Sorry to Bother You, the new film from debut director and musician Boots Riley that pulls no punches in its portrayal of racial dynamics in the workplace, has been selected as the Centerpiece film of the 2018 Seattle International Film Festival.  Closing Night sees the return of Seattle favorite Gus Van Sant with his latest film Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot, a bitingly sharp yet tender portrait of Portland-based cartoonist John Callahan, starring Joaquin Phoenix.

“We are constantly looking for dynamic, diverse stories, and we certainly found them with these two unforgettable films,” said SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett. “With these two Galas we’re thrilled to spotlight both an established filmmaker and a bold new voice, each with vision and strong storytelling powers.”

Centerpiece Film & Gala
Saturday, June 2
Sorry to Bother You | Director Boots Riley
Screening at SIFF Cinema Egyptian | Centerpiece Party at DAR Rainier Chapter House

Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, and Armie Hammer star in the exhilarating directorial debut of musician Boots Riley, a biting and bonkers satire that follows a black telemarketer who discovers an unknown skill which gives him magical selling powers that shoot him up the corporate ladder. An Annapurna Pictures release.

Closing Night Film & Gala
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot | Director Gus Van Sant
Screening at SIFF Cinema Egyptian | Closing Party at MOHAI

Joaquin Phoenix gives a transformative performance in Gus Van Sant’s sensitive and caustically funny portrait of Portland cartoonist John Callahan who, after a car accident leaves him confined to a wheelchair, uses his sardonic humor and brutal honesty to battle with a lifetime of addiction. The outstanding supporting cast includes Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, Jack Black, and musician Beth Ditto in her impressive film debut. An Amazon Studios release.