SIFF preview for the public, this Thursday

May 10 is the day of SIFF's press launch...and also the day of the public launch, apparently! This year held at Lincoln Square Cinemas in Bellevue; I've heard very good things about this venue, though I didn't make it over there myself. So, if you want to do more than just read about this year's schedule when it's announced on Thursday, here's the event for you. From the press release:

The 33rd Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is pleased to announce a free preview event on Thursday, May 10, 7:00 PM at Lincoln Square Cinemas, 700 Bellevue Way NE in Bellevue. Members of the public are invited to join the Festival's programming and artistic staff for this exciting launch of festival information, including the 2007 schedule, select SIFF trailers, and important information about ticketing, passes, venues, events, programs, and merchandise.

2007 brings some exciting new offerings at SIFF, including a tribute to Sir Anthony Hopkins and the inauguration of Planet Cinema, a series of films on the environment. Attendees at the free public preview will hear about these and all of the other great programming, galas, events, forums, and screenings of this year's Festival. Attendees will also have the opportunity to watch a selection of preview trailers from the over-400 films from more-than-60 countries that are slated to screen during the course of the Festival. Speakers at the event will include Artistic Director Carl Spence, Managing Director Deborah Person and Director of Membership Tara Morgan.

"This year's festival is full of all of the great programs, films, and events that Seattle has come to expect from SIFF," says Tara Morgan. "Whether a SIFF veteran or a first-timer, whether curious about this year's films or interested in how to get tickets, the public preview is a great opportunity for anyone and everyone to learn about the festival and get a sneak peak into what we're offering."

The event will celebrate SIFF's return to Bellevue. Last year was the first time that Festival events and screenings had extended to the Eastside, with 11 days of programming at Lincoln Square Cinemas, on the top floor of Lincoln Square. This year SIFF is maintaining the goal of making the festival available to everyone by expanding that period to 18 days, May 31 - Jun 17. (SIFF opens in Seattle on May 24.)