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At McCaw Hall, tonight brings the opening of the 39th Seattle International Film Festival, which is curated by a board of professionals and commences with Joss Whedon’s brand-new Much Ado About Nothing.

And at Central Cinema, tonight brings the opening of the first-ever Black and Beautiful Film Festival, which is curated by Franklin High School senior Mia Roberson and commences with 1971’s Shaft.

For full info on the Seattle International Film Festival, see The Stranger’s SIFF Guide. For an interview with Black and Beautiful curator Mia Roberson, see this week’s Festive.

David Schmader—former weed columnist and Stranger associate editor—is the author of the solo plays Straight and Letter to Axl, which he’s performed in Seattle and across the US. His latest...