Media
Center
Press Release
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| CONTACT: | Michal Friedrich (206) 619-2063 |
| Janet Wainwright (206) 935-3608 | |
SOCIETY FOR ARTS IN SEATTLE PRESENTS
THE SECONDSEATTLE INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY
FILM FESTIVAL
APRIL 17 - 25
Thanks to the volunteer efforts of local film enthusiast, Dr. Michal Friedrich,
Seattle filmgoers will have a rare opportunity to experience 48 of the world’s
most highly acclaimed documentary films. The festival, now considered one
of the premiere festivals in the United States, will present a stunning array
of documentaries including films which make both subtle and powerfully direct
political statements, others with humorous and heartfelt revelations regarding
the extraordinary cultural changes taking place in our world and finally,
remarkable portraits of real people. Each has been carefully selected to expand
our experience and expose us to the inspired and thought-provoking points
of view of these talented filmmakers. The documentary films will be showcased
at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) April 17 through April 25.
Opening night will feature THIS AIN'T NO HEARTLAND - a howling
cry against the U.S. invasion of Iraq, from the director of “The Silence
of Green” also showing at the festival. During the invasion, Andreas
Horvath traveled from his home in Austria to the American "heartland"
– an area a little west of Chicago. He had many questions for the locals
regarding their views on the invasion, American unilateralism and arrogance.
As the film progresses, this friendly and serene “heartland” -
the true America - gradually turns into a vast and remote hinterland in which
the quest for discussion becomes a futile odyssey. What Horvath captures reveals
a dark and disturbing underbelly of our national consciousness. Mr. Horvath
will be present for the screening.
Why are Americans so fat? Find out in SUPER SIZE ME, a tongue
in-cheek - and burger in hand -- look at the legal, financial and physical
costs of America's hunger for fast food. Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock hit the
road and interviewed experts in 20 U.S. cities, including Houston, the "Fattest
City" in America. From Surgeon Generals to gym teachers, cooks to kids,
lawmakers to legislators, these authorities shared their research, opinions
and "gut feelings" on our ever-expanding girth. During the journey,
Mr. Spurlock also put his own body on the line, living on nothing but McDonald's
for an entire month with three simple rules: 1. He could only eat what was
available over the counter (water included!) 2. No supersizing unless offered
3. No excuses: he had to eat every item on the menu at least once. Mr. Spurlock
will be participating in a Q and A following the screening on April 18 at
7:15 p.m.
A remarkable team of Seattle filmmakers had a vision: to not only educate
American school children about Nepal, but to benefit girls who live in that
country. Their vehicle is a wonderful 30-minute film entitled IN THE
SHADOW OF THE HIMALAYAS: HOW PEOPLE LIVE IN NEPAL. IN THE SHADOW
OF THE HIMALAYAS takes the audience on an educational journey with sixth-grade
students from Seattle's Hamilton International Middle School as they explore
living in a country where its people are surrounded by the tallest mountains
in the world. The film will have its world premier on Sunday, April 25 at
11 a.m.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
INSIDE THE MIND OF THE SUICIDE BOMBER
Why do some Palestinians blow themselves up? It's a mistake to say that it
is simply because they are anti-Semitic. Here is an up-close and personal
look at the dark logic of suicide bombers in the Holy Land.
In a series of powerful and unique interviews shot inside of an Israeli prison,
this film explores the minds of Islamic suicide bombers. Three failed bombers,
captured by Israeli security forces, speak openly and forcefully about their
motivations, training, operational methodology, and profound belief in the
idea of entering paradise by becoming a martyr. They talk of their hatred
for Israel and Israelis, as well as the persistent emptiness and trauma of
living under occupation motivating them to want to die. Through persistent
questioning the audience also discovers motivations much deeper than blind
hatred - including failed love, revenge and envy.
The film also features extensive interviews with the two key organizers of
the March 2003 bombing of a Haifa bus, which killed seventeen and injured
more than fifty Israelis. They remain unrepentant, vowing to continue their
bloody work until the day they actually do die.
MOSCOW SIEGE
October 23, 2002. 922 people came to see the most popular musical in Moscow.
The cast and crew were ready for another sell-out show. Forty-two heavily-armed
Chechen rebels, approaching in vans, had other plans.
At the start of the second act, the rebels moved in and took the audience
and actors hostage. The Chechen War had come to the heart off Moscow. A standoff
between Russia's elite troops and Chechnya's elite warriors began, with Russia's
cultural elite caught in the crosshairs. Who would survive? A few days later,
at least 170 people were dead, many of them because of a mysterious chemical
agent unleashed by the Russians.
Using exclusive news footage as well as footage shot by the rebels themselves,
THE MOSCOW SIEGE tells the harrowing story hour by hour. This is a vivid anatomy
of a horrific stand-off and its tragic aftermath.
CRY FOR ARGENTINA
As a country, Argentina is no stranger to political crisis. And, in recent
years, crisis has struck again. The Argentine peso, once equal to one dollar,
fell to thirty cents. Withdrawals were frozen. Jobs were slashed. People took
to the streets, protested, rallied against the banks. Some were killed in
riots.
CRY FOR ARGENTINA confronts this issue through the personal stories of a handful
of women. Among these are two who competed on a grimly humorous reality television
show, whose major prize was a minor sales job.
THE KRAMER IMPACT
The life and movies of producer/director Stanley Kramer on the occasion of
the 90th anniversary of his birth are the subject matter of this film. This
beautiful tribute film offers the viewer the opportunity to refresh the conscience,
and focus on the thoughts of a great filmmaker, who never made a film without
a message or without establishing a human point in them. The film uses hundreds
of clips and music and gives us a loving portrait of the many aspects of Kramer’s
life in the movies. Mr. Kramer lived in the Seattle area for many years and
considered it his home.
Filmed by producer/director Juan Carlos Fauvety.
The complete schedule of films is available on line www.sidff.org. All films are in English or with subtitles. Advance tickets and passes may be purchased on line at www.ticketwindow.com and by phone: (206) 325-6500 or at the BROADWAY MARKET TICKET WINDOW, PIKE PLACE MARKET TICKET WINDOW AND MEYDENBAUER CENTER BELLEVUE TICKET WINDOW. Full Pass $80.00 – Admission to opening gala reception and all screenings. Two Day Pass $40.00. One Day Pass $25.00. Tickets for the gala reception on Saturday, April 17 at 8:15 p.m. will be $15.00. Individual tickets $7.00 - Available on the day of the screening at SAM in downtown Seattle.
