SIFF Blog

Kyle MacLachlan presented the SFCS John Hartl PNW Spotlight Award at SIFF

Kyle MacLachlan presented the SFCS John Hartl PNW Spotlight Award at SIFF

November 1, 2024

The Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) presented Kyle MacLachlan the 2024 John Hartl Pacific Northwest Spotlight Award, followed by a screening of The Hidden (1987) and a post-film discussion.

Events, Festival

How to vote for the DocFest Audience Award

September 4, 2024

DocFest returns to SIFF Cinema Uptown October 3-10 and this year, you’re the judge. New in 2024 is the SIFF DocFest Audience Award - read on for your guide on how to get your tickets and cast your vote.

Festival, Industry, News

SIFF 2024 Award Winners

May 19, 2024

A full list of the award-winning films from the 50th Seattle International Film Festival.

Festival

Icing on the Cake: Interview with SIFFTY Cake Maker Amanda Katherine Pitsch

May 16, 2024

Who was the baker of the giant delight that was the SIFFTY cake on Opening Night? Meet Amanda Katherine Pitsch, the multidisciplinary artist and production designer who made a lot of SIFF-goers’ nights on May 9.

Festival, Video

Behind the Scenes: The Making of the 50th Seattle International Film Festival Trailer

May 15, 2024

Ever wonder how our festival promo trailer gets made? Read on, as we take a closer look at the production of the SIFFTY trailer—a captivating piece that captures the essence of 50 years of must-see films.

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Archives, Festival

Oral History Interviews with the FOOLs 1997-99

May 13, 2024

For the 25th anniversary of the Seattle International Film Festival in 1999, Fool Serious member Doug Ing recorded several oral histories with other FOOLs on Hi-8 video. He recently took the tapes to Victory Studios to have them digitized, and we’ve now made them available on our YouTube.

Festival

Celebrating World Premieres with SIFFTY

May 10, 2024

Each year, the Seattle International Film Festival is proud to host films from across the globe as they celebrate their U.S., North American, and world premieres. So here’s an extra-special SIFFTY toast to each of the films making their world premieres at our 50th anniversary Festival!

Festival, News

King County Proclamation of Seattle International Film Festival 50th Anniversary Day

May 9, 2024

May 9, 2024 is officially Seattle International Film Festival 50th Anniversary Day in King County.

Events, Festival

Forty Years of a Fantasy Cult Classic

May 8, 2024

It’s been 40 years since The NeverEnding Story first transported kids and adults alike to its fantasy realm of cutting-edge practical effects, and the Seattle International Film Festival is partnering with Cross-Faded Cinema again this year to bring you a special presentation of the beloved classic.

Festival

Selling Quickly

May 7, 2024

A list updated daily of films and events selling quickly at the 49th annual Seattle International Film Festival (in person May 11-21, 2023, followed by a week of select films streaming May 22–28).

Archives, Festival

Looking Back: The SIFF Archives Are Now Available Online

May 1, 2024

The SIFF Archives are the culmination of nearly two years of compiling, digitizing, and organizing materials from SIFF’s past. You’ll find interactive flipbooks of each Festival’s catalog, photo and video assets, full lists of the feature films that we played each year, and other highlights. Learning about the history of Seattle’s film scene has never been easier, and it’s all publicly available—for researchers and the casually interested alike.

Festival, News

50th Seattle International Film Festival Merch is Here!

April 30, 2024

Our Festival Merch has hit the SIFF Shop! Celebrate in style with a fabulous and festive tee, hat, hoodie, and more. Order online, or get your merch in-person on Opening Night or at our Lounge or Downtown shop locations.

Cinema, Festival

Five Roles that Made SIFF Fall in Love with June Squibb

April 26, 2024

We’re opening this year’s Festival with the comedy–action flick Thelma because watching Squibb do her own stunts at 93 years old in her first leading film role is a complete joy to watch. Love June Squibb as much as we do? Meet the wonderful, utterly hilarious actor behind these amazing cinematic moments at a special Honoree Brunch at Palace Kitchen May 11!

Cinema, Festival

Choose Your SIFFTY 6-Pack Party Theme!

April 25, 2024

Hoping to catch a wide range of movies this year but only have your eye on a couple so far? Bought a 6-Pack but not sure which of SIFFTY’s 144 features to use it on? No matter what kind of partier you are, we’ve got you covered with these suggested 6-Pack party themes.

Events, Festival

SIFFTY Passport

April 24, 2024

Three cheers for SIFFTY years! If you loved exploring the movieverse last year with your handy dandy Captain’s Log, then hold onto your party hat because we’ve brought back the fun this year in the form of the SIFFTY Passport.

Events, Festival

Celebrate SIFF’s Golden Anniversary with 16 Golden Tickets

April 22, 2024

Get ready to party! It’s our golden anniversary, and to kick things off right, SIFF is working with 16 local businesses and organizations to hide a limited number of Golden Tickets all around Seattle.

Festival

Special Guests for SIFF 2024

April 17, 2024

A list of guests scheduled to attend the 50th Seattle International Film Festival.

Festival, Video

50th Seattle International Film Festival Trailer

April 17, 2024

The official trailer for the 50th Seattle International Film Festival, in theaters May 9–19 and streaming on the SIFF Channel May 20–27.

Cinema, Festival, News

2024 cINeDIGENOUS Program Highlights

April 12, 2024

A sneak preview of some of the films featured in the cINeDIGENOUS program at the 50th Seattle International Film Festival.

Cinema, Festival

SIFFRAFF's Most Surprising Cinema Moments

April 8, 2024

This year’s Seattle International Film Festival ushers in 50 Years of Surprising Cinema for SIFF, a milestone achievement for all the film lovers who have come together over the past half century to delight in films that shock, awe, and inspire. We here at the SIFF office thought it would be fun to kick off the SIFFTY season by sharing some of our most surprising cinema moments with you.

Cinema, Festival

Individuals and Immortality: Tilda Swinton

March 25, 2024

A 1993 interview with Tilda Swinton about her role in the film Orlando. Interview by Andy Spletzer, a former film critic and current programmer for the Seattle International Film Festival.

Events, Festival, Industry

Justine Barda’s Best of Berlinale 2024

March 20, 2024

Berlinale wrapped its 74th annual festival last month, culminating another spectacular 11-day showcase of artistic, forward-thinking, and political films. Justine Barda, one of our Senior Programmers, was there to enjoy some exciting new releases and experience the jubilant atmosphere of this fixture of Berlin culture.

Festival

Festival First Look: Six Films to Celebrate SIFFTY

March 12, 2024

Six films to celebrate SIFFTY. An early lineup preview release.

Festival

SIFF 2024 Social Media Toolkit

February 22, 2024

The 50th Seattle International Film Festival social media toolkit will help you celebrate 50 years of surprising cinema at the Seattle International Film Festival, from May 9 to 19, 2024.

Festival

My Festival Journey

January 15, 2024

Hear from Megan Leonard on her film festival journey—from starting as a programming intern at SIFF in 2010, to having her film premiering at Sundance this month.

Cinema, Events, Festival

Guests Scheduled for DocFest 2023

September 21, 2023

SIFF's third annual DocFest returns October 5-12, 2023 at SIFF Cinema Uptown. Join us for a celebration of all films documentary, with the very filmmakers and experts who brought these films to life.

Events, Festival

SIFF 2023 Award Winners

May 21, 2023

A full list of the award-winning films from the 49th Seattle International Film Festival.

Festival

Selling Quickly

May 21, 2023

A list updated daily of films and events selling quickly at the 49th annual Seattle International Film Festival (in person May 11-21, 2023, followed by a week of select films streaming May 22–28).

Festival

SIFF & Chill Streaming Giveaway

May 20, 2023

Purchase a streaming ticket by midnight on Monday to be entered to win a limited edition swag bag full of goodies to enjoy while streaming!

Festival, Video

49th Seattle International Film Festival Opening Night Montage

May 16, 2023

The opening night montage for the 49th Seattle International Film Festival, returning in person May 11–21, 2023.

Festival

Festival Greetings From Beth and Tom

May 11, 2023

Seattle International Film Festival 2023 greetings from SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett and SIFF Executive Director Tom Mara.

Festival

SIFF 2023 Captain’s Log

May 9, 2023

Captain’s Log, stardate 5202.3. Our destination is the SIFF movieverse, where every SIFFtronaut can win prizes for boldly going where no one has gone before!

Festival

Festival Greetings from Diana E. Knauf, SIFF Board President

May 1, 2023

Seattle International Film Festival 2023 greetings from Diana Knauf, SIFF Board President.

Festival

Explore Seattle to Find SIFF 2023 Golden Tickets

April 28, 2023

Liftoff in 3, 2, 1… To rocketboost your entry into the movieverse, SIFF is working with 12 local businesses to hide a limited number of Golden Tickets all around Seattle!

Festival, Video

49th Seattle International Film Festival Trailer

April 19, 2023

The official trailer for the 49th Seattle International Film Festival, returning in person May 11–21, 2023.

Festival

Festival Tease: Explore the Next 6 Titles

March 31, 2023

Take another peek into the movieverse with more Seattle International Film Festival titles just announced.

Festival, Programmer Picks

Meet the Programmers 2023

March 29, 2023

Meet the 25 programmers who watch films year-round to pluck the best of the best for the Seattle International Film Festival.

Festival

SIFF 2023 Social Media Toolkit

March 20, 2023

The 49th Seattle International Film Festival social media toolkit will help you #ExploretheMovieverse and celebrate all the films and festival fun with your community.

Festival, News

Festival Tease: Explore the First 6 Titles

March 14, 2023

Take a peek into the movieverse with the first six 49th Seattle International Film Festival titles just announced.

Festival

What's Your (Pass) Type?

February 23, 2023

Wondering what Seattle International Film Festival pass type is right for you? Take our quiz to find your perfect match.

Cinema, Festival, Industry, News

Oscar Nominees 2023 x SIFF

January 25, 2023

Full list of nominees for the 2023 Academy Awards, highlighting those that have played at SIFF.

Cinema, Events, Festival, Industry

In Conversation with Cinema Italian Style Programmer, Angelo Acerbi

November 7, 2022

Programmer Angelo Acerbi answers a few questions from SIFF's Director of Marketing, Elodie Rousseau-Vercel, on the Cinema Italian Style festival.

Festival, News

Remembering Maryna Ajaja

June 27, 2022

Seattle International Film Festival Senior Programmer Maryna Ajaja passed away on June 25, 2022. We will remember and love her always.

Festival, Industry, News

SIFF 2022 Award Winners

April 24, 2022

A full list of the award-winning films from the 48th Seattle International Film Festival (April 14-24, 2022).

Festival, News

Selling Quickly

April 23, 2022

A list updated daily of films and events selling quickly at the 48th annual Seattle International Film Festival (April 14-24, 2022).

Festival

Meet the SIFF Film Finder

April 6, 2022

Looking to get the most out of your Festival experience? SIFF has just the trick to aid you on your quest to seek new cinema.

Festival, Industry

Special Guests for SIFF 2022

April 5, 2022

A list of guests scheduled to attend the 48th Seattle International Film Festival.

Festival

Hide & Seek New Cinema with SIFF’s Hidden Festival Golden Tickets

April 4, 2022

Hide & Seek New Cinema with SIFF’s hidden Festival Golden Tickets.

Festival

Festival Greetings from Diana E. Knauf, SIFF Board President

March 31, 2022

Seattle International Film Festival 2022 greetings from Diana Knauf, SIFF Board President.

Festival, Programmer Picks

Meet the Programmers

March 30, 2022

Meet the 27 humans who programmed the 48th annual Seattle International Film Festival.

Festival, News

Festival Sneak Peek

March 22, 2022

A sneak peek at 10 buzzworthy titles predicted to be this year’s fan favorites at the 48th Seattle International Film Festival. Full lineup announced on March 30.

Festival

Seattle International Film Festival Merch is Here!

March 15, 2022

Seattle International Film Festival 2022 Merch is Here!

Festival

SIFF 2022 Social Media Toolkit

March 11, 2022

Embrace the 48th Seattle International Film Festival by applying these #SeekNewCinema social media toolkit tenets.

Festival, Industry, News

4th World Filmmakers on Nia Tero’s Seedcast

November 8, 2021

The 4th World Media Lab 2021 fellows talk on Nia Tero's Seedcast about the state of Native filmmaking and how Indigenous-focused spaces make room for growth.

Festival, Industry, SIFFcast

Build It and They Will Come: Virtual Film Community

May 10, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Forum with Gemma Gracewood (Letterboxd), Lilly Riber (MUBI), and Lela Meadow-Conner (Film Festival Alliance).

Festival, SIFFcast

Diving Into Nature Roundtable

April 29, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Roundtable discussion with the directors of Son of Monarchs and Super Frenchie.

Festival, SIFFcast

cINeDIGENOUS: Roots and Ancestors Roundtable

April 22, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Roundtable discussion with the directors of Fruits of Labor and Waikiki.

Festival, SIFFcast

Taiwan Films Roundtable

April 22, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Roundtable discussion with the filmmakers from Final Exam, The Teacher, and Get the Hell Out.

Festival

SIFF 2021 Award Winners

April 18, 2021

A full list of the award-winning films from the 47th Seattle International Film Festival (April 8-18, 2021).

Festival, News

Selling Quickly

April 17, 2021

A list updated daily of films and events selling quickly at the 47th annual Seattle International Film Festival (April 8-18, 2021).

Festival, SIFFcast

World Building Through Production Design Roundtable

April 17, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Roundtable discussion with the directors of Wyrm, Potato Dreams of America, Strawberry Mansion, The Dog Who Wouldn't Be Quiet, and The Pink Cloud

Festival, SIFFcast

Ma Belle, My Beauty Q&A

April 17, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Q&A with Ma Belle, My Beauty director Marion Hill.

Festival, SIFFcast

Shifting Lenses Roundtable

April 16, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Roundtable discussion with the directors of I’M FINE (Thanks for Asking) and Topside.

Festival

Meet Marlowe Dobbe: The Illustrator Behind the SIFF 2021 Artwork

April 15, 2021

Meet Marlowe Dobbe, the Portland-based artist who illustrated the 2021 Seattle International Film Festival artwork.

Festival, SIFFcast

Ibero-American Roundtable

April 15, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Roundtable discussion with the directors from the Ibero-American Cinema program.

Festival, SIFFcast

Documentaries as Document Roundtable

April 14, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Roundtable discussion with the directors of Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street and Truman and Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation.

Festival, SIFFcast

What The Femme Roundtable

April 14, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Roundtable discussion with five directors with films in the WTF program.

Festival

At the Hair Salon with Deadly Cuts Director Rachel Carey

April 13, 2021

We asked director Rachel Carey for a list of her fave hair movies in celebration of her blackly comic feature debut Deadly Cuts, set in a working-class Dublin hair salon.

Festival, SIFFcast

Documentary Shorts Roundtable

April 13, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 Roundtable discussion with several documentary short filmmakers.

Festival, SIFFcast

SIFFcast: SIFF 2021 Summertime Q&A

April 12, 2021

Recording of a SIFF 2021 live Q&A with Summertime director Carlos López Estrada plus actors/writers/poets Tyris Winter and Mila Cuda.

Events, Festival

Tracy Rector and the Journey to cINeDIGENOUS

April 10, 2021

Honoring the past and present of Indigenous film education and curation at SIFF.

Festival

Festival Bingo

April 8, 2021

Have some bingo fun with these tips on how to get the best out of your 2021 Seattle International Film Festival.

Festival, SIFFcast

SIFFcast: Brazilian Cinema

April 8, 2021

SIFFcast sits down with filmmakers Iuli Gerbase (The Pink Cloud) and Cássio Pereira Dos Santo (Valentina) to talk about their feature debuts, both screening as part of SIFF's 2021 Ibero-American Cinema program.

Festival, SIFFcast

SIFFcast: Northwest Connections Filmmaker Roundtable

April 7, 2021

SIFFcast sits down with a few of the filmmakers from the 47th Seattle International Film Festival's Northwest Connections program to discuss casting locally, filming in Washington, and finishing their films in the midst of a pandemic.

Cinema, Festival

Shop SIFF

April 6, 2021

Shop SIFF and Seattle International Film Festival merchandise at the siffshop.net.

Festival, Video

The Cinematic Trinity: Filmmaker as Artist + Industry as Conduit + Audience™

April 2, 2021

New Works-in-Progress Forum curator Kathleen McInnis describes the moment that sparked the idea for the program.

Festival, Programmer Picks

Meet the Programmers

March 24, 2021

Meet the 27 humans who programmed the 47th annual Seattle International Film Festival.

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