It’s probably going to rain on the opening night of the Seattle International Film Festival Thursday in Renton, but the stars – and director – are going to be out.

The week-long run of the famed festival begins Thursday night with the screening of “Touchy Feely,” directed by Lynn Shelton of Seattle, at the IKEA Performing Arts Center at Renton High School.

The screening is followed by the big opening-night gala at the Renton Pavilion Event Center across South Second Street from the IPAC, where all 19 films will screen.

Even before “Touchy Feely” begins, the evening is going to feel very much like an opening night. There’ll be a chance to get photos taken in front of a large SIFF backdrop.

The evening inside the IPAC begins at 7 p.m. with festival introductions, then the film begins. Afterward, Shelton, film producers and members of the cast will answer questions from the audience about the film.

Expected to attend are cast members Tomo Nakayama, Alycia Delmore, Kate Bayley, Hans Altwies, and Amy Thone; producers Mel Eslyn, Lacey Leavitt, Steven Schartt, and David Morgan, and director of photography, Ben Kasulke.

Then there’s the short walk to the event center.

Tickets for the opening-night screening and gala are $25, available online at siff.net or at the IPAC box office starting at noon Thursday. Renton High is at 400 S. Second St. in downtown Renton.

The gala will feature drinks (beer and wine), food from Renton restaurants and the music of local band, Nina and the Big Boys.