SIFF Cinema at the Film Center

Homespun, fun, slightly old-​fashioned setting to see a movie. Friendly vibe.
We saw The Princess Bride quote-​along and our group laughed and laughed! Good vibes, all around. Really glad we were there.

I’ve only been to the cinema a couple of times for special engagements, including December’s Willy Wonka smell-​o-​vision, but I’m a fan. The theater itself is small and certainly not updated (seats not that comfy, no cupholders, aging video equipment), it’s cozy in size and offers movie engagements you may not catch elsewhere. I’ve also had no problem finding parking in the immediate area.

My visit and show: I visited SIFF 12÷30÷14 for the Willy Wonka «smellovision» which happens a couple times a year from what the cashier said. The Willy wonka smellovision was different from what I expected — we received a goodie bag with a scratch and sniff card, bubble gum, party poppers, wonka candy, and bubbles. The screen instructed us to do certain actions which was unique. It was different from what I expected but my group (mid to late 20s) still had a great time. We paid $ 15.00 per ticket for willy wonka in smellovision.
Miscellaneous comments:
SIFF has an annual club membership: You can purchase online on their website. You get $ 5.00 off all movies for being a member and other perks such as free popcorn (confirm by calling or looking at their website). Other perks include discounted tickets to the film festival but I’m sure you can figure out the exact details.
Movies: It seems like there are a lot of unique international/​foreign films and other films you don’t see in mainstream theatres. Personally, I think the world of movies is so vast that international films and other non-​mainstream movies are often overlooked. I’ve found lesser known movies to be just as great if not more great in comparison to your typical major corporation movie. (ex. Marvel, etc). If you like to see «foreign» films, this is the place to be.
Staff: The staff were friendly. No complaints.
Seating and theatre itself: It may not be your luxury theatre and zero gravity seats but you don’t go to a movie for the seats. The seats are not uncomfortable by any means.
For those of age, drinks (*wink wink*) are sold but don’t expect a full size bar. The candy selection is unique. Theo’s chocolate comes into mind of what unique brands I saw during my December 2014 visit.
Support local and go local. I’d buy a membership in an heart beat if I was living in Seattle (soon to be hopefully!)

Not the most state-​of-​the-​art seating (no cupholders, etc.) but this theatre shows great movies. I saw Willy Wonka in smell-​o-​vision and while the smell-​o-​vision aspect was a little disappointing, it was a cute singalong and a lot of fun. I took someone who had never seen the film and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Now that I know about this theater, I plan on coming back for other classic film screenings.

I imagine a lot of people don’t even know this theater exists so it’s high time we get the word out about this fun movie house. The Film Center, I guess you would say, is the little brother to SIFF’s Uptown Theater although it definitely has its own unique charm and appeal. Located on the Seattle Center grounds, the layout is pretty basic although everything looks as clean and new as the day it first opened. What I like most about the film center is the type of movies that are shown here which are mostly indie films and documentaries.
You are sure to find some hidden gems showing here at any given time and they actually have classroom space that can be rented out for budding film makers and students to perfect their craft however they see fit. Being part of the SIFF brand, there are all the same amenities you would find at the Uptown including discounted tickets for members and a concession selection that leans local when it comes to what they have to offer.

Not the most comfortable seating in the world, not the most impressive theater in the world, but they offer some of the greatest cinema you will ever see. Avoid the mainstream and come down to see some REAL film… also they have tasty beer available WINNING!!!

Went to see Bridge on the River Kwai last night. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 stars was that the cinema I was in had seats that reclined back a little and I was a little paranoid that the seat would just collapse but I’m just nit picking
Staff were great and it had a Film Festival vibe
Will be back for Manos Hand of Fate

tiny. and cheap seats. it feels like we’re watching it in someone’s barn that they converted to a theatre (like in the first pic on Unilocal.that plywood! it’s everywhere!). the service is hit or miss as i think everyone appears to be a volunteer. this place feels like a polished turd.
another annoyance: now siff tracks EVERY film its members see in their database, along with personal information, without an option to «opt out». this seems very shady and dishonest. when i contacted them they said they had 38 years with of personal data with no intent to stop. very disheartening as i don’t want this type of information being tracked. can’t i just see a film anonymously? i guess if i want my member discount, i can’t. what a shame…

Went here to watch the Oscar short documentary nominees — two films back-​to-​back. Comfy seats, but wish there was a tad more legroom — I’m not that tall (5 – 7) and had to stretch sideways at times. The popcorn was most excellent — not too salty, with real butter — amazingly good. Too bad there was no place to really set it (or the drink) — but the theater wasn’t remotely crowded, so that wasn’t really a problem.
Bonus points for being in the Seattle Center complex — perfect for a fast dash around the park during intermission to clear out my mind.
Also loved the vintage trailers and moderate volume. Definitely will return — lots of interesting films coming up and more popcorn, for sure!

They overcharge for what should be a great place to watch local film-​makers.

So excited to be the first person to review the (still pretty) new SIFF Cinema at the Film Center.
The Film Center is SIFF’s new permanent home in the heart of Seattle Center. It houses the SIFF business offices, the Film School, and a small (100 seat or so) cinema.
The cinema is great! Its size lends itself to a very intimate feel. The seats are comfortable (I believe they are refugees from one of the other cinemas in town, but I can’t remember which one) and perfectly raked so every seat has an unobstructed view of the screen. Having this space, in addition to the nearby SIFF Cinema at the Uptown, allows SIFF to screen up to four films at once. The films that end up at the Film Center are usually the «smaller» ones, not expected to draw a particularly large audience. But, these films — documentaries, foreign films, independents — prove that good things come in small packages.
I am thrilled that the Film Center, and the cinema within, have become a reality for SIFF. I look forward to seeing many films there in the years to come.