The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) kicks off this weekend, offering over 250 films from around the world. The first weekend alone is stacked with so many films that you might need a spreadsheet to plan out your every move. We’ve seen some early festival fare during press screenings and have noted some of our favorites below.  But, our schedule is still packed with films to see that will undoubtedly keep the theaters buzzing from noon to night during the entire fest.     

Here’s a look at 7 movies to catch during the opening weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun). Don’t worry, if you miss them this weekend they may have a second run date later in the fest.  For a full film line-up check out the SIFF website. 

Àma Gloria (France)

A sweet surprise of a movie – “Àma Gloria” is a heart warmer about a young bespectacled girl, Cléo (Louise Mauroy-Panzani), who must cope with the departure of her beloved nanny. The film explores their close bond and the impact the nanny has on Cléo’s life. Overheard at the press screening: “I’m going to write in Louise Mauroy-Panzani for best actress.” Yes, she’s that good – don’t miss this one. Friday, May 10 – SIFF Cinema Uptown

Terrestrial Verses (Iran)

A little quirky, but truly a fine film that you would likely not see outside of a festival setting. This Iranian film follows the lives of nine Tehran residents as they encounter a series of frustrating bureaucratic hurdles – often to comical effects. Director Alireza Khatami sets up an interesting construct and pulls it off in this tightly structured 75 minute outing. Khatami is scheduled to attend the festival. Friday May 10 and Saturday May 11 – SIFF Uptown. 

Luther: Never Too Much (USA)

This is another one at the top of our list. If you are a fan of Luther Vandross you won’t want to miss this doc on the legendary R&B singer. Even if you have had little exposure to his music you’ll still come away glad you saw it – not to mention a new Luther convert. Packed with archival concert footage and interviews with his collaborators and peers (Jamie Foxx, Dionne Warwick, Mariah Carey, Roberta Flack, to name a few) the film highlights Luther’s undeniable talent and celebrated career, showcasing his triumphs and the struggles along the way. We dare you to try and sit still and not seat dance during this one. Director Dawn Porter will be present for the May 10th screening. Friday, May 10 – SIFF Cinema Egyptian.

Food Roots (USA)

For all the food focused filmgoers out there. You may have seen him cooking on NBC’s TODAY Show, or even on the police procedural crime drama Criminal Minds, but Billy Dec is also a restaurateur, community leader, and a Presidential appointee (he served on the White House Advisory Commission on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders), among other accomplishments. In short, he’s a force. This doc could have been all about Dec – but in “Food Roots” he strips all of that away and takes a journey to the Philippines to rediscover his family’s heritage while getting back to his roots as he digs a little deeper into traditional Filipino cuisine. Director Michele Josue and Producer Mike McNamara are scheduled to attend the festival. Friday, May 10 – AMC Pacific Place and Saturday, May 11 – Shoreline Community College.

I Saw the TV Glow (USA)

We missed this one at SXSW – but it was a hit there, as well as Sundance. From the director of the indie horror hit “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” comes “I Saw the TV Glow.” Through the eyes of two suburban teens finding connection in a late-night television show, the film tackles the themes of loneliness and obsession in a “magenta-tinted exploration of queer dread.” Director Jane Schoenbrun is scheduled to attend the festival. Friday, May 10 – SIFF Cinema Egyptian and Saturday, May 11 – SIFF Cinema Uptown

All Your Faces (France)

You may be familiar with the concept behind restorative justice. It all gets put into practice in “All Your Faces,” a well-paced and nuanced drama about a restorative justice program. We are introduced to both victims and perpetrators of crime. After some negotiating and looking deep within themselves, the group eventually comes face-to-face, looking to forgive and to heal. The ending, although hopeful, might be a little too pat, but the arc between victims and perpetrators is engaging as it evolves over time and you get to know each other’s stories along the way.  Friday, May 10 – AMC Pacific Place. 

Babes (USA)

The humor can be a bit broad at times, but “Babes,” delivers the laughs in this unvarnished comedy about motherhood. This feature directorial debut from Pamela Adlon (“Better Things”) stars Ilana Glazer (“Broad City”) as a woman navigating the joys and challenges of an unexpected pregnancy. The ever funny Michelle Buteau (Survival of the Thickest) also stars. This is a fast and wildly fun watch. Saturday, May 11 – SIFF Cinema Downtown and Sunday, May 12 – AMC Pacific Place.

And don’t forget about “Thelma” which officially kicks off the festivities Thursday night at the Paramount Theatre. These are just a few of the films that are hitting the screens over the next couple of days. The fest runs through May 20 – so we’ll be dropping more of our favorites here in the coming days.