The Seattle International Film Festival turns the big 5-0 this year, and although the full SIFF film lineup has yet to be released, the fest promises to unspool hundreds of films throughout the city in celebration of its golden anniversary. As in past years, SIFF will start the fest off with in-person screenings for 10 days (May 9 – 19) followed by virtual screenings on the SIFF Channel (May 20 – 27).

To give you a taste of things to come, SIFF has unveiled the first six films on their roster which include award-winning features and an archival classic.

Features, Docs, and Classic Films

Award-winning documentaries like “Porcelain War,” the Sundance 2024 Documentary Grand Jury Prize winner is on tap. The doc shines a light on Ukrainian artists amidst the ongoing war. Another highlight is “Green Border,” directed by legendary filmmaker Agnieszka Holland (“Europa Europa”), which takes a look at the refugee crisis through the lens of a Syrian family.

For fans of narrative cinema, there’s “Evil Does Not Exist” by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, the director behind the Oscar-winning “Drive My Car.” Hamaguchi gives us a look into a rural Japanese village facing environmental change.

Fresh off a screening at SXSW, Jane Schoenbrun’s latest film, “I Saw the TV Glow,” will hit SIFF screens during the fest. You may recall Schoenbrun’s earlier work, the acclaimed coming-of-age horror film “We’re All Going To The World’s Fair.” Additionally, the fest will screen Spanish director Isabel Coixet’s “Un Amor,” a film noted for its challenging, yet captivating, look at self-discovery.

No film festival is complete without a classic, and SIFF delivers with a new 4K restoration and 5.1 sound mix of Wim Wenders’ classic, “Wings of Desire.” This Berlin-set film featuring Bruno Ganz is a must-see for any cinephile.

This is just a hint of what’s to come at the 50th Seattle International Film Festival. You’ll have to hold on until April 17 when the full lineup of over 250 films is unveiled before you can begin your film screening schedule in earnest.