The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) Cinema Downtown, formerly known as the Cinerama, opened its doors on Dec. 14 with a screening of the new feature film “Wonka,” becoming the fourth SIFF venue in Seattle.
The reopening emphasizes SIFF’s commitment to the rich tapestry of world cinema, fans say, and it is just the latest act that showcases the organization’s history of film advocacy and education.
The annual festival itself offers a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures, perspectives and stories. Whether attendees are seasoned movie buffs or enjoy movies that make them laugh, there is always something for everyone. This year, the festival presented the best of world cinematography. It left participants with tears on their faces and contemplation of the wonders of life. This year’s lineup included the films; “The Love Equation” a moving study of love in the digital age, and “The Art of Deception,” a smart thriller which kept viewers guessing till the end. Another film, “Crimson Skies,” left the crowd on the edge of their seats with impressive aerial performances.
One film student, from the University of Washington and self-proclaimed popcorn connoisseur, Bentah Adesina, expressed her excitement of the event.
“Where else can you watch a Swedish zombie movie and documentary on cheese?” Adesina said. “SIFF is like another Christmas!”
Adesina, also noted that “SIFF 2023 was well executed for returning fans who had missed the interpersonal aspect of the event that had been temporarily impeded by the pandemic.”
In a world of streaming platforms and on-demand content, SIFF is a testament to the cultural importance of film. The movies, the atmosphere, the weird and wonderful bathroom conversations are all part of the experience.
The audience members wearing SIFF badges become the biggest film critics, since it is believed that events, including this one, often set the trends for the types of movies and TV shows produced throughout the year.
Apart from films, SIFF is a cultural celebration. The festival’s immersive experiences take you beyond the screen to a world of culinary delights, art, and music. SIFF has the ability to combine high-quality cinema with a sense of humor. From quirky comedies to satirical documentaries, laughter is the theme of the entire festival.
Beyond the yearly festival, SIFF offers a holistic approach to engage the community and support lifelong learning, cultural literacy, and creative expression. Their educational and engagement programs aim to support independent filmmakers and cultivate a strong sense of community. SIFF also hosts year-round programs, including weeklong film festivals, youth camps, evening film talks, and more, bringing film enthusiasts together to inspire action, stimulate meaningful conversations, and pose questions.
Recently, SIFF held a special screening of “Twilight,” on Nov. 17, in honor of its 15th-anniversary. The event featured a Q&A session with director Catherine Hardwicke, a showcase of the world’s most extensive collection of Twilight props and costumes, a collection of vampire-themed zines and posters; including an exclusive Twilight poster created especially for this event. In this and other similar events, SIFF collaborates with partners to host special screenings and mini-festivals, many of which are open to the public at no charge. This makes film accessible to a broader audience and strengthens their connection with the community.
The Cinerama originally opened in 1963, just a year after Seattle hosted the World’s Fair. The theater was originally intended to showcase three-strip Cinerama technology, an immersive screen format that involved three simultaneous projectors. But the format soon fell from fashion, and the theater pivoted to showing 70mm and 35mm films.
As suburban multiplexes became more popular, Cinerama’s ticket sales declined. By the late 1990s the theater had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being demolished.
In 1998, Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Paul Allen bought the theater that he loved to attend as a child. After a multi-million-dollar renovation, the Cinerama reopened in 1999. The theater became a destination for blockbuster first-run movies, cult classics, and several film festivals, including Science Fiction, Classic Films, Horror, and 70mm festivals.
Allen poured more money into the theater over the years, before he died in October 2018. After being closed for renovations since February 2020, the SIFF Theater, formerly known as the Cinerama, opened to the public earlier this month. This new venue promises to add an extra layer of excitement to the festival experience. SIFF is actively accepting film submissions for its 50th film festival, with the regular deadline set for December 21, 2023, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to showcasing independent films and fostering filmmaking talent.
SIFF is currently gearing up for its next annual event, scheduled to run from May 9 to May 19, 2024, with an additional week of select films available for streaming on the SIFF Channel from May 20 to May 27, 2024. Passes for the festival are currently on sale.
The love affair between Seattle and SIFF goes beyond popcorn and glamor. It is a city where creativity and innovation are in the air, where the unusual is celebrated and diversity is valued. In many ways, SIFF is a reflection of the city and its character – it’s a hub of forward-thinking, free-spirited people who believe in storytelling. Fun, meaningful and culturally rich, SIFF has proven itself to be a must-see event for film lovers and culture enthusiasts.
