Seattle International Film Festival Opening Night

The 50th Seattle International Film Festival will open with Thelma, followed by our famous after-party.

It’s our golden anniversary, and because we only shine as bright as our audiences, we encourage you to arrive enrobed in your most dazzling gold attire.

Get down and party with the SIFF crew on opening night. Enjoy Thelma followed by a filmmaker Q&A, then take to the Paramount’s stage or right outside on 9th Avenue for a night of dancing, drinks, and bites–all complimentary with your ticket. Groove to C89.5 DJs, strike a pose in the 360 photo booth, and dig into Tutta Bella, Kottu, Where Ya At Matt, Piroshky Piroshky, and libations from The Walls, Black Raven Brewing, Westland Distillery, The Pathfinder & Tito's Handmade Vodka.

About the Film

When 93-year-old Thelma Post (June Squibb) gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her. A story exploring aging, family and autonomy (and uniquely inspired by action movies like Mission: Impossible) – Thelma is based on a real-life experience of writer/director Josh Margolin’s grandmother, and marks Squibb’s first leading film role of her 70+ year career. Writer and director Josh Margolin will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening along with Thelma producers Zoë Worth and Chris Kaye, and Tribute recipient June Squibb.

Opening Night Film & Party

Get down and party with the SIFF crew and your fellow film-loving revelers at Opening Night. Enjoy the film then take to the Paramount’s stage or right outside on 9th Avenue for a night of dancing, drinks, and bites—all complimentary with your ticket.

Film & Party - Paramount Theatre

Doors Open to Public: 6:00pm
Screening: 7:00pm
Party: 9:30pm

$86.50 ($76.50 SIFF Members)

Buy Film & Party Tickets

Opening Night Red Carpet Experience

With a Red Carpet Experience ticket, you’re also invited to walk the red carpet and get access to an exclusive pre-reception with delicious food and libations, live music from a Seattle Symphony quartet playing arrangements from film soundtracks and pop music, plus a gorgeous view of the Paramount marquee and the Seattle skyline from the garden terrace of the Seattle Convention Center's Summit building.

Red Carpet Experience tickets also include free parking at the Convention Center’s garage. Across the street at The Paramount Theatre, VIP seating at the screening will be reserved for you and your guests, and a dedicated bar and exclusive food options will be available to you throughout the evening. Also, don't forget your swanky swag bag when you leave!

Red Carpet Experience - Seattle Convention Center Summit Building

Pre-Reception: 5:00pm
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Screening: 7:00pm
Party: 9:30pm

$351.50

Buy Red Carpet Experience

*Note: SIFF parties are for ages 21+, and IDs will be checked at the door. No refunds will be issued for tickets purchased with an invalid ID.