For anyone who doesn't already know by means of a winged-heart-riding, four-armed and goggled pilot logo, we are in the time of SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival). About halfway through its run now, SIFF (running until June 17) is an internationally renowned annual event that has been a celebrated part of the Seattle community for 31 years.

The Seattle International Film Festival Group (in its own words) "celebrates the culture and art of the moving image through filmmaking and film going experiences of exceptional merit and diversity that inform, educate and entertain (seattlefilm.org)." The films included in the festival are the latest in European, Asian and third world cinema as well as premiers of American independent and major studio releases.

The hosting theatres this year are SIFF Cinema, the Egyptian, Harvard Exit, Neptune, Pacific Place and Lincoln Square (in Bellevue). I recommend picking up a free "Official program guide" from one of several venues throughout the city. I know for certain that they are available at all Seattle Tully's and all hosting theatres.

I, acting the film buff I hope I'm becoming, have so far seen four of the offered films. (That number would be much higher if my weekdays weren't completely occupied by my high school's musical performances.) One Egyptian film, one from Hong Kong, one from Japan and one cited as being from Hong Kong, China, South Korea and Japan.

I must remind everyone who is planning on seeing a foreign film that tall people block subtitles! I made the mistake of approaching theatre seating for both "Paprika" and "A Battle of Wits" like I would for any other movie - bad move. When you can understand the language of the film, the bottom of the screen is rarely important. A tall person here or there is nothing to whine about. Subtitles are at the BOTTOM of the screen. I spent the entirety of both movies shifting from side to side, reading first what I could see of the left then shifting to read what was on the right. As frustrated as I must have been, I feel sorry for the person behind me, though in retrospect I am likely short enough to not been much of a visual imposition.

My mom, likewise not one of the taller members of our species questioned with irritation why they didn't place the subtitles at the TOP of the screen so that they would be easier to read.

BUY YOUR TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME!! With our pre-purchased tickets in hand, my mom and I confidently strode into the theatre only to be turned right back around and shuffled to the back of a nearly two block long line of ticket holders. Anyone attempting to buy tickets that day didn't stand a chance - at least, not with a normal person's share of luck.

Film binging is promoted as well. If you decide to see two films in a row, make sure that you get a "Back2Back" pass after the first film. This pass allows you to wait for in the pass holders' line, which is let in to the film before the regular ticket holders' line.

It was an interesting crowd we schlepped past on our disgruntled trek to the back of the line. To say that the SIFF crowd consisted of normal moviegoers would be to do SIFF audiences a serious disservice. This is Seattle after all, home to the politically liberal, culturally diverse, highly caffeinated and distinctively eclectic.

Some people were friendly fans who seemed to welcome conversation with others of similar interests. Others were stuck-up art snobs who seemed disgusted at the very idea of sharing a theatre with us 'less educated' people.

The films are completely worth the trouble. For me, SIFF is an amazingly cool opportunity to see a massively wide variety of films and film cultures that wouldn't otherwise be (easily) available to American audiences. If you haven't yet considered giving SIFF a visit, I strongly suggest that you do. Way more information is available on the SIFF website so check it out at www.seattlefilm.org.

Kyra-lin Hom may be reached at kl_hom@yahoo.com