SIFF Cinema Uptown — Attraction in Seattle

This is a year-round theater associated with the Seattle International Film Festival. It's the old Uptown Cinema and it preserves a long-time Seattle theater, a good thing in itself. This isn't the fancy suburban theater with plush seats, etc. -- the seats are pretty basic but comfortable. There are three screens, a larger screen and then two smaller screens. They are all OK. The concessions, on the other hand, are more upscale, with a lot of choices and beer and wine served. If you are already a member of SIFF, you can use the punchcard that came with your membership to get free popcorn. The theater screens a lot of indie and foreign films and it's at the lower end of Queen Anne Hill, which means there are a lot of drink and dining choices close by -- including a Dick's with indoor seating directly across the street. Along with the Uptown, SIFF also has its film center at Seattle Center and runs the Egyptian Theater on Capitol Hill -- so SIFF really is a year-round celebration of film. If you're attending a weeknight or weekend screening, SIFF has two parking lots with free parking -- just ask for a permit at...

This is a beautiful theater but you can expect a snooty attitude with a dash of ignorance about the films, especially foreign films.

I came to see a movie from Saudi Arabia and they had an employee (their Middle East / North Africa program manager) set up the movie “Hajjan”.

Her tone was incredibly condescending towards Saudi and we didn’t quite understand why they had someone so clueless say anything before the film. It would’ve been great if her intro added value instead of denigrating what I’m about to see.

If anyone from SIFF is reading this, tell your MENA Program Manager I recommend Sean Foley’s book “Changing Saudi: Art, Culture and Society in the Kingdom” for her own education.

SIFF might "promote access, representation of diverse backgrounds and stories" but I'm doubtful of how much they know/respect the makers/cultures behind the films they screen. I’m glad Seattle has an institution like this, but my experience was quite laughable and now I know...

What's not to love? Some of the staff recognize me and I like that, as they are very friendly. I love that I have a membership which I'm going to give myself for a birthday present this year but don't tell as I want to be surprised. I love the movies, God Bless You people for showing great films that other first run theaters don't A wonderful example is "Moonlight Kingdom", anyone notice in that film that 95%of the time everyone is very kind to each other , even when they're upset. I absolutly love the popcorn seasoning bar, how cool is that. I like to bring a little tray and try all the flavor. To let you know I trumpet your greatness all over the place. What a great deal a years membership for a measly $55.00 and then all year almost every movie is $5.00 for me a PROUD card carrying member and the 5 free popcorns. That...