Meet our talented team of programmers—the people who work and watch movies all year long to curate the best films possible for the Seattle International Film Festival, celebrating its 51st year from May 15 to 25, 2025. Full program info: siff.net/festival.
Megan Garbayo-López (they/she)
Education Manager
Films4Families, Futurewave, Documentaries
What are your 10 favorite films ever?
I change my mind 100x a day but these are 10 films I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.
1) Better Man - Contrary to self-limiting beliefs perpetuated by big social media, you don’t have to know who Robbie Williams is to enjoy this masterpiece. I famously hate biopics AND musicals and this was my favorite film of 2025.
2) Beau is Afraid - This film is deliciously uncomfortable. #relatable
3) Dinner in America - This one is for the neurodivergent overly-medicated girlies who like it gross and punk.
4) The Science of Sleep - I love Michel Gondry and this film is my ultimate rainy day comfort watch.
5) Villains - Walked into this film blind at a festival and walked out even more obsessed with Bill Skarsgård than before.
6) The Great Yokai War - Takeshi Miike made a kids movie and its as bonkers and awesome as you’d expect.
7) Boogie Nights - The first Paul Thomas Anderson movie I watched as a youth and one I return to again and again. One of the best ensemble casts ever, even if my arch nemesis Marky Mark is in it.
8) Bend It Like Beckham - I am literally always thinking about Bend It Like Beckham.
9) Dog Day Afternoon - My first Sidney Lumet t. Pacino is flawless and the script is perfect. No notes, Mr. Lumet.
10) Fantasia - This film is like free xanax.
What’s one of your favorite Festival memories or anecdotes?
Last year at the SIFFTY Opening Night, my father and I were approached by a fashionable party guest who introduced herself as Shiori. We took a picture together and she asked us to come her film, Black Box Diaries. My dad attended her screening and sat by her side and was so moved by the bravest woman alive. I cherish this memory for us both!
What is your guilty pleasure film?
Revenge of the Ninja (1983)
What's one thing we should know about you that is NOT film related?
I collect vintage toys.
What do you consider your hometown?
Toontown in Disneyland.
