SIFF opened its 40th festival last night at McCaw Hall with a gala screening of the new Jimi Hendrix biopic Jimi: All Is by My Side.
In attendance were writer-director John Ridley, many local filmmakers with titles in the fest, ordinary movie lovers, SIFF members and patrons—including David and Linda Cornfield, who just helped SIFF with the $2.6 million purchase the old Uptown Cinema, where SIFF’s lease was to expire in two years. That news came last night, along with the companion announcement by managing director Mary Bacarella and artistic director Carl Spence that SIFF has signed a lease with Seattle Central College to operate the Egyptian, which Landmark Theatres ceased to operate last year. Fundraising is already underway for its renovation. The festival runs through Sunday, June 8, at venues including the Egyptian, Harvard Exit, Pacific Place, Lincoln Square, and SIFF Cinema Uptown.
See siff.net for full schedule and browse our SIFF guide for ongoing coverage during the fest. And view Seattle Weekly’s complete slideshow, featuring photos from the red carpet and the packed hall, here.
Murray presents the Mayor’s Award for Achievement in Film to Ron Leamon for his incredible costume artistry in film throughout the years.
The crowd responded to the good news with cheers.
Prior to the screening in McCaw Hall, Carl Spence and Mary Bacarella announce that SIFF not only purchased The Uptown Theater but also signed a long-term lease for the Egyptian Theater.
Mayor Ed Murray shows his support for the film industry at SIFF’s 40th Gala event.
Director Brian Storkel and actor Preston Hocker of SIFF film “Fight Church”
Head of the Office of Film and Music Kate Becker with husband, and executive director of the Northwest Chapter of the Record Academy, Michael Compton.
Another pair of attendees with sartorial flash at SIFF’s 40th annual Gala event.
SIFF board member Billy O’Neil with artist and daughter Piper O’Neil.
SIFF board members Rick Rasmussen and Billy O’Neil with sponsor and artist Piper O’Neil and friends.
Leamon and a friend enjoy the moment.
‘Big in Japan’ director Jeffcoat with this year’s winner of the Mayor’s Award for Achievement in Film, Ron Leamon.
Local director Megan Griffiths, whose latest ‘Lucky Them’ is screening during the festival, shares the red carpet with SIFF Artistic Director Carl Spence.
The members of Seattle pop group Tennis Pro all played themselves for ‘Big In Japan.’
The cast and crew of SIFF film ‘Big In Japan,’ including director John Jeffcoat and the band Tennis Pro.
SIFF Gala guests give each other the googly eyes as they prepare for the evening’s events at McCaw Hall.
The cast and crew of SIFF film ‘B.F.E..’ including director Shawn Telford.
Film and music advocate James Keblas and wife Heather Elsa mug with Spence.
Some SIFF Gala attendees went all out, dressing to impress.
Actress Hayley Atwell made an appearance tonight for her SIFF debut in ‘Jimi: All Is By My Side.’
SIFF Board President Michelle Quisenberry well-dressed and ready for the big night.
Spence with his family.
Just one of many groups of attendees dressed to the nines for the opening night Gala of SIFF’s fourtieth year.
Local director Megan Griffiths chatting with the media about her fabulous jewelry.
Spence with SIFF Managing Director Mary Bacarella. Later in the evening these two would make some big announcements about the future of SIFF.
