Eastern Washington University is once again a proud presenting sponsor of the Spokane International Film Festival (SpIFF), which returns for its 22nd year on Friday, Feb. 28. SpIFF 2020 will screen 29 programs over its one-week run, ranging from an animation showcase to international feature films and independent documentaries.
SpIFF 2020 will open with its annual Best of the Northwest at 7 p.m. Friday at the Garland Theatre, featuring a variety of short and mid-length films created in the Pacific Northwest. One of the films, A Rose for Julia, is the work of EWU alumnus and current university marketing and communications employee Chris Thompson ’19. He worked as cinematographer, director of photography and editor on the film. It also features three former and current EWU students, Chris Jordan ’18 (film), Jacqueline Swanson (visual communication design) and Frances Grace Mortel (film).
Also on opening night, at 9 p.m., the documentary Quiet Explosions: Healing the Brain, about veterans, athletes and others who struggle with traumatic brain injury will screen. Spokane native and former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien is scheduled to attend.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the EWU Pride Center, join us for a shorts program of LGBTQIA+ stories as well as the documentary Changing the Game, about transgender high school athletes who challenge boundaries and perceptions. EWU is also sponsoring The Woman Who Loves Giraffes, a profile of Dr. Anne Innis Dagg, who started studying giraffes in the wild in South Africa in 1956.
SpIFF 2020 will conclude Friday, Mar. 6, with the Northwest premiere of Super Frenchie, a documentary by Chase Ogden, assistant professor of film at EWU. Super Frenchie is an intimate look at Matthias Giraud, a professional skier and BASE jumper who stops at nothing to pursue his passion for adventure. The film follows Matthias as he tackles dangerous stunts while simultaneously falling in love and starting a family. Super Frenchie has already had great success abroad and on the film festival circuit.
Eastern Washington University proudly supports opportunities for educational advancement within the community. As a presenting sponsor, EWU continues to serve as a center of support for arts and culture in the Inland Northwest.
Check out the Festival Schedule for more details on show times.
