Lara Schwimmer
Tom Mara, executive director of the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF), has announced the company’s acquisition of the Seattle Cinerama Theater from the estate of the late Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen.
Mara announced the news on May 11 at the opening ceremony of the 49th annual SIFF. The festival runs until May 21st.
“We are honored to take charge of this historic theatre. It’s a community-loved film location that exemplifies the critical role SIFF plays in bringing the power and artistry of film to a diverse audience in our region,” said Mara. “So many of us have experienced the magic of this theater and we look forward to continuing the vision and impact that Paul Allen began so many years ago.”
The theater opened in 1963 before Allen bought and renovated the venue in the late 1990s. Since its transformation, the theater has become “an unmatched destination for blockbuster films, independent films and a variety of film festivals and events.” Amid the pandemic, the Seattle Cinerama Theater has been closed.
At Allen’s request, the theater was to be sold and the proceeds from the estate donated to charity.
“We are very pleased with the acquisition of the theater by SIFF,” said Jody Allen, executor of the Allen Estate. “They are the ideal, mission-driven organization to oversee this very special place, bring more films and film lovers to downtown Seattle, and manage the venue and its role in our community for years to come.”
Recognized as Seattle’s premier film organization, SIFF brings together leading international and independent films in the region and its diverse venues.
SIFF will reopen the theater under a new name, making it the fourth venue for the nonprofit organization, joining the SIFF Film Center at Seattle Center, SIFF Cinema Uptown and SIFF Cinema Egyptian.