A Record-Breaking SIFF 2010 Comes To A Close Last Night - Share your highlights!

The 36th Annual Seattle International Film Festival 2010 came to a successful and record-breaking end last night. My travel schedule was a bit hectic and I was only able to make it to two SIFF movies, but it's so great to hear that there was high attendance overall this year. It is so awesome having the nation's largest film festival right in our backyard and although my presence this year was low, I do have fond memories of last year's.

Two of My SIFF 2009 Highlights from SIFF 2009 -

I caught a tremendously moving Phillipe Lioret film called Welcome at SIFF 2009. It's tale of a 17 year old love-driven Kurdish refugee who's determination to be reunited with his sweetheart takes him on a heart-wrenching journey.
I was invited to a wonderful tribute dinner hosted at Cafe Vita's "Green Bean Warehouse" on Tuesday May 26th and had the chance to meet Spike Lee. Spike was presented with the 2009 Golden Space Needle Award for Outstanding Achievement in Directing to recognize his noteworthy film-making career. I honestly didn't know what to expect. I am a fan of some of Spike's work and had seen him in a number of televised interviews. He comes across as very focused and pensive in his interviews. That evening was no different, but his demeanor had hints of impatience. Spike wasn't very conversational, but the NBA Playoffs were also in full force that week and perhaps that was distracting him a bit. Spike was often on his Blackberry and I'm sure he was checking the scores, but he did loosen up a bit after having some of the great food and wine that was served that evening.

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What has Spike been up to since his visit to Seattle for SIFF 2009? It looks like he's worked with Absolut on a limited edition Brooklyn Heights ginger and red apple flavored vodka in a bottle that looks quite sharp. You can find it at Michael Towne Wines & Spirits at 73 Clark Street in NY.

Their bottles and ads are always so clever. ABSOLUT: BIOGRAPHY OF A BOTTLE was a good read.

I did get a peek at the gift bags handed out at the Opening Gala this year and they looked awesome! A number of SIFF volunteers worked very hard on stuffing those Le Sport bags full of goodies!