So you survived opening weekend of SIFF films. Pat yourself on the back, grab some more popcorn and get back at it. There’s a whole week of movies ahead and there’s no reason to miss out on some of cinema’s best offerings that have made their way to Seattle for the 50th outing of SIFF.

Taking in the schedule over the next 7 days can be a bit daunting, so we broke down the first three days and picked out some of our favorite films to be hitting the screens during SIFF. There are many more films that we have seen that are also list worthy, but for now here are 6 films over the next three days that stood out.  

Monday, May 13th

Mountains: A demolition worker, Xavier, is forced to grapple with gentrification as he dismantles the very community he calls home in Miami’s Little Haiti. This intimate, yet universal, film paints a vivid portrait of a neighborhood on the verge of change – evident by the increasing “we pay cash for homes” signs on livable homes only to be bought and tore down for larger estates.  “Mountains” is awash in lush colors and deep emotions. Screens at Pacific Place and again on May 14 at SIFF Cinema Uptown. 

399: Queen of the Tetons (SIFF Cinema Uptown): Get up close and personal with grizzly bear #399, the undisputed queen of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park (not to mention an internet champ). This doc offers a rare glimpse into the life of this magnificent creature and her cubs, highlighting the delicate balance between wildlife and human intervention in an ever-changing environment. According to her IG profile she has had 22 Cubs/Grand Cubs and enjoys elklivers. Oh, she also adds that typing with her claws is hard. Director Elizabeth Leiter scheduled to attend.

Day 2: Tuesday, May 14th

Ultimate Citizens (SIFF Cinema Uptown): Jamshid Khajavi, is the heart and soul of Seattle’s Hazel Wolf K-8 school. This doc focuses its lens on Khajavi and his students as they strive to come together as a team playing Ultimate Frisbee. Although the main vehicle for Khajavi to reach the students is through this intramural sport, this doc is ultimately about reaching out and empowering kids from immigrant backgrounds. This one touches the heart. Director Francine Strickwerda scheduled to attend.

All Shall be Well (SIFF Cinema Uptown): For such a quiet film, there’s a lot going on. Grief, family dynamics, and the fight for home. This loving story follows Angie as she faces the challenges of loss and strives to keep her life afloat after the sudden passing of her longtime girlfriend. Her partner’s family, at one time very supportive, do not make things easy for her. Also screens Wednesday, May 15 at SIFF Cinema Uptown.

We Have Never Been Modern (SIFF Cinema Downtown): You had us at “shot in 35mm.” Add to that, the film will get its full due as it spashes over the big screen of SIFF Cinema Downtown. Plus, it’s a suspenseful thriller set in Czechoslovakia. The perfect trifecta. We’ll be there. Hope to see you there as well. Also screens on Friday, May 17.

Day 3: Wednesday, May 15th

Bob Trevino Likes It (SIFF Cinema Uptown): We loved this at SXSW – along with everyone else in Austin as it nabbed the top award for Narrative Jury and Audience Favorite at that fest. Too often, movies about the internet can be dark, nefarious and usually end bad. But “Bob Trevino Likes It” will restore your faith in the power of the internet – and humanity. It’s heartwarming – and funny.  Barbie Ferreira (“Euphoria”) delivers a spot on performance as Lily, a young woman who finds an unlikely connection on Facebook. When her narcissistic father basically disowns her, Lily starts a virtual friendship with a kind-hearted stranger who just happens to have the same name as her father, Bob Trevino. John Leguizamo plays the ‘good’ Bob Trevino in what has been called “one of his career-best performances.” Also screens Thursday, May 16. Director Tracie Laymon scheduled to attend.