Film Review

SIFF 2008 recap

imaginary embracey June 21, 2008 no Comments

There wasn't an Emma's Bliss for me at SIFF 2008. You know, the singular moment that rocks your existence, that you know you'll remember always, that makes all festival-going inconvenience worth it all, that you're always prepped to talk about when friends ask what your favorite was.

I topped out at 50 films this year, and the two that came closest to being "the film" for me were Sita Sings the Blues, with its thrilling originality (and the difficulty it's sure to face in ever seeing the light of distribution), and Savage Grace, which I'm obsessed with for several reasons and which is currently in limited release here in Seattle. (Seriously — go see it now.)

"Seattle's enthusiastic film audiences continued to affirm SIFF's prominence as a world-class showcase for extraordinary film experiences," said Carl Spence, SIFF Artistic Director and (per ChrisB) lousy John Waters interviewer. "Almost half of this year's feature films were from first or second time directors, and seventy percent entered the Festival without US distribution, maintaining SIFF's reputation as a fiercely independent showcase for audience discovery."

Overall it was a great SIFF. I'll save the gripes that I've already griped — having to pay for drinks at the opening night party, having to sit through pre-sreening SIFF Cinema ads and City Arts Magazine "short films" ad nauseam — and brag on our intrepid TIG SIFF staff: Roxie Rider, re-entering the TIG fold and doing a fabulous job on two dispatches, and superstar ChrisB, who managed an incredible amount of work (full-length reviews, blog entries, filmmaker interviews) in addition to a demanding dayjob and his other TIG commitments. He added a robustness to this year's coverage that I never would've thought possible… and I just remembered that still owe him an ass-whoopin' over Savage Grace, which he actually had the nerve to dislike. (Watch your back, Chris.)

Team TIG covered around around 17% of the 250ish feature-length films screened at SIFF 2008. Here are ChrisB and Roxie Rider in their own words on their festival experiences, followed by a complete linked list of all the films we covered.

ChrisB:

"I saw more films than at any previous SIFF (final tally: 19) and it was the first year I attended as a member of the media (and, really, my first time in the world of film criticism). It certainly had its benefits: dozens of party invitations, the chance to interview filmmakers, quite a bit of free booze, etc… But the movies were the centerpiece.

"This year I didn't have much of an agenda and decided that I was going to be as open-minded as possible and take chances on seeing films. I wasn't going to be beholden to a set agenda (not having to purchase advance tickets sure helped) and ended up seeing some really enjoyable films. Previously, I wouldn't have even considered the Korean film about suicide (Fantastic Parasuicides) or the Hungarian movie set in an insane asylum (Opium: Diary of a Madwoman) but I would have never known what a loss not seeing those films was. Not every film was fantastic — and nor should they have been.

"By the end, it was exhausting — I worked my full-time job while taking in as many films as I can and still trying to continue my obligations as a rock writer. During the final weekend I was out late every night for screenings and up early the next morning for interviews or for the awards banquet, so the festival ended at the right time. I took the final day off from screenings to write. Instead I slept the entire afternoon."

Roxie Rider:

"I've lived in Seattle for ohmygod 9 years now, and the two SIFF films I managed to see this year were the second and third I've ever seen. Ever! I realize that could be construed as pitiable, but from another point of view – mine — it was quite the victory. I've been frankly lousy at getting to the movies since I added "mom" to my resume, and it was a real treat to get out and stretch the movie muscles again.

"Anyhoo, I happen to have enjoyed both of the films I saw immensely — particularly Encounters at the End of the World, which was beautiful in unexpected ways — but I enjoyed the camaraderie of the festival almost as much. It's always a treat to see a movie in a packed theater, and it's especially fun when the crowd is really into it. I think the SIFF excitement must help oft-stereotyped Nor'westerners shake off some of their famed reserve. People were downright enthusiastic, and I had a couple of quick chats in line about it all. I got a real kick out of that. Next year I'm shooting for double digits, yo."

Covered by Team TIG at SIFF 2008:

You Are Here

SIFF 2008 recap