Renton celebrated an evening of glitz and cinema as the Seattle International Film Festival returned to the city for a fifth time Thursday night, with the opening night screening and gala.

The event was the kickoff for the 19 films, from 14 countries that will screen at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center starting Friday through May 27. Guests lined up outside of IPAC Thursday, waiting to take their turn on the red carpet.

Opening night featured a screening of “The Second Mother.” It’s the story of Val, a Brazilian maid to a rich Sao Paulo family, who sees the power shift when her daughter, Jessica, comes to stay with her. Jessica pushes her mother’s limits and tests class boundaries in this funny and touching film.

Actress Camila Mardila attended the event and called her character Jessica her “hero.””I relate to this journey and I relate to this strength of Jessica because she’s like the one,” Mardila said.

Although the actress grew up with the perfect family, she said, attending the best schools, she can relate to being the first generation in the family to do so.

At the Sundance Film Festival, the film won the Special Jury Prize for acting for Regina Casé (Val) and Mardila. It also won several awards at the Berlin International Film Festival, both went to Director Anna Muylaert.

“I thought it was wonderful that they opened with a film like that where they’re talking about issues between classes and how you can get the wrong thing and everybody has worth,” said Steve Smith, a Seattle resident.

He’s come to SIFF-Renton for the last four years and loves the food and the ease of parking at the venue.

“If you’re showing a film that I want to see, I come here rather than go to the ones on the hill, even though I live on Beacon Hill,” he said.

Guests enjoyed music and food from local restaurants and celebrated into the night.

“Yesterday’s opening night and gala for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) in Renton was a resounding success,” said Mayor Denis Law on Friday. “We had a full house at the theater followed by a fun-filled party with celebrities and fans from around the region in Renton. Thanks to our great partnership with SIFF, year after year Renton proves to be a prime destination in our region for film, arts and culture.”

For more information on SIFF-Renton films, go to www.SIFF.net.