I am sooo excited for SIFF! I really do look forward to it every year. There are not many times I go to theaters and watch movies… But to me that makes me excited about film festival is that it’s such an excitement in the air about the creativeness of film making. I am not a film expert by any means… but I definitely get in the hype of interesting/indy films! I also love the Q&A with actors/directions/producers that sometimes happens. Plus, it is SOOOO accessible! I can take the bus or walk to the participating theaters! I love it! My first few movies of the festival so far.
Opening Night:
The First Grader
*MUST SEE*
Director: Justin Chadwick
Actors: Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge
An inspirational story of a 84 yo Kenyan man who starts attending the first free public primary school in Kenya. There are oppositions from the public and parents of other students. He is determined to learn to read so that one day he can read an important letter on his own and comprehend it. So many tears flowing during the showing… [i do cry in most movies though...] Very sweet… inspirational… and makes me feel totally ashamed that I hated school and homework!
The Trip
Directior: Michael Winterbottom
Actors: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon
*Funny!*
Steve Coogan (a british movie star) invites his comedian friend (Rob Brydon) on a northern England restaurant tour. It is hilarious adventure with the men. Funny conversations and awesome impersonations! I loved it! Great scenery of northern England and food porn! 
Michael Cain impression clip from the movie… sooo funny!
Perfect Sense
Director: David Mackenzie
Actors: Ewan McGregor, Eva Green
A story of a scientist and a chef who fall in love. The scientist is trying to figure out the cause of epidemic that is plaguing the world that is eliminating people’s senses… It is thought provoking… It made me think… is there anything more important than the people you love in life?
Beginners
Director: Mike Mills
Actors: Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer, Mélanie Laurent, Goran Visnjic
This about Oliver (Ewan McGregor) budding relationship with a girl. He flashes back to his father (Christopher Plummer) who recently died from cancer. The interesting twist is that his father came out of the closet (at 75 years old) when Oliver’s mother died 5 years prior. The memory flashes of his father living a openly gay life at his old age is funny and interesting. His flashback of his dad dying of cancer very sad. Very thoughtfully done movie. The dog in the movie is SOOOOO CUTE! I want to kidnap the dog!
