Though SIFF isn’t as complex as it used to be — running May 9-19, it’s now much shorter than the 3 ½-week length it maintained for many years — navigating the sprawling festival can still be a little daunting. If you’re new to SIFF or haven’t visited since pre-pandemic days, here’s a handy FAQ.
How do I get tickets?
You can buy online anytime at siff.net, where you can browse detailed, categorized descriptions of every film. If you’d rather buy in person, each SIFF Cinema box office (Uptown, Egyptian, Downtown, Film Center) sells tickets to all SIFF screenings; box offices open 30 minutes before the day’s first show. At all other festival venues (Pacific Place, Majestic Bay, Shoreline Community College), SIFF tickets will be on sale May 10-19, with box offices opening an hour before the day’s first show.
Should I get a SIFF membership to get the ticket discount?
Do the math: SIFF memberships start at $75 annually ($45 for seniors/students); members get $3 off each individual SIFF ticket, as well as discounts on packages/passes and various other perks, including five free medium popcorns per year. And, of course, you’re supporting a local nonprofit. (Note, however, that SIFF memberships are not currently tax deductible.)
How early do I have to show up?
If you’re picky about where you sit, the earlier the better: An hour isn’t too early for a film that’s popular. (During the film festival, the only reserved seats are for Platinum Plus pass holders.) But even if you don’t mind being in the back (or front) row, show up at least 15 minutes before showtime: At the 10-minute mark, unoccupied seats are counted and sold to those in the standby line. If you arrive later than 10 minutes before the show, you are considered late and may not be seated, even if you have a ticket.
What line do I stand in?
There will be three separate lines, so don’t get this wrong: pass holders, ticket holders and standby. Stand in the wrong line at your peril. (There will be signage, and helpful SIFF volunteers in pale-blue T-shirts, if you’re confused.)
Hey, the movie I want to go to is sold out! Can I get standby tickets?
Maybe! If SIFF’s website is telling you that tickets aren’t available, show up at the venue an hour ahead and there will, in all likelihood, be a standby line. Tickets will be sold to people in that line, first come, first served, at 10 minutes before showtime, depending on how many empty seats remain.
Can I bring my lunch?
Technically, no; SIFF venues do not allow outside food. Theoretically, yes, if you’re discreet about it. (Or just eat while waiting in line.)
Can I get a drink?
Yes, if you’re at one of the SIFF Cinemas (Uptown, Egyptian, Downtown, Film Center), where beer and wine will be for sale — including the special 50th anniversary IPA made for SIFF by Black Raven Brewing, on tap at Downtown, Uptown and Egyptian.
Can I save a seat for a friend?
If you’re saving a seat at a sold-out screening, you might be asked to relinquish it if your friend is late, so tell them not to be.
I know! I’ll just pick my favorite seat at Cinerama, um, SIFF Cinema Downtown, and camp there for a day of screenings! That’s OK, right?
You can absolutely spend the day at any venue — but you can’t reserve your seat between screenings by leaving a coat on it, as staff will clear the theater between all shows.
Does SIFF have screenings with open captions?
Yes, many films will be shown with open captions on their second SIFF showing. For a list of those films, see siff.net/open-caption-screenings.
Is Closing Night really closing night?
No. SIFF is trying something different this year, moving the traditional Sunday closing-night party to Saturday night (May 18). Despite closing festivities on Saturday, there will still be a full day of screenings on Sunday, May 19.
What if I just want to attend remotely?
You can! Many of SIFF’s films will be available to stream May 20-27, online at watch.siff.net or streaming on the SIFF Channel app on Roku, Apple TV and other outlets. Tickets or passes are required; see siff.net/streaming-faq for more information.
And do I really have to use the word “SIFFty” to mark SIFF’s 50th anniversary?
No.
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