The 31st Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) runs November 3-13, 2022, showcasing 256 films, including more than 100 documentary and narrative features and 21 short film programs. A small selection of films will also be available online.
CSL’s new executive director, Bree Maniscalco, shared: “We are excited to welcome back members of our community, in whatever way they choose to experience SLIFF. We still wish for our patrons to feel safe at the fest this year so we will continue to monitor new covid variants but we also believe film is most impactful when we experience it together. All of us have a memory in a movie theater, whether it be our first time in front of the big screen, sharing popcorn with a date, or laughing with a packed house. And SLIFF offers local film lovers a chance to travel around the world, experiencing untold stories that inspire and transform.”
Star-filled highlights include the opening night film, “Empire of Light,” starring Olivia Colman and Colin Firth, and the closing night film, “Women Talking,” starring Claire Foy, Rooney Mara, and Frances McDormand.
The SLIFF Centerpiece Spotlight is the powerful journalism film, “She Said” starring Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan. St. Louis’ favorite son Jon Hamm stars in “Corner Office” while writer/director Elegance Bratton’s “The Inspection” features Jeremy Pope, Gabrielle Union, and Bokeem Woodbine.
SLIFF guests will explore documentary topics across a variety of thought-provoking films including the story of Lavar Burton and Reading Rainbow in “Butterfly in the Sky,” gastronomic revolutionary chef, Charlie Trotter in “Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter,” the journey of the veteran interplanetary Mars Exploration Rover, Opportunity in “Good Night Oppy,” and “All That Breathes,” winner of the World Documentary Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
SLIFF will present three free master classes and honor former executive director, Cliff Froehlich for his 19 years of leadership and countless contributions to the local and national film world. In addition to the tribute, a screening of one of Cliff’s favorite films will take place – “His Girl Friday.”
Films will screen at the Contemporary Art Museum, Foundry Art Centre, Galleria 6 Cinemas, Plaza Frontenac, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, St. Louis Public Library Central Branch, Washington University St. Louis, and Webster University.