From now until November 20^th, you'll be missing out if you're not in front of the silver screen at this year's  Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF). One of the largest film festivals in the Midwest, SLIFF spotlights international cinematic talent against the backdrop of classic St. Louis venues: The Tivoli, Plaza Frontenac, Webster University and Washington University.

SLIFF, which began on November 10^th, showcases an impressive variety of genres, from the story of a 100 year-old tennis champion and a team of basketball grandmothers "(Age of Champions"), to a German silent film ("The Wildcat"/ "Die Bergkatze"), to a series of short films, with themes like "Youth in Revolt," "Absurd," "Outsiders and Eccentrics." With over 400 films, the festival offers something for everyone: lighthearted films for a family night, WWII period pieces and high-art dramas to satisfy the tastes of the most urbane film critics.

On Monday evening a friend and I saw "Jane's Journey," the story of world-renowned scientist Jane Goodall- and also one of the best documentaries I've seen in years. Beginning her life's work as a 23 year-old researcher in Tanzania, Goodall continues to make contributions to the study of social behaviors of wild chimpanzees and champion social programs around the world. Just as much as the film documents Goodall as a scientist and social activist, it also captures the romance, loss and introspection of her personal life. Interviews with Goodall's son, personal assistant, family members, and colleagues add color and dimension to a name we've read in the news for years. Goodall is comfortingly kind, unshakably hopeful, and lovelier than ever at 75. 

Participate in the wonder of SLIFF by checking out cinemastlouis.org for the film schedule, ticket prices and other special events!