Ready for SIFF? It opens in 43 short days with a (partially) locally-produced and -set film: the WTO-conflict drama (and nominee for the Worst Title Ever award) Battle in Seattle.

Charlize Theron is expected to attend. Martin Henderson, too, but I don't know who that is.

From the SIFF press release:

Seattle, WA – The 34th Seattle International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, May 22 with the premiere of "Battle in Seattle," a gripping dramatization of events that rocked the world when Seattle was host to the World Trade Organization. The evening unfolds at Seattle Center's Marion Oliver McCaw Hall with a red carpet welcome for expected guests Charlize Theron and Martin Henderson, stars of the film, and director Stuart Townsend. A gala party will follow with live entertainment and complimentary champagne cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. All guests will also receive an official 2008 SIFF Catalog.

SIFF Opening Night Gala is one of the city's most anticipated and high profile events, attracting celebrities, VIPs, and public figures from across Seattle's arts, cultural, and political communities. Don't miss this unforgettable opportunity to walk the red carpet with the stars. Tickets for SIFF Opening Night Gala are available now for $50 each at www.siff.net. A limited number of exclusive "VIP Experience" tickets are also available for $200 per person. Proceeds benefit SIFF.

"Battle in Seattle" is the story of a handful of characters who find themselves thrust into the chaos of the infamous anti-globalization protests against the WTO that shook Seattle in the fall of 1999. "Battle in Seattle" uses a structure similar to the Oscar-winning film "Crash" in weaving multiple storylines with a star-studded ensemble cast. The result is an imaginative drama that revisits fact, fiction, and many myths surrounding those tumultuous few days.

"We're delighted to present an opening night film that will resonate with so many Seattleites," says SIFF Artistic Director Carl Spence. "In his feature debut as a director, actor Stuart Townsend has crafted a remarkable and entertaining movie. It's also a terrific fit for SIFF since it has such relevance to our collective history and sense of place."

In addition to Charlize Theron and Martin Henderson, "Battle in Seattle" stars Woody Harrelson, André Benjamin, Michelle Rodriguez, Ray Liotta, Connie Nielsen, and Channing Tatum. "Battle in Seattle" was partially filmed in Seattle, and SIFF expects many others from the large cast to be part of the red carpet gathering.