Calendar
Unbridled Stimulus Package - NWFF's Annual Fundraising Gala
Apr 18, 2009
The event that amps-up absolutely everything to benefit Northwest Film Forum
At China Harbor, 2040 Westlake Avenue North
More information at nwfilmforum.org/party
Secret Sunday Matinee II: Adventure! And Stuff!
Co-presented by The Sprocket Society and Northwest Film Forum
Mar 01 - May 24, 2009
The Secret Sunday Matinee returns, now at a different time! Relive the old-fashioned matinee with a weekly movie serial, a classic Secret Feature, plus cartoons and shorts. This spring, the 12-chapter cliffhanger is Zorro’s Fighting Legion (1939). Packed with non-stop action, it's one of the all-time best from the legendary Republic Studios!
Local Color
Apr 21, 2009
Pulling from a mass of locally made shorts Third Eye Cinema this quarter highlights the works of the numerous local filmmakers working in the short experimental and avant-garde areas of cinema.
The Heart is a Drum Machine
Seattle Premiere Event
One night only
Filmmakers in attendance
Live performance by Kimya Dawson
Apr 22, 2009
(Christopher Pomerenke, USA, 2009, Beta-SP, 70 min)
Join us for the premiere screening of this new documentary that explores the profound connection people have to music, its involvement in our daily lives and its role in shaping human history.
The Killing of Sister George
Apr 23, 2009
(Robert Aldrich, UK, 1968, 138 min)
An aging, alcoholic soap opera actress (Beryl Reid) faces the catfight of her life when a vindictive female TV executive (Coral Browne) makes the moves on her younger live-in lover (Susannah York). One of the first mainstream films released with an 'X' rating due to its then-taboo lesbian sex scene, today regarded as a pinnacle in over-the-top camp melodrama.
53 Winter Days
Co-presented by the University of Washington's Center for West European Studies, Division of Spanish and Portuguese and Instituto Cervantes. This s creening is part of the symposium "Women on the Other Side of the Lens." Director in attendance!
Apr 23, 2009
(Judith Colell, Spain, 2007, 91 min)
First-time Spanish filmmaker Judith Colell and scriptwriter Gemma Ventura skillfully weave a trio of stories into a moving and existential experience.
Waiting for Sancho
Director in attendance April 24!
Apr 24 - Apr 26, 2009
(Mark Peranson, Canada, 2008, DigiBeta, 105 min)
Cinemascope founding editor Mark Peranson has created an intimate, dignified and humorous tracing of the interplay between Albert Serra, his nonprofessional actors, and his dedicated crew while shooting the film Birdsong. The result is an immersive, intimate look into the process and elements of filmmaking.
"Stranger Pick: After watching Bird Song, you must take the time to watch this documentary." -The Stranger
Bird Song
Introduction by Mark Peranson for 7pm screening on April 24
Apr 24 - Apr 27, 2009
(Albert Serra, Spain, 2008, 35mm, 98 min)
Idiosyncratic filmmaker Albert Serra has turned his unique eye to the well-known biblical tale of the Three Magi and their journey to pay tribute to the newly-born Jesus, transforming this familiar narrative into an appreciation of the human body and a study of landscape.
"Stranger Pick: Wonderful...It is amazing that such a beautiful film as Bird Song was made with so few resources." -The Stranger
"SW Pick: Gorgeous black and white" -Seattle Weekly
Eros
Apr 24 - Apr 27, 2009
(Megan Griffiths, 2008, 2 min)
Plays before Bird Song.
Set to the score of "Eros," a spoken-word recording by 60's beat poet Rod McKuen, Eros is a stylish examination of the rituals of a mysterious man preparing for a potentially criminal evening out.
Examined Life
Apr 24 - Apr 30, 2009
(Astra Taylor, Canada, 2008, 35mm, 90 min)
Astra Taylor (Zizek!) takes philosophy off of the high shelves a bit of fresh air in this documentary. Beginning with the idea that "the unexamined life is not worth living" the film uses the philosopher’s favored technique to ponder a question: the simple stroll.
"SW Pick: Suprise! Philosophy isn't boring...The viewer basks in the intelligence on-screen and occasionally soaks up the rays." -Seattle Weekly
"Simple yet elegantly rewarding...It's as inviting and accessible as a smart conversation with fascinating friends." -Seattle Times
Portrait of a Ghost
Apr 24 - Apr 30, 2009
(Bruce Henderson, 2008, 5 min)
Plays before Examined Life.
A portrait of a lost and decomposing jazz musician who struggles to face his past, present and future.
Goodbye Solo
Seattle Premiere Event Sponsored by KBCS 91.3 FM
One night only
Director in attendance
Apr 29, 2009
(Ramin Bahrani, USA, 2008, 35mm, 91 min)
Goodbye Solo gradually reveals itself to be a perfectly judged, seemingly effortless story of understated style and craft that touches on what is truly important within our lives.
Young Soul Rebels
Apr 30, 2009
(Isaac Julien, UK, 1991, 105 min)
Set in 1977 London amidst Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee, director Isaac Julien's wild and sexy breakthrough film follows two young, black DJs caught up in a search for their friend's killer while navigating the cultural shifts and sharp contrasts that reshaped the U.K.
Sorry, NWFF passes are not accepted at this screening.
Take The Money And Run
May 01 - May 07, 2009
(Woody Allen, USA, 1969, 35mm, 85min)
Woody Allen's first film as director-writer-actor is a hilarious mock documentary (one of the earliest examples of the genre) that follows the life and failed career of an utterly inept criminal named Virgil Starkweather.
Can Hieronymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe And Find True Happiness?
May 01 - May 07, 2009
(Anthony Newley, USA, 1969, 35mm, 107 min)
An entertaining disaster, this X-rated musical comedy is the autobiographical magnum opus of its writer-director-composer-star Anthony Newley. Hieronymus has recently turned 40 and watches a film of his own life unspool before his eyes.
The Virgin's Bed (Le Lit de la Vierge)
New 35mm Print
May 06 - May 07, 2009
(Philippe Garrel, France, 1969, 35mm, 114 min)
Made without a script and under the influence of LSD, director Philippe Garrel’s parable about Jesus is set in modern times and conveyed in an episodic and nonlinear narrative.
24 City
US Theatrical Premiere! Panel discussion about making hybrid works of fiction and documentary on Wednesday, May 13 after the 7pm screening
May 08 - May 14, 2009
(Jia Zhang-ke, China, 2008, DigiBeta, 112 min)
24 City is eloquent testimony to a China that is vanishing with each swing of the wrecking ball. Blending fiction and documentary, Jia Zhang-ke puts a human face on the consequences of rapid industrial and economic growth in China.
"An affecting blend of fiction and reality...
The fact that Chengdu was further devastated by an earthquake in 2008 lends 24 City a haunting edge of tragedy, with (just maybe) a glint of hope for whatever rises from the rubble." -Seattle Times
"SW Pick: Jia Zhangke [is] the planet's most excitingly original filmmaker" -Seattle Weekly
"24 City is a poignant, relevant film on a country that’s rapidly changing." - Seattle Fine Arts Examiner
Super-8 Diaries
May 08 - May 14, 2009
(Joe Milutis, 2005)
Screens before 24 City.
Fragments of sun, corners of time, moments of space and a question of place.
Away We Go: A Special Presentation
Presented by 826 Seattle and Northwest Film Forum Screenwriter Dave Eggers in attendance!
May 09, 2009
(Sam Mendes, USA, 2009)
A benefit for 828 Seattle. Directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty) from an original screenplay by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida, this funny and heartfelt film follows the journey of an expectant couple (John Krasinski (The Office] and Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live)), as they travel the U.S. in search of the perfect place to put down roots and raise their family.
Film Challenge Screening: Exquisite Corpse
May 12, 2009
This quarter’s filmmaking challenge is a film version of the surrealist game Exquisite Corpse. Participants will be free to film anything they want, but will begin and end their segments with images chosen randomly out of a hat.
Soul Nite!
May 13, 2009
Soul Nite returns with great 60s soul performance footage on the big screen, and of course djs and drinks in the cinema. This one is extra special ‘cause we’re celebrating the birthday of the one and only Stevie Wonder!
A Wink and A Smile
Opening night party! *Sold out! Sponsored by KBCS 91.3 FM and Seattle Gay News
May 15 - May 21, 2009
(Deirdre Allen Timmons, USA, 2008, DigiBeta, 91 min)
Seattle filmmaker Deirdre Allen Timmons swings a spotlight across a glittering stage to illuminate one of the many fascinating pocket industries that keeps Seattle interesting: Miss Indigo Blue’s Academy of Burlesque, where anyone of any background or body type can find instruction in the art of striptease.
"Elegantly shot...irresistible...and nicely paced" -Seattle Times
"The local burlesque scene has evolved into a sophisticated, many-tentacled, and nationally admired phenomenon. It's about time it got to tell its story" -The Stranger