I quote the introduction to the print edition of our ever-popular SIFF Notes:

SIFF Notes provide you with the combined efforts of cinephiles, film scribes, and lowly interns who’ve studied, taught, and analyzed what film festivals mean to cinema as a whole and to you in particular.

SIFF Notes are intended to help make your cinematic gamble as painless as possible. To that end, SIFF Notes give you the basics—information about the ï¬�lms (country of origin, theater, showtimes), plus special events and a full programming grid. Most importantly, SIFF Notes feature nearly 200 original capsule reviews—more than any other guide in town. Be warned! The official SIFF program will mislead you. It is a promotional tool. SIFF Notes, by way of contrast, are on your side. Our reviews are here to help you avoid despicable garbage and lead you to films you will love.

One ï¬�nal note: The Stranger’s third-annual 28 Seconds ï¬�lm contest, in which local ï¬�lmmakers were given the challenge of creating an entertaining movie lasting a svelte 28 seconds, drew a huge number of entries. Michael Sanchez’s winning entry can be viewed before the following Stranger-sponsored SIFF ï¬�lms: Strangers with Candy (Neptune, Sat June 17 at 7 pm), This Film Is Not Yet Rated (Egyptian, Sat May 27 at 9:30 pm), and The District! (Neptune, Sat May 27 at midnight and Wed June 7 at 4:30 pm). You can also view the winning film (and the runners-up) at www.thestranger.com/siff.

Updates and brand-new reviews will be posted in our online guide and here on Slog. See you at the movies!