SIFF ANNOUNCES NEW INTERACTIVE GATHERING SPACE--THE SIFF LOUNGE, PRESENTEDBYy VULCAN PRODUCTIONS--FOR 2017 FESTIVAL

SEATTLE, WA—March 29, 2017—SIFF is thrilled to introduce its festival attendees and guests to the SIFF Lounge, presented by Vulcan Productions. Debuting at this year's 43rd Seattle International Film Festival, it will be a place where filmmakers, guests, and SIFF passholders gather at the center of the festival to meet for happy hours, share ideas, and connect outside of theater walls. Taking place at the stylish yet intimate Pan Pacific Hotel in the heart of South Lake Union, the Lounge will be a central meeting point between festival venues.

The SIFF Lounge will not just be a gathering space for SIFF-goers, but will be the main hub of festival activities. Every weekend at the Lounge KCTS 9 will host intimate filmmaker roundtables. SIFFX will be returning for the second year and discussing what it means to be immersive technology in today's world. Programmer Chats will give a view into the world of programming the largest festival in North America. Other panels will include partnerships with local organizations such as Seattle Composers Alliance, Longhouse Media, and IATSE 488. The complete list of forums, panels, and SIFF Lounge activities and details will be announced May 3rd. The SIFF Box Office will open to the public on May 4th.

Reflecting on what the new addition will mean for SIFF, Executive Director Sarah Wilke said, "We wanted to create new energy and community around the Festival by concentrating activities, increasing quality of experiences and bringing constituents together. The Seattle International Film Festival is not only special because of the caliber of films we showcase every year, but because of the engaged and supportive audience that attends. By creating a place that encourages conversation between filmmakers and their audiences, this interactive space will break boundaries and shift towards open interactions and collaborations.

Returning Seattle venues for the 43rd Seattle International Film Festival include McCaw Hall, Cinerama, AMC Pacific Place, Majestic Bay Theatres, Ark Lodge Cinemas, and SIFF's theater locations, operated year-round to present the best in international, independent, art house, and archival film: SIFF Cinema Uptown in the Uptown neighborhood of Queen Anne, SIFF Cinema Egyptian on Capitol Hill, and SIFF Film Center on Seattle Center campus. SIFF 2017 also returns to Lincoln Square Cinemark Theatres in Bellevue, Kirkland Performance Center, and Shoreline Community College to continue partnerships with communities in neighboring cities.

SIFF would like to thank the Pan Pacific Hotel and Vulcan Productions for being sponsors of the 2017 Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF would also like to acknowledge our generous hospitality beverage partners including Starbucks Coffee - The Official Coffee of SIFF, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Chloe Wine Collection, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Rebel Yell Bourbon, Sparkle Donkey Tequila, and Lagunitas Brewing Company.

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 largest, most highly attended film festival in the United States, reaching more than 150,000 annually. The 25-day festival is renowned for its wide-ranging and eclectic programming, presenting over 450 features, short films, and documentaries from over 80 countries each year. SIFF Cinema exhibits premiere theatrical engagements, repertory, classic, and revival film showings 365 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 13,000 students and youth in the community with free programs each year. 

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