Yes, folks, the Seattle International Film Festival is upon us once again. I have eleven films to see this year, and I am keeping the world up to date on my viewings. We’ve got selections from Australia, Belgium, France, New Zealand, Turkey, and the UK, as well as five from the US. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, one of these years I’ll get a Full Series pass and take off work for the duration of the festival. There are just too many to choose from, and obligations just get in the way.

For the first time, a week of screenings is being held at the Majestic Bay in Ballard. We start our adventure here with Microbe and Gasoline (Microbe et Gasoil), from Michel Gondry. Introduced to us a kid’s movie, I wouldn’t pigeonhole it as such. It is a road movie involving two outcast middle school boys who decide to take their summer break, and their destinies, into their own hands and out into the French countryside. It is whimsical and endearing, with a touch of fantasy. Fun for all ages, but be aware that there are some nude (lewd) drawings shown.

This film fails the Bechdel Test, but it would have been weird if it had passed, considering its titular subject matter. There is another screening on 5/23 at 7pm at the Egyptian, and it will have a week-long run at SIFF Uptown in June or July.