There is plenty of news dropping for some of the major North America film fests. We’ll start with the news here in Seattle.

SIFF

The Seattle International Film Festival just sent out the dates for its 50th anniversary of SIFF.  Mark your calendars for the 11 days spanning May 9 – 19, 2024.

Not only is it the BIG 5-0 for SIFF, but hopefully we’ll be seeing some of the fest’s screenings at what is currently known as the Cinerama. As you likely know, the rights to the name Cinerama didn’t come with the purchase that was announced at this year’s fest, so a new name will grace that iconic film lovers favorite that sits on the corner of 4th and Lenora. Filmmakers have until the end of this year to submit their films for a chance to have them shown on the big screen.

SXSW

Speaking of film submissions, SXSW Film & TV fest has also opened up its call for filmmakers to submit their work for SXSW 2024. Applications are also open for the Music Festival, SXSW Pitch, and SXSW Innovation Awards. It all goes down in Austin over nine jammed packed days (and nights), March 8 – 16.

Sundance

And Sundance has created a little buzz with their latest announcement of its fest that kicks off January 18 and runs through January 28. Although Sundance is keeping the online portion of the fest, this year the focus is clearly pulled for in-person screenings.

Those opting to view at-home only will now have to wait until January 25 before they can start screening online, with film options falling primarily in Sundance’s five Competition sections. All the more reason to pack the parka and join the other film enthusiasts on the Mountain.

TIFF

But hey, that’s all next year. One of our favorite Festivals, and one that we’ve been to many times, kicks off in just about a month. The Toronto International Film Festival (or the Festival of Festivals as it was called when we first started attending) runs September 7 – 17. 

TIFF has grown into a bellwether of film fests, screening more than 200 films that are vying for eyeballs and accolades as the award season kicks into high gear. A festival with humble beginnings, TIFF still retains some of its indie cred, but has also turned into a juggernaut of star powered glitz and glam that lights up the city for 11 days in September.  We’ll see how the Hollywood strike might affect some of that red carpet pageantry TIFF has become known for.