As my home court film festival, the Seattle International Film Festival will always hold a special place in my heart. After five years, I still come back to this festival not only for nostalgia purposes, but also to continue seeing films outside the mainstream. With 155 feature films and 107 short films at this year’s 48th incarnation, there is no shortage of films to watch. The perennial problem is which ones. Below I have compiled a handful of my recommendations for films at this year’s festival. Some I have seen at other festivals, others are total wildcards. Either way, there’s always something in the lineup for everyone. If you’re willing to “seek new cinema,” as this year’s theme suggests, you’re bound to find something.