Sponsored by KNKX. Escape to the Reel World at the 51st Seattle International Film Festival. Celebrate independent cinema as a destination with screenings in person May 15–25 at venues across Seattle, and extend your vacation with select encores streaming on the SIFF Channel May 26–June 1.

Today’s SIFF is the culmination of over half a century’s dedication to bringing independent and international cinema to Seattle audiences. In 2024, we celebrated our 50th anniversary with the release of our virtual SIFF Archives, and we dropped this timeline for all you history buffs out there. Innumerable thanks to everyone who’s come to screenings, volunteered their time, and partied with us over the years. Our community of film-lovers is the reason we’ve kept SIFF going, and your dedication to the arts is what’s made that possible.

Opening Night Film and Party, May 15, 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre: The Irish film Four Mothers is written and directed by Darren Thornton (SIFF 2017’s A Date for Mad Mary), a humorous and tender Irish charmer about a gay YA novelist (James McArdle, “Mare of Easttown”) who must look after four aging women left in his care. The After-Party is at 9:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre and outside on 9th Avenue.

Closing Night Film and Party, May 24, 6 p.m. at SIFF Cinema Downtown: Eva Victor (“Billions”) writes, directs, and stars in Sorry, Baby, a nonlinear, seriocomic story about a melancholic English professor’s complicated path toward healing in the aftermath of an all-too-common tragedy. Winner of the Sundance 2025 Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. Director, writer, and star Eva Victor scheduled to attend. The Closing Night Party begins at 8 p.m. at MOHAI.