50 Years of SIFF: The Empire Strikes Back
November 10 - 23, 2023
After the Rebels are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett. The 1980 Seattle International Film Festival proudly hosted the world premiere of this now legendary Star Wars epic. This presentation is the Special Edition released theatrically in 1997.
The adventure continues in this Star Wars sequel. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) face attack by the Imperial forces and its AT-AT walkers on the ice planet Hoth. While Han and Leia escape in the Millennium Falcon, Luke travels to Dagobah in search of Yoda. Only with the Jedi master's help will Luke survive when the dark side of the Force beckons him into the ultimate duel with Darth Vader (David Prowse).
- Director: Irvin Kershner
- Principal Cast: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels
- Country: USA
- Year: 1980
- Running Time: 124 min.
- Producer: Gary Kutz
- Screenplay: Leigh Brackett, Lawrence Kasdan
- Cinematographers: Peter Suschitzky
- Editors: Paul Hirsch
- Music: John Williams
- Filmography: RoboCop 2 (1990), Never Say Never Again (1983), Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes back (1980), Eyes of Laura Mars (1978), The Return of a Man Called Horse (1976), S*P*Y*S (1974), Up the Sandbox (1972), Loving (1970), The Flim-Flam Man (1967), A Fine Madness (1966)
- Language: English