Zoe Kazan and Kumail Nanjiani are realizing that falling in love was the easy part of their relationship, as they’re now struggling to maintain their bond as their cultures clash, in their new romantic comedy, ‘The Big Sick.’ Their relatable attempts to preserve their characters’ connection will be highlighted when the movie participates in the Opening Night Gala of the 2017 Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF).

The gala, which also marks the Seattle premiere of the Amazon Studios comedy, will be held on Thursday, May 18. SIFF’s Opening Night Red Carpet and screening will take place at the 2,900 seat Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at Seattle Center, and there will also be a celebratory party to follow at Fisher Pavilion. The Opening Night Gala screening of ‘The Big Sick’ will kick off the 43rd edition of SIFF, which will run through June 11 at venues in Seattle and surrounding cities.

‘The Big Sick’s screening during SIFF’s Opening Night Gala comes after it had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20. The movie is scheduled to be released in limited theaters on June 23, before it receives a wider distribution on July 14, by Amazon Studios and Lionsgate.

Of ‘The Big Sick’ being chosen as the Opening Night Gala, SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett said, “We are beyond thrilled to open the doors of the 43rd Seattle International Film Festival with a film that pairs cross-cultural tension with a rawly honest love story. Amazon Studios has surfaced as one of the leading film distributors and content creators to push for strong theatrical releases, and we are honored to continue as partners with them for a second year bringing relevant and endearing films to Seattle audiences.”

Tickets for the Opening Night Gala are now available on SIFF’s official website, by phone at 206-324-9996 and in person at SIFF Cinema locations (Film Center, Uptown and Egyptian). Opening Night access ranges from the festive, see-it-all Film + Party Ticket to the exclusive VIP Red Carpet Experience.

In addition to starring in ‘The Big Sick,’ Nanjiani also co-wrote the script with his real-life wife, Emily V. Gordon. The romantic comedy was based on the beginnings of the couple’s relationship. The movie was directed by ‘Hello, My Name Is Doris’ helmer, Michael Showalter, and produced by Judd Apatow. In addition to Nanjiani and Kazan, the film also stars Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Aidy Bryant, Bo Burnham and Kurt Braunohler.

‘The Big Sick’ follows Pakistan-born comedian Kumail and grad student Emily (Kazan) as they fall in love, but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail must navigate the crisis with her parents and the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart.