Arts & Entertainment

SIFF Selections: May 20

Help reduce hunger in Renton and support the Salvation Army by bringing non-perishable food items to the 3 p.m. screening of Finding North, an 84-minute documentary about hunger in America.

1 p.m. — The Painting is a 76-minute French film with English subtitles. From SIFF:

An inventive and touching animated fable in which an unfinished canvas at an old chateau sets the scene for colorful class conflict. The painting’s world, three types of creations live: the Alldunns (fully drawn and colored), the Halfies (only partially completed), and the Sketchies (merely rough designs). The Alldunns rule until one of their own, Ramo, falls for Claire, who is, inRomeo and Juliet style, an unacceptable Halfie. Ramo wants to talk with the painter to inquire if her painting will ever be completed. Their search will take them out of the canvas and into the worlds of other paintings and the strange frontier of the artist’s studio. Famed French animator Jean-François Laguionie has brilliantly created a film that splashes in the artist’s palette, breathing life into miraculous images without the need for spunky princesses, talking animals, or superheroes. Co-written by Laguionie with Anik Le Ray (SIFF 2010’s Eleanor’s Secret), The Painting is no bubblegum confection. While it works as a fun and very visual journey, the narrative is a tremendously compelling examination of tolerance and repression, lending parents a teachable example that simultaneously deepens youth interest in the incredible world of painting.

 

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3 p.m. — Finding North is an 84-minute American film. It is an eye-opening documentary about the seriousness of hunger America and how to tackle the challenge. Help reduce hunger in Renton: The  will be at the screening at the  to collect nonperishable food and monetary donations. From SIFF:

This touching yet troubling documentary takes on the complex issue of hunger in America. Co-directors Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush meet with the working poor from coast to coast, including extended families and single parents facing the problem of food insecurity, which affects as many as 50 million people. Actor Jeff Bridges, who co-founded the End Hunger Network, believes it's a problem that people are ashamed of acknowledging and has only gotten worse since the 1980s. Rose, a charismatic fifth grader from rural Colorado, says she gets so hungry that she feels nauseated. Fortunately, her church steps in to provide a weekly meal, but that's one night out of seven. Tremonica, a Mississippi second grader, skips meals or eats junk food, which doesn't bode well for her future. Ree, a Mississippi mother, has to drive 45 minutes just to buy vegetables, since stores in her remote location only carry canned goods. Sadly, poverty and obesity go hand in hand when processed foods cost less than fresh produce, due largely to farm subsidies to agribusiness. Jacobson and Silverbush also look at developmental disabilities, public assistance, and school lunches, while taking time to single out individuals making a positive impact in ways both big and small. 

Find out what's happening in Rentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

6 p.m. — Robot and Frank is a 90-minute American film. From SIFF

Set in the not-so-distant future, this sweet and utterly charming buddy comedy is the story of cantankerous old-timer Frank (Frank Langella), a retired “second story man.” Estranged from his adult children, Frank lives alone, but finds that increasing memory loss is making life difficult. Rather than put his father into a home, Frank's son brings him the ultimate in state-of-the-art home care: the VGC-60L humanoid robot caretaker. Much to Frank's chagrin, this robot is designed not just for housekeeping and nutritious meal preparation, but to engage its subject mentally, encouraging household projects and new hobbies. But Frank has other ideas, and coerces his new friend into helping him to not only charm the local librarian (Susan Sarandon), but to pull off one final heist as well. The legendary Frank Langella gives a wry and heartfelt performance, making the chemistry between Frank and his electronic friend (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) palpable. Director Jack Schreier’s feature debut includes touches of a technological future that feel completely realistic, helping to make Robot and Frank a unique science fiction story––one that uses technology to show the importance of family. 

 

8:30 p.m. — Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings is a 96-minute film in Tagalog and English with English Subtitles. From SIFF:

Remington has found his first love in his new neighbor, Hannah. She’s not equally entranced—at least not until he starts to compliment her mother, tell better jokes, and wear clothing that’s way more hip. Is it his attempts to impress her, or something more sinister that’s beyond his control? For when Remington was a child, he insulted a drag queen in a graveyard. In response, a powerful spell was cast: that Remington would someday turn into a homosexual! Meanwhile, the town's most fabulous gays are turning up dead, covered in mysterious green goo. If Remington doesn't escape the effects of the curse, he may be the killer's next target. And of course, there are the Zombadings, the most fabulous zombies you've ever seen! This unlikely satire pokes fun at homophobia, camp and the zombie horror genre while telling a touching story friendship and family. 

 

 

 

 


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