SIFF, the largest film festival in the United States, is joining forces with the City of Issaquah to present the third Issaquah International Film Festival.
The festival returns March 5-6, 2016, at Cinebarre Issaquah, 1490 11th Ave. N.W. The special weekend program features some of the world's best films — a unique combination of family favorites, recent arthouse successes and new films — presented in the "Trailhead City" of Issaquah.
Admission is free! Reservations are limited to two tickets per person. Reserve your tickets at siff.net/issaquah2016.
Patrons are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to screening times. Seating is first come, first served — and not guaranteed.
Saturday, March 5
"Even Though the Whole World is Burning"
United States1 p.m.
The life and work of poet laureate, two-time Pulitzer winner and environmental activist W.S. Merwin. Merwin has dedicated more than three decades to preserving native species and palms at the Merwin Conservancy on the North Shore of Maui.
"Office" in 3-DChina
4 p.m.Master Hong Kong director Johnnie To ("Drug War") and star Chow Yun-Fat take on the world of high-level corporate intrigue — in the form of an eye-popping 3-D musical. Adapted from co-star Sylvia Chang's hit stage play "Design for Living," Office cleverly combines stylized musical numbers and stunning abstract sets (designed by Wong Kar-wai’s production designer William Chang) to create a timely critique of corporate capitalism.
"The Wave"
Norway7 p.m.
This thrilling disaster film — whose impressive scope on a small budget lead director Roar Uthaug to a gig directing Hollywood's new "Tomb Raider" film — follows geologist Kristian Eikfjord, who discovers changes in the cliffs along the fjords near the resort town of Geiranger which could lead to a destructive tsunami. With less than 10 minutes to react, Kristian must save as many townspeople as possible – including his own family.
Sunday, March 6
"Only Yesterday"Japan
1 p.m.This previously unreleased gem from Studio Ghibli, a touching story of remembrance and growing up from animator Isao Takahata, comes to U.S. screens for the first time in a new English language version featuring the voices of Daisy Ridley ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens") and Dev Patel ("Slumdog Millionaire").
Best of SIFF Shorts
4 p.m.Award-winning and audience favorite short films from the Seattle International Film Festival, including Oscar-winning and nominated short films.
"Good Ol' Boy"
United States7 p.m.
Growing up a 10-year-old boy in '70s suburban America, all Smith wants to do is watch "Happy Days," play with his Star Wars figurines and hang out with the girl-next-door. But things aren't so easy when his father insists on pushing his Indian heritage on him every second of every day.