In an announcement made during the Opening Night celebration of the 49th Annual Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF revealed its acquisition of the iconic Seattle Cinerama Theater. The beloved movie venue, previously owned by the late Paul Allen, is set to reopen its doors later this year. The terms of the sale were not disclosed.
SIFF Executive Director Tom Mara expressed his honor at taking on the stewardship of the historic theater, which has long been cherished by the community. He emphasized SIFF’s commitment to bringing the power and art of film to diverse audiences throughout the region. Mara also expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the vision and impact that Paul Allen had established many years ago.
The Seattle Cinerama Theater first opened its doors in 1963 to great acclaim. Fast forward to the late 90s, and this once-glorious venue was on the brink of destruction. However, Paul Allen, well-known as a philanthropist and investor, stepped in to purchase the venue. Allen’s passion for film led him to restore the theater, turning it into an unrivaled destination for blockbuster movies, independent films, and a multitude of film festivals and events. The curtains temporarily closed in 2020, and the theater remained dormant throughout the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. After Allen’s passing and following his wishes, the Seattle Cinerama Theater was put up for sale, with all proceeds to be dedicated to philanthropic endeavors.
Jody Allen, executor of the Allen Estate, expressed her pleasure with SIFF’s acquisition of the theater. She believes that the organization, with its mission-driven focus, is ideally suited to safeguard this special place and attract more film and movie lovers to downtown Seattle. Allen is confident that SIFF will dutifully steward the venue and uphold its important role in the community for years to come.
SIFF, Seattle’s premier year-round film organization, is known for bringing the best of international and independent cinema to the region through events like the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema, and SIFF Education. The Festival is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024. Over the years, SIFF has acquired several historic theaters in Seattle. The Uptown Theater reopened as SIFF Cinema Uptown in 2011, and the historic Egyptian Theater in Capitol Hill, purchased in 2014, was renamed SIFF Cinema Egyptian.
The Seattle Cinerama Theater will be given a new name when it reopens its doors later this year. This is the fourth venue to be purchased and managed by the nonprofit organization, joining SIFF Film Center at Seattle Center, SIFF Cinema Uptown, and SIFF Cinema Egyptian. These theaters provide one-of-a-kind experiences that allow people to discover films from around the world.
“We are grateful for the leadership of our board, and especially David and Linda Cornfield, who helped make this acquisition possible for SIFF. Our tireless board and generous donors continue to be stalwart supporters of SIFF and the entire Seattle film community,” said Mara.
Film enthusiasts and the Seattle community can now eagerly anticipate the revival of the Seattle Cinerama Theater, which will once again become a vibrant hub for cinematic experiences. With SIFF at the helm, the cherished venue’s legacy is set to continue for generations to come.
