Gone are the days when SIFF would stretch out over a 25-day span. Now, all of that action is neatly packaged into a taught 10-day fest (plus a streaming window tacked on at the end).

It’s much more manageable, but you also have to be a little more intentional with your planning if you hope to catch all of the films that pique your interest.

We’ve recapped our first 5-day favorite films here. As SIFF heads into its final stretch, we take a look ahead. There are at least 20 more films we hope to screen, but here are the 10 films that jump to the top of that list.

Dancing Queen

If you didn’t get tickets to the sold-out screening earlier in the fest – here’s your second chance. This crowd-pleaser is pure joy. Warning: tears may be shed.  Screens May 17 at 3:30 pm: SIFF Cinema Uptown.

My Animal

Another second chance screening. This one comes from Canadian filmmaker Jacqueline Castel. And since it’s Canadian, yes, there is hockey involved. Not to mention werewolves, a blood red moon and a bit (just a bit) of gore.  Screens May 17 at 9:30 pm: SIFF Cinema Egyptian.

Mutt

A day in the life of Feña – who is in the early stages of his transition. He is beset with challenge after challenge. It may all be a bit unrealistic for this to happen over a course of one day – but it works here and you’re drawn into Feña’s drama and the grace he brings to each situation. Screens May 18 at 9:30 pm: SIFF Cinema Uptown  

L’immensita

A semiautobiographical drama that focuses on a mother (Penélope Cruz) of a gender-questioning young teenager. It’s Rome in the 70s, with the incredible fashion to match. Screens May 18 at 6:30 pm: SIFF Cinema Egyptian

Smoke Sauna Sisterhood

This screening is in honor of long-time SIFF programmer Maryna Ajaja, who sadly passed away last year. We’ve seen countless films Maryna has programmed for SIFF over the years. If Mayrna gave a film her stamp of approval it was a good bet that you were going to see something special – whether you liked it or not. You are missed, Maryna. Screens May 19 at 6:15 pm and May 21 at 4:00 pm: SIFF Cinema Uptown

It’s Only Life After All

This is an Indigo Girls fan club alert. They have been treating us to their queer folk-rock music for decades, so there are plenty of fans – both young and old – out there. Catch this 2-hour doc of archival footage and present day interviews – “Galileo” and all. Screens May 19 at 6:30 pm: SIFF Cinema Egyptian  

Pianoforte

If you are a sucker for classical music, especially that of Chopin, this is your front row ticket. This doc sets its sights on the world renowned Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. A sensory overload for your eyes and your ears. Screens May 20 at 12 noon: SIFF Cinema Uptown

Theater Camp

Let’s put on a show! This buzzy film about a group of scrappy kids putting on a summer show after the theater’s founder falls ill promises to be a fun ride until the final curtain call. Screens May 20 at 6:30 pm: SIFF Uptown Theater

Blue Jean

If you are familiar with British law, you may have heard of Section 28 – a misguided step in the 80s to prohibit the promotion of homosexuality. The central character, Jean, is a closeted PE teacher whose life is upended when a student discovers her secret. Screens May 21 at 1:30 pm: SIFF Cinema Uptown   

I Like Movies  

SIFF nailed it this year with their closing night film. “I Like Movies” features a pitch perfect cast and is as sweet and lovable as all of the characters that work at the Burlington, Ontario video store. If you like movies (which you’re at SIFF, so that goes without saying) you’ll likely recognize a bit of yourself in one of the video store posse. It may take you a minute or two to settle into this one, but once you do just sit back and enjoy the ride. Screens May 21 at 5:00 pm: SIFF Cinema Egyptian