The Seattle International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, May 21st, screening 392 films from 62 different countries. To sort through it all, B-Side implemented an unofficial Festival Genius site just for SIFF!

B-Side offers a few of its picks to check out during the festival.

Mamma Moo and Crow – This animated family film from Swedish director Igor Veichtaguin tells the story of Mamma Moo, an unusual cow who enjoys cycling, fishing, and other activities unusual for a bovine such as herself. When she meets the reclusive Crow at his disastrous birthday party, Mamma Moo must teach Crow the value of friendship. Over time, Crow learns to cast off his solitary lifestyle and embrace personal relationships.

Sweet Crude – Ten percent of the United States’ oil supply comes from Nigeria. Sandy Coiffi’s documentary shows the widespread corruption, environmental devastation, local health issues, and violent militant reactions that come with the hundreds of billions of dollars generated from oil in the Niger Delta. Despite these huge profits, 80 percent of the revenues only go to 1 percent of the population. Coiffi sheds light on these injustices, hoping to garner the attention of the international community.

In the Loop – Based on his hit BBC series “The Thick of It,” Armando Iannucci directs this feature comedy about vulgar British cabinet minister Simon Foster (Tom Hollander) and his bumbling journey through the worlds of American and British politics. When Foster’s verbal gaffe causes the public to misinterpret the UK’s intentions in a Middle Eastern conflict, he is exiled to Washington D.C. where he must interact with the US’s flashy politicians and the hawkish Lieutenant General George Miller (James Gandolfini).

Check out these films and more at B-Side’s unofficial Festival Genius site for SIFF: http://seattle.bside.com/2009.