51st Seattle International Film Festival to open with heartwarming Irish comedy Four Mothers from Darren Thornton

SEATTLE – The 51st Seattle International Film Festival will open with Darren Thornton’s comedy Four Mothers. The Festival’s Opening Night Film & Party will take place Thursday, May 15 at The Paramount Theatre followed by a party inside the theater and outdoors on Ninth Avenue.

Four Mothers, which premiered at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival, follows Edward, a queer, up-and-coming novelist forced to balance press commitments with caring for his aging mother. But when his three closest friends, desperate to feel young and carefree again, go off on an impromptu Pride holiday, they leave their aging mothers in Edward’s care. How could the weekend go wrong?

“This is a cheeky, truly heartwarming film and the perfect way to kick off our 51st annual Seattle International Film Festival,” says SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett, “This year we’re proud to have films from over 70 countries throughout the festival’s 10 days, and as always a big focus on independent voices and filmmakers. We’re excited to have an Opening Night film that spotlights all the key elements of this year’s festivities.”

Tickets for Opening Night Film & Party are available now online at siff.net/passes and in person at SIFF Cinema box offices and are $78 for SIFF members and $88 for the general public. Opening Night access ranges from the see-it-all Film & Party Package to the exclusive VIP Experience featuring a pre-film reception, swag bag, reserved seating at the film screening, and a dedicated bar and lounge at the famous after-party. Also available this year is a new Opening Weekend FIlm & Party Pack, including two tickets to the Opening Night FIlm & Party as well as a ticket 6-pack.

Opening Night Film & Party
The Paramount Theatre
May 15, 2025
5:00pm - VIP Experience pre-reception on the Paramount Stage
6:00pm - The Paramount doors open for Film & Party ticket holders
7:00pm - SIFF Welcome & Opening Night film Four Mothers begins
Following the film: After party in The Paramount Theatre and outdoors on Ninth Avenue.

The 51st Seattle International Film Festival returns in person May 15–25, 2025, followed by a week of select films streaming on the SIFF Channel May 26–June 1.

Passes and ticket packages are on sale now at siff.net/passes. Individual tickets will go on sale to SIFF members on April 23, and to the general public on April 24, 2025.

Press inquiries, materials, and interview requests can be made at press@siff.net. SIFF is accepting press accreditation applications for the 51st Seattle International Film Festival now through Tuesday, April 8.

About SIFF: 

Beginning in 1976 with the annual Seattle International Film Festival, then expanding into year-round programming, SIFF is a 501c3 cultural arts organization dedicated to the creation of vibrant experiences and spaces that champion film discovery and arts education. SIFF envisions a thriving arts ecosystem where film discovery encourages a more empathetic, joyful, and connected world.

In its four theaters, SIFF offers year-round screenings, Film Talks and a series of spotlight festivals throughout the year. SIFF also serves the community through educational programs and SIFFsupports, a partnership program that hosts and provides technical support to a variety of special screenings and festivals.

For showtimes and event updates, visit siff.net.