Opening Night — Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00pm

the Red carpet With the return of an in-person Seattle International Film Festival, I decided to say "yes" to new experiences. And that is how I ended up taking photos on the Red Carpet. Beth Barrett, SIFF Artistic DirectorMarried couple: Ben Camp and director Megan Griffiths (I'll Show You Mine)Director Daniel Roher and Beth BarrettThe …

SIFF Opening Night Gala, Part Two (Text) — Anniversary Post

For my second anniversary post, I give you my first experience as a festival volunteer. Unlike every year since, the 2010 Seattle International Film Festival held its Opening Night at Benaroya Hall. Part One of my post included photos from the event (which you can access with the link below). This post also includes photos, …

SIFF 2018 Edition: Opening Night

To attend Opening Night is to see everything from cocktail gowns to actual gowns to t-shirts to jeans in a crowd composed of volunteers and staff, high-spending passholders, those who can afford the $75 price tag for the film ($65 for members), and those willing to shell out the $275 for reserved seats, valet parking, …

SIFF 2016: Highlights and Observations

Opening Night Gala (Thursday, May 19) For the first time in the seven years I've attended the festival, opening night didn't have great weather. It also didn't have any guests from the opening night film, which makes me wonder if there was a Q&A after the movie ended (the cast were still enjoying the society in …

Opening Night Happenings — Thursday, May 14, 2015

1. Arrived at 1:30 for 2 pm press screening.  Told it would be delayed by roughly 45 minutes (it ended up starting 40 minutes late), as the previous screening had issues.  Initially supposed to show Breathe Umphefumlo, but it didn't arrive on time, so screening swapped with Liza, The Fox-Fairy, but then the film arrived, …

SIFF 2014: Opening Night Gala (Thursday, May 15, McCaw Hall)

Two announcements were made during Opening Night that are very exciting: 1. SIFF has purchased the Uptown Theater with a generous donation from David and Linda Cornfield (the "Angels of the Uptown") and help from real estate development firm Point32.  Initially, SIFF only leased the building. 2. Remember my post on the demise of the Egyptian Theatre? …

The Seattle International Film Festival Turns Forty

This year, the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) turns 40, which means that some surprises are in store.  In addition to announcing the opening night film before the festival begins (as is customary), Moira Macdonald published an article today in The Seattle Times that lists some of the guests, including Richard Linklater (for Boyhood, which will …

SIFF 2012: Galas, Tributes, Parties, And Other Happenings

First, I should mention that I didn't go to every party, and even fewer Galas (movie+party).  I didn't go to the Opening Night Gala because no one told me I could, until after I had made plans.  Then, I didn't get invites to the first couple of parties because I wasn't on the staff-generated email list. …