That the Seattle International Film Festival is coming to Renton is testament to what makes the city so unique – its diversity.

But it’s also testament to the hard work of the city’s economic development crew which has worked for months to bring one of the nation’s premiere film festivals to Renton.

To put it succinctly, the world is coming to Renton in May through the eyes and souls of some of the most creative filmmakers holding a camera. Most of these movies probably won’t show at the multi-plex, where commercialism can strip a movie of its humanity.

That’s a good thing.

We won’t know until late in April which 20 or so movies will show at the IKEA Performing Arts Center. But whatever they are, they promise to help us understand our neighbors or strangers walking down the street who raise our curiosity. After all, we are prone to make snap judgments based on appearance. A well-crafted film can add depth to our understanding of those different from us.

But first there’s a lot of work to get done. A host committee, which includes the Renton Reporter, has formed to help make SIFF’s seven-day run in Renton a success. Volunteers are needed for the festival and a gala on May 20 promises to be, well, a lot of fun.

And this just isn’t geared toward Renton residents. Talk up this great opportunity with friends and family everywhere. The choice of Renton validates South King County as a place where people will sample the cultural opportunities once thought only available in Seattle.

Brad Brotherton, the host committee co-chair, has already stepped in with a generous donation that will pay for a wide screen necessary to properly show the SIFF films. Suzanne Dale Estey, the city’s director of economic development, calls it a “legacy gift,” as the screen will remain. It also means that SIFF will come back for years to come.

SIFF-Renton will have other tangible benefits, too. It will draw thousands to downtown Renton and provide an economic boost to restaurants, diners and other places people gather before or after a movie. Take note, too, that Renton has its own longtime cultural offerings and many in the city are committed to developing even more.

So, yes, SIFF is quite a catch for Renton.