SIFF 2018 Closing Night & Centerpiece Films and Galas Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - The Seattle International Film Festival is excited to shine its Festival Spotlight on, drumroll please, Centerpiece and Closing Night films and galas. Purchase a Gala Pack and see the film screenings and attend the soirees for Opening Night, Centerpiece, and Closing Night. But hurry and buy now! Early Bird discounts on Festival Passes and Ticket Packs, including Gala Packs, are all up to 30% off for SIFF Members for only two more days -- last day of Early Bird is Friday, April 13, 2018.

Our 2018 Centerpiece film Sorry to Bother You pulls no punches in its portrayal of racial dynamics in the workplace, and is an utterly original and wildly creative new voice on the film scene from debut director and musician Boots Riley. Closing Night sees the return of Seattle favorite Gus Van Sant with his latest film Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot, a bitingly sharp yet tender portrait of Portland-based cartoonist John Callahan, starring Joaquin Phoenix.

"We are constantly looking for dynamic, diverse stories, and we certainly found them with these two unforgettable films," said SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett. "With these two Galas we're thrilled to spotlight both an established filmmaker and a bold new voice, each with vision and strong storytelling powers."

The Gala Pack includes tickets to the screenings, admission to the parties, two drink tickets, and hor d'oeuvres. Details about Opening Night are still in the works, so stay tuned because you won't want to miss all these celebrations.

Centerpiece Film & Gala
Saturday, June 2
Sorry to Bother You | Director Boots Riley
Screening at SIFF Cinema Egyptian | Centerpiece Party at DAR Rainier Chapter House

Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, and Armie Hammer star in the exhilarating directorial debut of musician Boots Riley, a biting and bonkers satire that follows a black telemarketer who discovers an unknown skill which gives him magical selling powers that shoot him up the corporate ladder. An Annapurna Pictures release.

Closing Night Film & Gala
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot | Director Gus Van Sant
Screening at SIFF Cinema Egyptian | Closing Party at MOHAI

Joaquin Phoenix gives a transformative performance in Gus Van Sant's sensitive and caustically funny portrait of Portland cartoonist John Callahan who, after a car accident leaves him confined to a wheelchair, uses his sardonic humor and brutal honesty to battle with a lifetime of addiction. The outstanding supporting cast includes Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, Jack Black, and musician Beth Ditto in her impressive film debut. An Amazon Studios release.

Stay in the know with all things SIFF 2018 with Festival Spotlight, a countdown to the annual Seattle International Film Festival that runs Thursday, May 17 through Sunday, June 10, 2018.

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Centerpiece: Alaska Airlines | Brotherton Cadillac Buick GMC in Renton | Red Element Studios | DAR Rainier Chapter House | Poquitos | Rhein Haus | Cupcake Royale | Dilettante Chocolates

Closing Night: Amazon Studios | Alaska Airlines | The Boeing Company | Brotherton Cadillac Buick GMC in Renton | MOHAI | Kaspar's Special Events and Catering | Dilettante Chocolates | Full Tilt Ice Cream

Beverage Sponsors: Chloe Wine Collection | Tito's Handmade Vodka | Lagunitas Brewery | Sparkle Donkey Tequila | Big Gin | Trail's End Whiskey

About SIFF
Founded in 1976, SIFF creates experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world with the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema, and SIFF Education. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in North America, the Seattle International Film Festival is the longest, most highly attended film festival in the United States, reaching more than 145,000 annually. The 25-day festival is renowned for its wide-ranging and eclectic programming, presenting over 400 features, short films, and documentaries from over 80 countries each year. SIFF Cinema exhibits premiere theatrical engagements, repertory, classic, and revival film showings 363 days a year on five screens at the SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and SIFF Film Center, reaching more than 175,000 attendees annually. SIFF Education offers educational programs for all audiences serving more than 10,000 students and youth in the community with free programs each year.

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