Jewish films in Seattle

DEBORAH SACHAROFF

The 31st annual Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF), the largest film festival in the United States, is on until June 12. It features 347 films, 10 world premières, 18 North American premières and 55 documentaries.

An international exchange for West Coast film lovers, both the Seattle and Vancouver international film festivals draw film aficionados from both cities. In September, some Seattle film buffs head north for the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), while avid movie-goers from British Columbia head south for the Seattle festival in May.

Those with the time and opportunity to see the entire festival need not worry about which films to choose. But for visitors who hope to see one or two good films, finding a few special films can pose quite a challenge.

There are several movies at SIFF this year that fall into the Jewish-interest category – among them Last Moon, The Ninth Day and Our Own (as well as several others that also played at VIFF last year).

Our Own, from Russia, tells the story of three prisoners during the Second World War who manage to escape and hide from the Germans in a Russian village. One is a Jewish politico, one a Russian security officer and the third, a local sniper. The film, directed by Dmitry Meskhiyev, graphically depicts the violence and devastation of war, but also examines the complex relationships of soldiers, guardians and those who face the dangerous consequences of their actions when protecting others. Packed with emotional drama, conflict and suspense, it is an important film about war that, at times, isn't easy to watch.

The Last Moon, a very interesting film directed by Chilean Miguel Littin, takes place in 1914. It's about the friendship between Soliman, a Christian Palestinian, and Jacob, a Jew, both living in Palestine with their families. Filmed in Jerusalem, the West Bank, Bethlehem and at the Dead Sea, the story follows the decisions of two families: one that chooses to remain in Palestine, while the other immigrates to Chile.

The Ninth Day, from Germany, is based on prison diaries and tells the story of a priest who has ostensibly been released from the concentration camp at Dachau to attend his mother's funeral, but instead is given nine days to go against his own faith and convince the bishop in Luxembourg of the Nazi point of view. It's directed by Volker Schlondorff.

Other special programs this year include Viva Argentina! (films from Argentina), an evening with actor Peter Sarsgaard, and Face the Music, a program of 12 music documentaries. The annual Emerging Masters program will highlight four international directors, including Pablo Trapero of Argentina, Jia Zhang-ke of China, Susanne Bier of Denmark and Attila Janisch of Hungary.

For full details and information on the entire film festival, including film descriptions, dates, locations and how to purchase tickets, go to www.seattlefilm.org.

Deborah Sacharoff is a Seattle writer.

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