With just over a month before the Seattle International Film Festival unspools, we now know what SIFF has in store for us. At least the first night.

SIFF has teased out a few films that will hit the screen during the fest, and we’ll update you here on the full schedule once that comes into focus.

Fresh off of its premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Celine Song’s, “Past Lives” will officially kick off SIFF’s 10-day fest on May 11.

“Past Lives” charmed audiences and critics alike when it bowed in January. Rolling Stone magazine enthused that it was a Sundance marvel and “the first great film of 2023.”

Writer/Director Celine Song will be on hand and stick around for a Q&A after her film screens at the Paramount Theatre. Perhaps she will also stick around as the party continues and lingers into the night (indoors and outside). Now that the fest is starting in May (SIFF kicked off in April last year), perhaps Seattle weather will be a little more favorable to the revelers outside.

In a statement, SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett touched on the joy of discovering new worlds through film. “We’re honored to start that journey with Celine Song’s achingly beautiful debut feature film Past Lives, which embraces the connections that happen at specific times, for specific reasons, and can help us understand the people we are, and who we will become.” 

Festival Venues

Earlier this year, SIFF announced the venues for the 49th Seattle International Film Festival screenings and parties which include:

The Paramount Theatre
Opening Night Gala film & party
May 11, 2023

SIFF Cinema Uptown – Queen Anne
Preview screenings: May 8–11, 2023
Festival screenings: May 12–21, 2023

SIFF Cinema Egyptian – Capitol Hill
May 12–21, 2023

SIFF Film Center – Queen Anne
May 12–21, 2023

AMC Pacific Place – Downtown Seattle
May 12–21, 2023

Ark Lodge Cinemas – Columbia City
May 12–21, 2023

Shoreline Community College – Shoreline
May 12–21, 2023

MOHAI
Closing Night Gala party (film at SIFF Cinema Egyptian)
May 21, 2023

Tickets for Opening Night Film & Gala are available online and in person at SIFF Cinema box offices. Outside of the opening film and fête, you can buy SIFF festival passes and packages here.