The 2013 National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) runs from April 25 through the 28th in Seattle, packing 215 films into just four days. The films, by directors 22 years old or younger, are drawn from 30 U.S. states and 20 countries. More than 40 percent of the finalists this year are female directors, report the organizers, noting that in Hollywood at large, that number is just ten percent. If you’re new to NFFTY, the quality is remarkable.
The Opening Night Gala, held at the Cinerama downtown, begins at 7:30 p.m. and unveils five films: Finding Franklin, Tempus, Brunch, Yusuf, and Tina for President. In one, a granddaughter discovers her grandfather’s secret affair after he’s passed away, in another a young Egyptian boy ceaselessly imagines himself stepping into another life. Tempus features Kai Rapelyea dancing his way through a decaying psychiatric hospital.
The rest of the festival — including panels on digital filmmaking and “life after NIFFTY,” and a masterclass on Danish documentaries — takes place at SIFF Cinema Uptown. A collection screening Friday afternoon called Happy Hour Shorts deserves special mention as it begins with a tasting, hosted by Fremont Brewing, at 5:30 p.m. before nine eclectic (“In an alternate universe where the ’80s kept on going…”) films roll at 6:30 p.m.
