WIF scores big at SIFF
This month’s FEATURED MEMBER page focuses on the women of Women in Film Seattle. WIF members are represented in myriad creative capacities at Seattle International Film Festival. We salute all our talented members and delight in tooting your creative “horns.” Check our special events page for a listing of all WIFers’ films, times, and venues.
Kicking off the opening night gala Thursday, May 17th is Lynn Shelton’s feature, Your Sister’s Sister. Shelton wrote and directed this engaging, humor-infused relationship drama involving two sisters, a best friend, and more than a few surprising revelations in one of this year's smartest films. Shelton continues to be a rising star in the film industry. The movie screens at McCaw Hall at 7 pm.
Women in Film is a SIFF opening night supporter this year. Join us right after the movie at the after party in the Exhibition Hall where WIF will be hosting a fun meet and greet photo op at our step and repeat photo area. Party with all the exciting and talented WIF luminaries who will have their work screened during the festival. Press some flesh, toss some libations and keep repeating the mantra...”We’re ready for our close up Mr. De Mille.”
On with the WIF round up…
Our talented Megan Griffiths directs Eden, which shines a light on a sinister corner of the American experience with this highly emotional and harrowing true-life story of Chong Kim, a teenager who was abducted and forced into sexual slavery. The movie plays May 19th at the Egyptian Theater.
WIF is excited to announce our sponsored film this year premiering on Tuesday May 22 at SIFF’s Uptown: Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas. Sue Corcoran serves as Director, Producer and Co-Writer of this smart, subversive family comedy that’s sure to become a holiday favorite. Other WIF credits include: Susan LaSalle, Jane Charles and Corcoran as Producers, Mark Simon DP, Steve Colgrove Gaffer, Teresa Majeres Key Grip, Cindy Sangster Editor, Vincent Gates Location Sound/Post Sound and music; and Dave Howe of Bad Animals Post Sound.
WIF will be hosting a reception for Sue and her gang at Ten Mercer at 8:45 pm after the screening. The movie will screen 2 additional dates and times. Most of these films have several screenings opportunities and we urge you to check the SIFF schedule to make sure you don’t miss your chance to catch them. www.siff.net/festival
On May 25th at 6:30 pm, WIF member LaDora Sella, serves as Writer and Executive Producer for her short film, Brightwood, a dramatic fantasy dealing with social issues. The short screens at the SIFF Cinema Uptown theater.
Lacey Leavitt is one busy lady helming two films this year. First up is her co-producer role on the feature film, Safety Not Guaranteed, a funny, dark sci-fi comedy. Lacey also directed a Fly Film this year titled, D. C. I. The movie screens May 28th at The Uptown and June 4th at Harvard Exit during the Fly Filmmaking Challenge presentations.
May 28th at 1:00 PM, the duo Alder Sherwood and Lisa Coronado hit the holy trinity as writer, producer and actor(s) with their short, All My Presidents, a coming of age political drama. WIF’er Lorraine Montez serves as Co-Producer and UPM. Watch it at the SIFF Cinema Uptown Theater.
Also on May 28th, members Lindy Boustedt and her husband Kris serve as director/producer for their short film, Senior Showcase, a coming of age comedy. WIF member Catherine Grealish scores the film. The short screens at 1 pm at SIFF’s Uptown Cinema.
There are the four short Fly Films screening May 28th at 4:00 PM, at the SIFF Cinema Uptown theater and again June 4th at Harvard Exit. Our President Emerita, Virginia Bogert takes the helm as Producer of the Fly Filmmaking Challenge, which is back again. SIFF, and presenting partner KCTS 9 and Reel NW offer this year’s Fly Filmmaking Challenge with a Next 50 focus, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Seattle World’s Fair, for which Seattle Center was created.
Each year the Fly productions test the skills of Seattle’s up-and-coming cinematic talent in an intense race to the big screen. This 2012 Challenge called for 12 writers to draw inspiration from the Next 50 Focus Areas for an original script pitch. The directors heard the 12 pitches and after selecting the four script ideas, had seven days to collaborate with the writers on the shooting script. The productions shot for three days on the Seattle Center campus and had five days to edit. The cooperative spirit of the Fly Filmmaking Challenge is embodied in the supportive filmmaking community, facilitating a creative synergy that is a joy to behold on the big screen.
As part of the Fly Films, WIF member Eric Goetz provides the music for Reviens Moi, Sarah Crowe was First AD, and Lisa Hammond was art director in this dramatic romance short.
Lacey Leavitt also works it as the director for her Fly Film offering, D.C.I. with Megan Griffiths as First AD. Lacey’s short revolves around two astronomers whose love is on the wane as they engage in a radical experiment in hopes of finding passion for more than just science.
WIF member Sarah R. Crowe puts on her Executive Producer hat with CB Shama and Dan Thornton for their feature documentary, Welcome to Doe Bay. In its brief four-year existence, this small-scale, thoughtfully curated music festival held at Doe Bay Resort on idyllic Orcas Island has had a huge spiritual impact on both attendees and performers. The documentary screens June 3rd 9:15 pm at the Egyptian theater and again June 5th at the Uptown at 9:30 pm.
Members Cornelia Moore Director, Elizabeth Heile Producer, and Larry Estes Producer bring their feature film, Camilla Dickenson, a coming of age drama/romance, to the big screen. Both warm and wise, this adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s celebrated 1951 novel expertly captures the pangs of adolescence by blending drama, humor, and an intriguing dash of spirituality. The film screens May 20th 5:30pm and May 23 4pm at the Harvard Exit.
Jane Charles producedFat Kids Rule May 18 at 7 pm Renton Ikea, May 19 at 6:30pm the Egyptian, and May 28th 6 pm in Everett. Jane also served as executive producer of the closing night film Grassroots.
Support these fine WIF/SIFF filmmakers with us and come to the movies!
— Dinah Brien