KPLU
As SIFF coasts into its final week, it’s worth revisiting KPLU’s wonderful feature on serial SIFF-goers who sacrifice precious spring/early summer Seattle sunlight to see as many movies as humanly possible. Writer Florangela Davila profiled a handful of ardent movie lovers, making sure to include some helpful tips about surviving SIFF for festival novices. Retired Seattleite Diane Bisset says it’s totally normal for her to view at least 100 films at SIFF each year. Honolulu resident Doug Ing leaves the balmy climate of his home city to attend the festival, also consuming upwards of 100 films with his SIFF Platinum Pass. What’s ultimately important to remember about SIFF, says the festival’s artistic director Carl Spence, is that watching films is a communal experience. “There’s energy you get from being around people,” says Spence. “If it’s a comedy you may laugh more. You may find it more funny than if you see it by yourself. If it’s something that’s moving or powerful, that has something meaningful, you may share in that cathartic experience together.”