Local News
International Film Festival Returns
November 15, 2007
By Cara Newby
The AT&T St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF), presented by nonprofit Cinema St. Louis, began on Nov. 8 and will continue through Nov. 18.
Returning for its 16th year, SLIFF continues to be one of St. Louis’ major events. The festival’s headquarters is the Delmar Loop’s Tivoli Theatre, which includes a 450-seat main auditorium and two 140-seat theaters.
Lacy Joy Bullock, MBU senior, said, “I think the Loop is a great place for the festival because it’s culturally rich and there’s always a lot of unique things to see and do.”
The festival also extends to the Plaza Frontenac Cinema, which has a 170-seat auditorium along with two other auditoriums.
Rachel Dye, MBU senior, said: “Frontenac offers an entertaining atmosphere. It’s a great place to hang out with friends.”
SLIFF uses both locations to showcase narratives, documentaries and shorts from around the world. The countries highlighted this year are South Africa, France, Argentina, Australia, U.K. and China.
“I like international films because they are a little more sophisticated than American ones, and they aren’t as predictable,” said Bullock.
The international filmmakers range from new talent to long-established producers. SLIFF also highlights local St. Louis talent along with prominent, Oscar-winning directors such as Bill Condon, writer-director of “Chicago.”
The festival attracts a wide range of audience members. In 2006, people of all ages, educational and economical backgrounds attended.
This year’s audience members include such minority populations as African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and Central and Eastern European.
Audience members are also given an opportunity to interact with writers and producers through Q&A sessions, seminars and panels.
Dye said: “I have learned that international films are more adventurous, and they are more interesting because of the different camera angles. Also, international films include riskier plots.”
More information about SLIFF can be found at the festival’s main website,
www.cinemastlouis.org.
# # #
