On May 15th, the 51st Annual Seattle International Film Festival raises its curtains to its annual film festival as the city once again transforms into a global hub for cinematic artistry, cultural dialogue, and bold storytelling. Renowned for its eclectic programming and commitment to championing both emerging talents and seasoned auteurs, SIFF 2025 offers an impressive slate of nearly 250 films representing over 74 countries and regions. With more than two weeks of in-person and online screenings at some of Seattle’s most iconic venues, the festival continues to solidify its place as a vital meeting ground for filmmakers and film lovers alike. To help you navigate the rich lineup, here are 10 standout films you won’t want to miss.
Cloud. Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Yoshii, a young man who resells goods online, finds himself at the center of a series of mysterious events that put his life at risk.
From acclaimed director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, known for masterpieces like Cure, comes his latest feature, Cloud, a gripping blend of horror, thriller, and action that only Kurosawa could orchestrate. Selected as Japan’s official submission for the “Best International Feature” category at the 97th Academy Awards, Cloud promises a genre-defying experience that showcases the director’s signature mastery of tension and atmosphere.
Come See Me in a Good Light. Directed by Ryan White
Facing an incurable diagnosis, two poet lovers embark on a poignant yet unexpectedly humorous exploration of love, mortality, and life’s moments.
Winner of the Festival Favorite Award at the Sundance Film Festival, Come See Me in a Good Light is a deeply moving documentary that masterfully balances humor and heartbreak. With a tender and unflinching gaze, the film invites viewers into the intimate moments of individuals facing the final chapters of their lives, capturing the beauty, absurdity, and emotional weight that accompany our shared mortality. You’ll find yourself laughing through tears and reflecting on the fragility of existence, as the film explores what it means to live—and to let go—with dignity, love, and humanity.
Free Leonard Pelter. Directed by David France and Jesse Short Bull
Leonard Peltier, an activist jailed for decades after a disputed conviction, faces his twilight years as a new generation fights for his release from prison before it’s too late.
With Leonard Peltier’s recent release from prison after nearly five decades, Free Leonard Peltier arrives at a profoundly resonant moment, offering both a timely reflection and a powerful call to action. The documentary revisits the controversial trial that led to Peltier’s imprisonment, shedding light on the deep-seated racial and political injustices that plagued the legal proceedings from the start. Through archival footage, interviews, and historical context, the film traces the decades-long movement to free Peltier, while also examining the broader legacy of systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous communities in the United States. As the nation reckons with its past and present, Free Leonard Peltier emerges as both a vital historical document and a deeply human story of resistance, resilience, and hope.
The Librarians. Directed by Kim. A Snyder
Librarians unite to combat book banning, defending intellectual freedom on democracy’s frontlines amid unprecedented censorship in Texas, Florida, and beyond.
In an era where book banning has once again become a contentious and widespread issue, the documentary The Librarians couldn’t be more timely. This compelling film offers a nuanced, behind-the-scenes look at the individuals courageously standing on the frontlines of the fight for intellectual freedom—librarians, educators, and advocates who are often caught in the crossfire of cultural and political battles. With empathy and insight, The Librarians captures their daily struggles, quiet acts of defiance, and unwavering commitment to access, equity, and the preservation of knowledge. For educators, book lovers, and anyone concerned with censorship and free expression, this is an essential watch.
Rebuilding. Directed by Max Walker-Silverman
After wildfires take his ranch, a cowboy named Dusty winds up in a FEMA camp, finding community with others who lost homes, including his daughter and ex-wife.
Starring Josh O’Connor (Challengers) and Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus), Rebuilding is a poignant and emotionally resonant drama that follows a family grappling with the aftermath of a devastating wildfire. As they navigate the physical and emotional wreckage left behind, the film tenderly explores themes of loss, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to start over. With powerful performances and a grounded, human story, Rebuilding is a heartfelt reminder of how even in the face of unimaginable destruction, hope and connection can endure.
Sorry, Baby. Directed by Eva Victor
Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on – for everyone around her, at least.
Selected as the closing film of the Seattle International Film Festival and winner of the prestigious Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival, Sorry, Baby marks the bold and impressive arrival of Eva Victor as a true triple threat. Making her directorial debut, Victor not only directs but also writes and stars in this sharply observed, emotionally rich film that blends wit, vulnerability, and insight with remarkable ease. Sorry, Baby showcases her unique voice and vision, signaling the emergence of a dynamic new force in independent cinema. As the final screening of the festival, it promises to leave audiences with both laughter and reflection, closing SIFF on a high note of artistic ambition and heartfelt storytelling.
Souleymane’s Story. Directed by Boris Lojkine
A Paris food delivery cyclist and asylum seeker named Souleymane has two days to prepare his story for a make-or-break interview to secure legal residency.
Winner of both the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and Best Performance for Abou Sangaré at the Cannes Film Festival, Souleymane’s Story is a gripping and emotionally charged portrait of one man’s struggle to survive within the labyrinth of France’s asylum system. Centered on the harrowing journey of an undocumented immigrant, the film unfolds with raw urgency and quiet power, brought to life by a cast of non-professional actors whose performances lend the story a striking authenticity. With its unflinching realism and deeply human perspective, Souleymane’s Story is a haunting and powerful experience that will keep your heart pounding and your mind paranoid throughout its runtime.
The Things You Kill. Directed by Alireza Khatami
Haunted by the suspicious death of his ailing mother, a university professor coerces his enigmatic gardener to execute a cold-blooded act of vengeance.
Winner of the Directing Award in the World Cinema – Dramatic competition at the Sundance Film Festival, Alireza Khatami’s The Things You Kill is making waves on the international festival circuit, and for good reason. Blending the emotional gravity of a family tragedy with surreal, Lynchian undertones, Khatami crafts a haunting, genre-bending film that lingers long after the credits fade. With its dreamlike visuals, unsettling atmosphere, and deeply personal narrative, The Things You Kill is a bold and unforgettable exploration of grief, memory, and the strange spaces in between.
Tina. Directed by Miki Magasiva
A woman, grieving her daughter’s death in the Christchurch quakes, becomes a substitute teacher at an elite school. Unexpectedly, she discovers students lacking guidance and care, prompting her to provide inspiration and support.
Tina has already made history, achieving the third-biggest opening weekend of any New Zealand film, and now it begins its highly anticipated run in the United States. This bittersweet, deeply moving story follows a grieving mother as she embarks on a journey of rediscovery and healing, finding new purpose in the wake of her loss. With its heartfelt narrative and emotional depth, Tina is sure to resonate with audiences, offering a warm, uplifting experience that touches the heart and leaves a lasting impression.
Twinless. Directed by James Sweeney
Two grieving men bond in a support group and form an unlikely friendship.
Winner of the Audience Award in U.S. Dramatic and the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting to Dylan O’Brien at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, James Sweeney’s Twinless is a standout film to watch at this year’s Seattle International Film Festival. This poignant dramedy delves deep into the complexities of grief, the dynamics of friendships, and the challenges within relationships. With its blend of sharp humor and emotional depth, Twinless is a compelling, unforgettable exploration of the messiness of life and loss.
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