STIFF presents edgier and more local films as alternative to SIFF

A few years ago, Clint Berquist made the film "Swamper" about a guy who mops the floors for the Lusty Lady. He submitted it to SIFF, only to be rejected. In response, Berquest and other local filmmakers began the Seattle True Independent Film Festival
in 2004.

STIFF, running from June 4 to June 13, seeks to choose films like "Swamper," films that are lower-budget and perhaps more edgy than many SIFF movies.

When "Swamper" was rejected by SIFF, Berquist and his colleagues Brian Shelley, Jessica Foss, Jarrett Moore, Kevin Gilbert, Steve Lacey and Chris McBride learned about Slamdance, an alternative film festival in Utah at that occurs at the same time as Sundance.

"We got local filmmakers involved, and it just started snowballing," Berquist said.

Now receiving about 500 entries a year, a team of 20 STIFF screeners narrow it down to 150, about 50 of which are local. However, films are entered from all over the world.

"We have a wide variety of films, and it's an opportunity for local filmmakers," said Brian Shelley, program director of STIFF.

Some of the screeners are veteran filmmakers, some are just people who want to get involved.

"It's for people who want to watch movies; people fight for movies they love," Berquist said. "It sounds awesome until you have to do it. It's like being locked in a closet with a carton of cigarettes: for every movie you love, 10 not so much."

There are about 100 shorts and 50 feature-length films.

"Shorts are a good experience for someone just getting into the festival," Shelley said.
STIFF is a different kind of festival, using venues that allow food and drink, including alcohol.

"It's a lighter, fun atmosphere," Shelley said. "We enjoy doing it; we thought audiences would, too."

Some of the screenings are 21 and over, but some are all-ages. This year, all venues will serve food and drink, including The JewelBox, Central Cinema, Northwest Film Forum and The Showbox.

The festival also has comedy and musical acts this year including Glitch Mob, Stonebender and Sirens Sister. Though it's a film festival first and foremost, each night ends with bands, hosted by comedians.

"It ends the night on a high note," Shelley said.

Bringing together music and comedy with film allows the festival to offer a complete entertainment experience for audiences, filmmakers and performers.

STIFF allows for all independent movies to have a place, especially when they're overlooked by the high culture moviegoers at bigger independent film festivals.

Some of this year's films of note include the documentary "Scrap," about two rather eccentric builders; "Who Stole the Electric Car?" a comedy about a man who wants to steal the first electric car to keep his environmentally-minded girlfriend from leaving him; "Dawning," a horror movie about a brother and sister who visit their father and stepmother at a remote cabin when tragedy strikes; and "Waxie Moon," a documentary about a male burlesque dancer in Seattle.

"Waxie Moon" director Wes Hurley said he created his film because he was interested in the local burlesque scene.

For him, STIFF was a good place to submit his film.

"It is really supportive of local independent filmmakers," Hurley said. "In Seattle, that's the place to submit."

Alena may be reached at schoonma@seattleu.edu