GIANTS, narrated by Emmy award-winning actor Tom Skerritt, and with original music from Emmy winning composer Hummie Mann, takes a quirky and intimate look at the very human drama surrounding a single-minded obsession -- the attempt to grow the world's largest pumpkin. With pride and prize money on the line, brash upstarts face off against the old guard in a showdown of epic proportions that cultivates surprisingly bitter rivalries and intrigue.

About Mimi: Mimi Gan is an award-winning film, television and corporate video producer, director, writer and reporter. She currently produces short form videos and provides strategic communications and event consulting to corporations, foundations and non-profits. For her television work, Mimi has earned national and regional awards including 12 Emmys, three American Women in Radio and Television Gracie awards, and a NATPE Iris award. For 16 years, Mimi was a reporter/producer for Evening Magazine at Seattle's NBC affiliate, KING TV.

About Jim: Jim Dever is a reporter and producer for KING TV's, Evening Magazine. His unique way of blending comedy with storytelling has earned him 15 Emmy Awards for writing, hosting, reporting and producing. He received an Iris Award for his work on the internationally syndicated program, Watch This! which he created and hosted for five years with Mimi Gan. According to Jim, he began his career as a news photographer in the middle of nowhere.

Visit this film's website: giantsthemovie.com

"Great Speeches From a Dying World," is a documentary film that takes a close look at the lives of homeless people living in the Seattle area. Filmmaker Linas Phillips spent nearly two years getting to know nine of Seattle's homeless population who shared their deeply personal and sometimes unsettling stories of hardship and addiction. At some point in the film, each subject recites an iconic speech from history – an experience which adds new meaning and depth to the words we've heard so often recited.

About Linas: A graduate of New York University's Experimental Theater Wing, Linas Phillips started out as a live performer of experimental theater and alternative comedy while living in New York City. Linas' day job for over 5 years was babysitting special needs kids, with whom he started making short videos.

"A church, a priest, two kindred spirits, and the kindness of strangers. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when nearly all hope was drowned in the flood, one church in the Upper Ninth Ward of New Orleans did not give up. This is a story about Father Joseph Benson, a Northern Irishman, and Arthine Vicks, an ex-Marine fluent in American Sign Language: two unlikely allies working to reunite one of New Orleans' most unusual, most independent congregations. It's a story about a businessman from Seattle who witnessed the desperation in the faces of the people in New Orleans and brought together more than 160 volunteers to do something about it, including dozens of New Orleans union laborers, many of whom lost their own homes to Hurricane Katrina. But more than anything this is a story about home, and the mysterious, powerful allure of New Orleans. When your roots grow deep, sometimes not even a hurricane can pull them up.

About Ann: Ann Hedreen is a writer, producer and director. She has won many Emmy awards during her career, which has spanned film, television, radio, print and public affairs. Her film, "Quick Brown Fox," won a Nell Shipman award for Best Documentary, has been broadcast internationally and is distributed by Women Make Movies. She has just completed a memoir, Her Beautiful Brain. Ann earned her M.F.A. in creative writing at Goddard College and her B.A. at Wellesley College. A Seattle native, she is a recent alumna of the Hedgebrook center for women writers and a member of Women in Film Seattle. Ann began her career at the City News Bureau of Chicago.

Visit this film's website: whitenoiseproductions.com

"Military Intelligence and You!" is a satirical film that pokes fun at military clichés, while alluding to the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq. Writer and Director, Dale Kutzera sifted through hundreds of hours of authentic footage from World War Two training films, and combined this with actors in scripted scenes to tell this hilarious and cutting tale.

About Dale: Dale Kutzera has worked as a screenwriter for over a decade, first writing and producing the VH-1 series "Strange Frequency," and later on staff at the CBS series "Without a Trace." He also co-wrote the romantic comedy "Dating Mr. Huggles," now in development at 20th Century Fox. A graduate of the University of Washington, Kutzera is a past recipient of the Carl Sautter Screenwriting Award, the Environmental Media Award, and was a fellow in the prestigious Warner Brothers Writers Workshop.

Visit this film's website: militaryintelligenceandyou.com

In 1988, filmmaker Kevin Tomlinson filmed and interviewed a group of back-to-the-land "hippies"—living off-grid, insulated and isolated from mainstream culture. In 2006, he tracked down his subjects again to find out what had become of their families' utopian plans and dreams. The film captures a time-lapse view of these back-to-the-landers told with moving personal stories of non-conforming tribal families—with lots of freedom but little cash, of unflinching political activism in the midst of small-town, rural America, and hippie kids who today ask whether free love was really free.

About Kevin: Kevin has been an independent Seattle-based producer, director and cinematographer for over 25 years. He has earned numerous Emmys and Tellys for his network news camerawork with NBC (Winter Olympics, Dateline, Today show, Nightly News), ABC (20/20), CBS (48 hours, 60 minutes), PBS (McNeil/Lehrer, Bill Nye the Science Guy), as well as Discovery, Nickelodeon, Japanese TV (NHK, TV Ashahi), German TV (ZDF, Pro Sieben), Italian TV (RAI), and more. As a cinematographer, Tomlinson has shot documentaries and travel programs throughout Europe, Turkey, Morocco, Haiti, Peru, Sri Lanka, Siberia and India. Many shows have been broadcast nationally on the PBS series Rick Steves' Europe, which won a golden Cine Eagle award in 2001.

Visit this film's website: backtothegardenfilm.com

"23rd & Union " is a docu-drama that weaves real interviews with fictional characters to investigate the 2008 murder of Degene Berecha in the popular Seattle restaurant "Philadelphia Cheese-Steak". The director was a friend of the victim and shares mutual acquaintances with the convicted murderer. He completed interviews with a wide range of people familiar with each man to help interpret the circumstances that led to the shooting. The film is an adapted story and is used as a vehicle to discuss gentrification and the tension between young African-American men, Ethiopian immigrants and gay couples in Seattle's Central District.

About Rafael Flores: Rafael Flores is a bi-lingual filmmaker and musician of Mexican-Lithuanian ethnicity. He is a first generation American citizen born to immigrant parents and has lived and studied abroad in Mexico, Spain and Canada. He was born in Seattle, but was raised all along the west coast.

Visit this film's website: greeneyedmedia.com

A 2011 UW graduate, Champ Ensminger, won the Audience Award in the Experimental category at this year's NFFTY festival with his short film, "Tonal." The National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) received almost 700 submissions from 15 different countries in 2011, making it the largest film festival of its kind. NFFTY accepts films by youth aged 22 and younger, in genres ranging from animation to music videos to dramas. "Tonal" explores the subject of addiction, but takes an unusual approach to the topic by framing sound as an addictive substance. His second film, "The Painting," tells an emotionally stirring story about childhood friends recalling hidden memories from their past.

About Champ Ensminger: Champ Ensminger is a 2011 graduate of the University of Washington majoring in cinema studies. He has been active on campus, serving as film coordinator for the ASUW A&E, and president of the UW Film Club. Born in Thailand and raised in Spokane, Champ's main passions are film and music. And often the two meld and reinforce each other in his creative work. Through his video-production classes in UW's Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS), Champ has developed his talent to a level not often seen at someone his age. Champ's film, "Tonal," won the Audience Award in the Experimental category at NFFTY 2011 – the last year Champ was eligible to enter the festival.

Women's Roller Derby has made a huge comeback in recent years, especially in the Seattle area. "Blood on the Flat Track - The Rise of the Rat City Rollergirls" follows the athletes of the Rat City Rollergirls league through its first two seasons, giving the viewer an unprecedented look at the world of this unusual – and sometimes injurious – sport. Filmmakers, Lainy Bagwell and Lacey Leavitt spent almost three years working on the film, in order to accurately capture the complex world of these women as they struggle to make it to the championship bout, and preserve relationships with each other.

About Lainy Bagwel: Lainy is a writer, filmmaker and videographer living in Seattle. Lainy has also worked as a PA and videographer for a number of local Seattle productions. In addition, Lainy, with camera in hand, has filmed local concerts and events. While not working on film, Lainy has done production and operations work for the Seattle International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Slamdance Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival.

Joe Mitacek's Seattle-based film "Morning" tells the story of a young couple as their relationship spirals into a pattern of self destruction and despair, following an unthinkable family tragedy. Often uncomfortably honest, the film reveals raw emotions and personal struggles that keep its viewers wondering throughout the film if the relationship can ever be salvaged.

About Joe Mitacek: Joe Mitacek, a Seattle native and University of Washington graduate, wore many hats in the production of "Morning." He produced, wrote, directed, and edited the film, which was filmed with a minimal crew. Mitacek currently lives in Los Angeles and is an editor for "Grey's Anatomy."

Attracting audiences of 155,000 annually, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest and most highly-attended film festival in the United States. With more than 400 films from over 70 countries, the festival offers an extraordinary variety of shorts and feature films sure to captivate and inspire everyone, from the film fanatic to the complete novice.

Now in its 37th year, SIFF's Director of Programming, Beth Barrett, reflects on the festival's evolution from its modest beginning in 1976, to the mind-blowing cultural event it has become today. She also gives us a sneak peek at a few stand-out films not to be missed in 2011.

The 2011 Seattle International Film Festival runs from May 19th to June 12th 2011 at theaters and locations all over the Seattle area.

About Beth Barrett:Beth Barrett has worked for SIFF in the Publications and Programming Departments since 2003. She is responsible for managing all aspects of film programming, the staff of film programmers, and securing films and guests for the Festival. Beth is also instrumental in the programming and management of SIFF Cinema and SIFF's other year-round programs. An aficionado of short films, she secured SIFF's status as an Academy Award® qualifying festival in 2008. Beth has been in Seattle for 18 years and holds an MA in Northern Renaissance Art History.

The Fly Filmmaking Challenge is one of Seattle International Film Festival's most popular events. While the rules of the challenge may change every year, the heart and soul of the challenge remains the same: filmmakers working under a short deadline with limited resources to produce something remarkable. This year the filmmakers must race the clock using only 2,000 feet of Kodak film to shoot on, a week to write a script, three days to shoot, and five days to edit a total of ten minutes of screen time. Films are set to premiere at the 37th Seattle International Film Festival. This year the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is partnering with Washington Filmworks (WF) to help produce these films. The Fly Films are executive produced by SIFF Artistic Director Carl Spence and SIFF Managing Director Deborah Person, and produced by Washington Filmworks' Executive Director Amy Lillard, Paul Nevius and SIFF Educational Program Manager Dustin Kaspar. In this episode of Backstory, we showcase Fly Films from previous years, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this year's films.

About Amy Lillard: Amy Lillard is the Executive Director of Washington Filmworks, the private non-profit organization that manages Washington State's film and production incentive programs. Lillard started her career as an independent film publicist out of New York and Los Angeles designing the release campaigns for groundbreaking films such at "The Blair Witch Project," "American Psycho" and "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." Lillard retired from publicity in 2000 and took a trip around the world – two years and 42 countries later she landed in Seattle.

Since moving to Seattle in 2002, she has worked in various capacities including as the Director of Marketing (SIFF 2003-04), Festival Director of the Reel Cinerama Film Festival (2003 and 2004) and as Producer of the Fly Filmmaking Challenge (2003-11). She was the Executive Director of the Washington Entertainment Industry Players Association and has been with Washington Filmworks since the launch of the program in December 2006.

Lillard currently resides in West Seattle with her four-year-old son Daxson.

About Brad Wilke: Brad Wilke has been involved in the Seattle film community since completing his first short film, "Downsizing," in 2002. Since then, Brad has written and directed a number of well-received short films and recently co-wrote a feature-length script that was produced by film legend Roger Corman in late 2010. Brad is currently a feature programmer for the Seattle International Film Festival and the Executive Director of Flash Volunteer, a nonprofit focused on increasing volunteerism in Seattle through the use of innovative web and mobile technologies. He is also a graduate student at the University of Washington. In this episode of Backstory we feature his short film Palweiser Label, from the 2006 SIFF Fly Filmmaking Challenge.

Yank Tanks is a first look at the phenomenon of classic American cars in Cuba. Like an exotic, endangered species, these colorful cars roam around this island paradise trapped in a 1950s time warp. As beacons of individuality in a sea of government conformity, they represent freedom for those who own them. Owners who will do almost anything to keep them running. Seeing these old cars in recent films and photographs one wonders how they have maintained them after decades with no spare parts and an embargo by the United States. After repeated trips to Cuba, the Schendel brothers succeed in taking a close look into the underground world of Cuban cars, finding along the way a gallery of eccentric characters - the curators of the largest, living, automobile museum in the world.

Awards:
Best Documentary, Audience Award, Cinequest Film Festival
Best Documentary, Jury Award, Los Angeles Latino Film Festival
Best Documentary, Jury Award, Kinoglaz Film Festival, Russia
Best Documentary, Jury Award, Lake Placid Film Forum
Opening Night Film, Documentary Fortnight, MoMA NYC.

About David Schendel: Producer, Director, Cinematographer David C. Schendel was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and grew up in Minnesota. The son of a wildlife painter/photographer, he was introduced to the arts before he could walk. David began his career at age 12 with his first film, "Don't Show Mom This One!" A graduate of the University of Washington School of Drama, David has worked in every genre of film. His award-winning documentary "Yank Tanks" screened on PBS and the Sundance Channel. Currently David is in post-production on his new feature documentary, "The Comedy Club."

Can ordinary citizens change politics as usual?

Seven mayoral candidates follow their hopes and dreams as they race for the Seattle's top job against a powerful incumbent with a rich war chest. Political experience is negligible or non-existent; financial resources are slim. Out of a pack of underdog candidates, will one emerge as the next mayor of Seattle? Can passion and determination be enough to overcome the raw power of money and establishment?

Awards:
Official Selection Heart of England International Film Festival
Accolade Competition Winner
Official Selection International Film Festival Australia Barossa
Official Selection Bare Bones International Film & Music Festival
Winner: Best Student Feature, DIY Film Festival

About Koi Walker and Terrence Dai: Koi Walker produced "Citizen Mayor" with budget of about $3,000 and a grassroots effort illustrating how a passion for politics can replace big bucks. The candid, 80-minute documentary follows seven novice candidates running in 2009 for mayor of Seattle. Most of them were short on campaign dollars, but had a wealth of passion and determination. Koi points to Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, whose army of young volunteers was well organized. She and her film partner, Terrence Dai, a full-time marine engineer, started out making a film "about the courage of (candidates) who didn't have a chance. But then, as you know," she says, "McGinn stole the show."

Citizen Mayor - Official Site

Mara, now hovering between the plus-size and regular-size worlds, leaves her husband at home and drags her equally outcast best friend to their ten-year high school reunion. Mara wants a second chance with her unrequited first love and learns he's come back for her. Perfect 10, a semi-autobiographical tale, is a film about identity, self-respect and the beauty of dysfunctional friendship. Writer-directors Lindy and Kris Boustedt have crafted an absorbing film that combines the nostalgia and fear of class reunions into an off-beat dramatic comedy.

Official selection: Seattle International Film Festival, Okanogan International Film Festival, International Film Festival of Ireland, Tacoma Film Festival

About Lindy and Kris Boustedt: Lindy and Kris Boustedt are a Seattle filmmaking team. Lindy's love for movies started as a young musician studying the work of famous film composers. Her artistic talent and business savvy came together at Eastern Washington University, where she met her muse and husband Kris, a film student. Together Lindy and Kris started First Sight Productions, through which they create promotional and fundraising videos for corporations and non-profits in addition to making films. Perfect 10 is the first feature for both Lindy and Kris.

Perfect 10 – Official Site

In a small corner of the most populous country in Africa, billions of dollars of crude oil flow under the feet of a desperate people. Immense wealth and abject poverty stand in stark contrast. The environment is decimated. The issues are complex, the answers elusive. The documentary film "Sweet Crude" tells the story of Nigeria's Niger Delta. The region is seething and the global stakes are high. But in this moment, there's an opportunity to find solutions.

Awards: Lena Sharpe Award for Persistence of Vision, Seattle International Film Festival 2009 Special Jury Prize, DMZ Docs: Korean International Documentary Film Festival 2009, Best Documentary, Bahamas International Film Festival 2009, Best Feature, Newburyport Documentary Film Festival 2009, Best Documentary, Strasbourg International Film Festival 2009, Audience Choice Feature Film, Tallgrass Film Festival 2009, Best Documentary, Ellensburg Film Festival 2009, Grand Jury Prize Best Documentary Feature Director, Red Rock Film Festival 2009, Programmer's Award Best Documentary, Pan African Film & Arts Festival 2010, Winner Best of Fest, Everett Women's Film Festival 2010, Best Female Images in a Movie, Women Film Critics Circle Awards 2009, 1st Runner-up Best Documentary, Seattle International Film Festival 2009, 1st Runner-up Best Documentary, Galway Film Fleadh 2009, 2nd Prize Best Feature Documentary, Rhode Island International Film Festival 2009, Finalist Jury Award Best Documentary, Ashland Independent Film Festival 2010, Nominee 2009 Progie Film Awards: Best Progressive Documentary, Nominee 2009 Maverick Movie Awards: Best Picture, Best Chronicle, Best Original Score,

Sweet Crude - Official Site

About Sandy Cioffi: Sandy Cioffi is a Seattle-based film and video artist. She has produced and/or directed several films, including the critically acclaimedCrocodile Tears, Terminal 187 and Just Us. Sandy has worked with human rights organizations in global hot zones before, during and after conflict. She first ventured into video production as a volunteer for Witness for Peace during the Contra War in Nicaragua.

The mockumentary "Senior Prom" is a comical take on the sometimes painful and awkward high school experience. And the dance is only the beginning for this group prom-goers, as they navigate the aftermath of the experience.

Awards: Official Selection, Seattle International Film Festival

About Nick Terry and Jessica Weight: Nick Terry wrote, directed and created his feature film as a senior project at Mountlake Terrace High School, which then premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival. Terry cast classmate Jessica Weight as ASB President Brittany, who becomes the focus of an unrequited crush.

Nick Terry - Official Site

Five brothers and sisters are reunited for the first time in sixteen years when they are called home to visit their dying grandmother. The friction between them picks up right where it left off, until two secrets are revealed that will forever change the way that they relate to each other.

Awards: 2005 Copper Wing Award, Best Ensemble, Phoenix International Film Festival Official Selection: Palm Springs IFF, SIFF, Ashland IFF, Phoenix FF, Newport Beach IFF, Ft. Lauderdale IFF

A Relative Thing - Official Site

About Steve Edmiston: Steve Edmiston is an attorney, writer, producer and entrepreneur with 20 years of expertise in business law, complex commercial litigation, licensing, venture financing and intellectual property protection. He has developed several award-winning board games (including Dread Pirate, Master and Commander, Cram, Stretch Run, Raceway 57), and has written three screenplays that have been made into feature films (The Spy and the Sparrow - 2008, A Relative Thing - 2005, and Farewell to Harry - 2003).

"The Ends of the Earth" is a cerebral futuristic sci-fi picture combining elements of documentary and fiction. This meditation on filmmaking and the future of the planet features striking visuals, a world music soundtrack and contemplative pacing.  At the center of the story is Jonah, a time traveler who makes a decision that will decide the fate of human life on Earth. 

Awards: Official Selection: Rainier Independent Film Festival, Maelstrom International Fantastic Film Festival, Tacoma Film Festival, Other Venice Film Festival

The Ends of the Earth - Official Site

About Rustin Thompson: Rustin Thompson is an independent filmmaker with 28 years experience as a director, cameraman, editor, and writer. He and his wife, writer-producer Ann Hedreen, own White Noise Productions, dedicated to making high-quality documentary short films for non-profit organizations. Their feature documentaries, all of which have played on PBS stations throughout the country, are distributed nationally and around the world.

On her 23rd birthday, Kate opens a letter that she wrote as a precocious adolescent to her imaginary grown-up self.  The letter asks, “Are you happy?”  Obviously not.  Kate moves in a dreamlike state, passive and indifferent as Jiffy muffins burn and various men take advantage of her. Throughout, we hear 13-year-old Kate's voice echo in adult Kate's thoughts. Eventually, the young Kate character makes an appearance, leading to a moving confrontation.

Awards: Kodak Vision Award for Best Cinematography - 2006 Slamdance International Film Festival, Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature - 2006 Slamdance International Film Festival

We Go Way Back - Official Site

About Lynn Shelton: Lynn Shelton grew up in Seattle, studying acting, painting, poetry and photography in her formative years. After a decade spent acting for the stage, she attended the MFA program in Photography at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. She then spent a decade learning the ins and outs of cinema as an experimental and documentary filmmaker before writing and directing her first feature-length film, We Go Way Back. Shelton's most recent film, Humpday, premiered at Sundance, was acquired by Magnolia Pictures, and has shown at Cannes, SIFF, South by Southwest and other film festivals.