About Syracuse International Film Festival Syracuse

The ninth annual Syracuse International Film Festival lights a fire under the socially aware with a four-day series of movie screenings that focus on the overarching themes of peace and social justice. The festival’s lineup of films from around the globe tackles hot-button subjects including South African apartheid (One Day After Peace) and GLBT rights (Unfit: Ward vs. Ward), acknowledging societal issues and telling the stories of those working toward reconciliation. The Syracuse International Film Festival also honors slain Syracuse University film student Bassel Shahade, who lost his life in June while documenting injustices in his native Syria.

In addition to spotlighting thought-provoking films, the cinematic extravaganza welcomes renowned performers to its screenings, such as two-time Golden Globe winner Karen Black. The prolific actress, known for starring in such films as Easy Rider and Five Easy Pieces, will join the festival’s opening program via Skype to answer questions about her career and whether she thinks squirrels are brown or gray. On Saturday, October 13, actor Ron Perlman, star of The City of Lost Children and TV’s Sons of Anarchy, also Skypes with fans before a screening of the blockbuster hit Hellboy. Other scheduled events include a pianist performance, a film maker's party, and a showing of Toy Story for cinema's young and young-hearted fans.