Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) - Seattle - Things To Do Reviews

Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is the largest film festival in America. Although, I'm constantly amazed at the fact that most people living in Seattle are ignorant to its existance. That aside, you can always expect massive crowds lining up outside the theaters for a unique opportunity to see a film they might not see any where else.

SIFF boasts a large number of professional, local, and independent films from all over the world. No matter what kind of film you enjoy, you should be able to find something at SIFF. If hollywood blockbusters are your thing, you can check out hollywood movies yet to be released to the public. If you like budget films but no-names, SIFF has plenty of them. If you are looking for a film from another country, well... it is called "International Film Festival".

SIFF runs from the last week in May until late June. It is centered in downtown Seattle and plays at a variety of theaters throughout the city. For the month, SIFF has movies playing from early in the morning until after midnight at 6-7 different theaters. With a new movie starting within 30 minutes of the end of the last one, there is always something available to go see.

SIFF also holds special screenings that go above and beyond a typical showing. Some of these screenings are galas that involve a party afterwards. Other screenings are special award ceremonies. Just this last year, Anthony Hopkins was present at a award ceremony to receive a life-time achievement award.

Sometimes actors, directors, and writers will attend their screenings. This gives movie go'ers a unique experience to ask questions after a show. As SIFF gains more popularity, it has drawn more big names in the movie industry.

Another fun aspect to SIFF is the midnight horror screenings. Horror films from all over the world are shown at midnight. These screenings usually attract a roudy bunch of horror film lovers. The crowd makes these movies even more fun. Even if its a bad movie, you'll have a great time laughing and screaming with everyone else. The energy is unbelievable!

SIFF also holds a special Secret Film Festival at the same time as the regular festival. This Secret Film Festival is open to anyone who buys the special pass. The catch is you must sign an oath of silence saying, under penalty of law, you will not talk to anyone or write anything about what you saw at the Secret Film Festival. The secret films are held every sunday morning (4 in total). It too is quite a unique experience.

SIFF sells passes that get you into all movies or individual tickets. So both the hardcore movie goers and casual viewer can attend. Just be sure to buy your tickets early, each year the screenings start selling out more and more.

And if you are going... drop me a line! I'm always looking to go with others!