The Northwest Film Forum’s (NWFF) Local Sightings Film Festival (9/22–9/30), celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, focuses on films by Northwest directors, with Northwest actors or about the Northwest with film conversations, artist talks, juried prizes and more. In October, NWFF partners with Velocity Dance Center for a one-day film fest, Next Dance Cinema (10/4), featuring a number of films exploring dance.

French cinema gets an in-depth look with the French Truly Salon film series (monthly through March), presented by Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). The Stage to Screen series, also offered by SIFF (dates vary), brings popular plays from the U.K.’s National Theatre to the big screen, such as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (9/10). And the Seattle Art Museum is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Film Noir Series (Thursdays, 9/28–12/7), screening classic titles such as The File on Thelma Jordon and Lured.

Founded in 2002, the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (10/6–10/15) focuses this year on Nepal. The ninth annual Seattle Latino Film Festival (10/6–10/14; Facebook, “Seattle Latino Film Festival”) offers a look at Latino culture through various screenings and panels. The Twist Seattle Queer Film Festival (10/12–10/22) draws more than 10,000 attendees each year. In November, the Social Justice Film Festival (11/16–11/21) will explore films with “resistance” as a theme. 

The Port Townsend Film Festival (9/15–9/17) hosts special guest Academy Award–winning director Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom) who will discuss his new film, The Music of Strangers, about Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. Or take in one of the many indie flicks screened at the 12th annual Tacoma Film Festival (10/5–10/12).