marketing works around the world.
The focus is on one collector in the U.S. who manages to buy Pez that are not sold in the U.S., only abroad. Of course the collectors market in the U.S. goes crazy for these and the collector ends up making a business of buying international Pez dispensers and selling them in the U.S.
Of course this catches the eye of the president of the U.S. Pez company “pezident” so that’s where the outlaw portion comes in. The collector defies the company and continues his ways of bringing in products and selling them for a handsome profit.
The film is enjoyable and I understand the collector mentality so it was on one hand fun to watch the collector stick it to the company. On the other hand, he is clearly breaking the law as he isn’t importing a few dozen Pez dispensers, we’re talking thousands upon thousands.
Any way you look at it, “The Pez Outlaw” is a documentary worth watching.
4.5 out of 5
The Passenger (Spain)
If you’re looking for a midnight movie, you found it. “The Passenger” follows a mother and daughter, along with another passenger, as they take a ride share of sorts in Spain. They run into something from outer space that has infected two human victims earlier in the film.
The rest of the film is centered around the ups and downs as they try to survive in one piece. The movie is interesting and over the top in parts which makes it fun.
If you’re in the mood for a late night popcorn film, “The Passenger” will fit the bill nicely.
4 out of 5
Ali & Ava
This film was a nice change of pace. I’m always amazed when films present a slice of life so real that it doesn’t even seem scripted at times. “Ali & Ava” is one such film. It revolves around two adults, who’s lives intersect in a very organic way. The lead actors carry the film with skill and artistry. The film also touches on interracial relationships, blended families, and other assorted topics that many will relate to.
A quality film.
4 out of 5
Hockeyland
I enjoy most documentaries and if they are sports related, then that’s just a plus. This documentary about two rival high school hockey teams started off well. It shows one team that has been a powerhouse while the other team has been so close to beating the other team but never quite gets the job done.
As the movie follows the season and the players, it starts to lose its way a bit. While it’s still a good film, it didn’t find a way to dig deep enough to create the emotional weight that would have made it great.
3.5 out of 5
It’s Just A Phase, Honey (review held as requested)
I wasn’t expecting this German film to be as funny and heartwarming as it was but it was certainly welcome.
The story revolves around a family where the mother and father are losing their interest in each other. The film follows their paths that eventually lead them…somewhere. No spoilers here.
The cast was superb and it was a film I would watch again. Recommended.
5 out of 5
Life Of Ivana (review held as requested)
This documentary follows a mother and her children that live in the Arctic as she attempts to move them to the furthermost northern village.
Initially, the film was interesting but after a while it started to drag on - much like something you would have seen on television many years ago. The narrative became redundant and hard to focus on.
3 out of 5
Midday Black Midnight Blue (review held as requested)
This drama was filmed on Whidbey Island here in Washington state. It follows a man who is still grieving the loss of the woman he loved over two decades ago.
The narrative was interesting but some of the sequences were a little confusing. They eventually sorted themselves out though.
It’s a tough film to digest but it was created with a solid vision that comes through in the end product.
4 out of 5
Warm Blood (review held as requested)
This film is a nod to the 1980’s but instead of the cliche’s that are popular of that era, it goes for the underbelly aspects of films from the time.
I really wanted to like the film but it just didn’t resonate with me. The storyline and the characters were hard for me to care about. Perhaps you’ll feel different.
3 out of 5
N.W. Confidential Shorts Block
I thoroughly enjoyed the first and the last short films in this block. “Rachel’s Don’t Run” and “In The Event Of My Death”. Both were unique visions of stories that could potentially become features.
The other films in the block were hit and miss but they were all interesting. Typically there’s at least one film that is a pass in a shorts block but not this time.
4 out of 5
While I did the best I could with my coverage of the 2022 Seattle International Film Festival, it was a bit underwhelming for me due to contracting the dreaded "C" early into the proceedings. So, my virtual experience from last year was nearly replicated this year. Fortunately, I was able to get out to the Opening Night Gala and two other in-person screenings. But, I had hoped to see several more films with an audience but that wasn’t in the cards for me this year. Hopefully, next year it will be a different story.
I want to thank everyone involved with the festival for persevering through the last two years to bring this wonderful institution back to in-person events and screenings. I, of course, want to thank the PR team for giving me the opportunity to partake in SIFF 2022.
Again, I hope 2023 will be a “third times the charm” sort of experience for me. I want to experience SIFF fully without distraction. Here’s to hoping and I hope to see everyone then!
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