April 2017: What it Means to be a International Film Festival with SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett
Beth Barrett, April’s Happy Hour host and Interim Artistic Director for SIFF
April’s Film + Music + Interactive Happy Hour will preview the 43rd annual Seattle Independent Film Festival (SIFF). SIFF is one of the largest independent film festivals in the world. This year’s SIFF is from May 18th to June 11th and will feature more than 400 films from 80 countries and is expected to host 155,000 attendees.
The Happy Hour will explore what being an international film festival means in today’s society. SIFF has a reputation for showcasing movies from all around the world and telling the stories of those who lack representation in mainstream cinema. Why is this important? What does this mean in the current global and political climate? How does the current climate impact SIFF’s mission?
Our host for the Happy Hour, Beth Barrett, has an answer for all these questions. Beth is the Interim Artistic Director of SIFF and has been with SIFF programming since 2003. An aficionado of short films, she secured SIFF’s status as an Academy Award® qualifying festival in 2008. Beth has comprehensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of SIFF programming. Beth has lived in Seattle for 23 years and holds an MA in Northern Renaissance Art History.
This event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, must be 21+ to drink.
Parking: There are many parking lots near the museum, as well as metered parking on the side of 5th Avenue N. However, make sure to read surrounding signage because there are restrictions! Please enter at the Culture Kitchen Main Entrance at the corner of 5th and Harrison
Public Transportation: The bus stop at 5th Ave N accommodates King County Metro routes 3, 4, and 82. The monorail from Westlake Center to Seattle Center is also available.
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