Our town

The Boston International Film Festival is nine days of encouragement and support for independent filmmakers from all over the world. Screenings of features, documentaries, shorts, and student films start tonight with "What Would It Look Like?" and "What Doesn't Kill You." The former asks lots of questions in 25 minutes: What if the world embodied our highest potential? What would it look like? The latter introduces us to two young punks on the streets of South Boston and stars Ethan Hawke, Brian Goodman, and Mark Ruffalo, along with Donnie Wahlberg. 6-8:30 p.m. (festival runs through April 26), 9:30 p.m.-midnight. Gala party at a surprise location, which will be announced at the screenings. $15 screening, $35 party, $45 both. AMC/Loews, 175 Tremont St., Boston. 617-482-3900. www.bifilmfestival.com