The Seattle International Film Festival, or SIFF, runs from May 15-25 with a limited streaming option from May 26-June 1. And it's a big festival! 245 films will be screened over the 10-day festival. This is a movie-lover's dream. But also - a literal impossibility to see every single film on offer. So how do you pick what to see?

The Stranger 's arts editor Emily Nokes oversaw production of The Stranger’s guide to SIFF ; she and a team of staff and freelancers screened and wrote mini-reviews for more than 100 festival films. Emily will walk us through three different approaches to enjoying SIFF without experiencing FOMO or decision fatigue.

Tip: Arrive early to the shows. SIFF suggests showing up 10 minutes before show time but it’s best to arrive even earlier.

Tip: Be on the lookout for two “secret movies” at SIFF this year. We’re not sure what that means, but it sounds intriguing.

Here are a few SIFF-related things Emily mentions in this episode:

• Watching the SIFF showing of the 1982 Jim Henson fantasy adventure, The Dark Crystal, with a live soundtrack from DJ NicFit
• Emily recommends the documentary Cat Town, USA, which is about an aging Florida couple who run a retirement village for elderly cats out of their house.
• Grabbing a bite at The Sitting Room in Lower Queen Anne and/or Dick’s Drive-In for the french fries for sustenance while watching films.

You can also check out SIFF’s interactive flipbook to see what films spark your curiosity. This 64-page digital program includes the full film lineup.

Other event recommendations from this week’s episode:

• Kendrick Lamar and SZA at Lumen Field, May 17
• Brandon Vosika at The Factory, May 8- 11
• Laughs in Spanish at Seattle Rep, April 17-May 17

Where’s your favorite place to meet up around arts and culture in the region?Give us a call at 206-221-6100 or drop us a line at meetmehere@kuow.org.

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