SpIFF 2010: Twelve years of great cinema

And finally we’re here: The week in which the 12th Annual Spokane International Film Festival begins. If any of the films that I helped choose for the 11-day event are an indication, then this just might be the best festival ever.

It all begins on Thursday with the opening film, a fascinating documentary titled “Soundtrack for a Revolution.” Codirected by Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman, the film tells the story of the civil rights movement through its music. Let’s get it on.

For the entire schedule, click here . Some of my personal favorites include:

“Gigante” (5:30 p.m. Saturday, AMC River Park Square): This film from Uruguay follows a shy security guard who looks for love … in some of the wrong places.

“Still Walking” (noon Sunday, AMC): When a Japanese family gathers for a reunion, it becomes a chance to confront, and maybe resolve, pain from the past.

“Cinco dias sin Nora” (3 p.m. Sunday, AMC): When a Mexican woman dies, her family is forced to cope with the demands that her last will and testament forces on them.

“The Other Bank” (7 p.m. February 3, Magic Lantern): A Georgian boy goes on a dangerous road trip to find his father, left behind in the breakaway republic of Abkhazia.

“Troubled Water” (noon Feb. 6, AMC): In this Danish effort, an accused murderer attempts to atone for past crimes, though the path to redemption is hardly easy.

There are many other good choices. As someone who has been going to this festival since its beginning, I’m confident saying that it’s the best one yet.

And, no, I don’t get paid anything to say that. Though if you wanted to send me a check … well, I could always use some spare cash.

Got something you want me to publicize?

Below : The trailer for the Uruguayan film “Gigante.”