The curtains in front of the massive screen at SIFF Cinema Downtown will pull back for the first time in years to show Warner Bros.’ Wonka.

As we wrote back in May of this year, SIFF made the surprise announcement at the start of its Seattle International Film Festival that it had just acquired the Seattle Cinerama Theater from the estate of Paul G. Allen.

Since then, movie lovers were in great debate on what the theater should be called since the name ‘Cinerama’ was not part of the purchase deal. Also shrouded in mystery was when the theater would officially re-open and what film would be the premiere event to welcome moviegoers back into the beloved movie house.

SIFF put out a call for ideas on the new name and eventually landed on SIFF Cinema Downtown and hoisted the new signage in place just last month.

With one of the questions on people’s mind answered, SIFF didn’t wait too long to answer the other two burning questions.

On December 14, fans of film and the newly minted SIFF Cinema Downtown will be welcomed back into the theater to see the new film Wonka.

“We are honored to take on stewardship and reopen the doors of this truly historic theater. It’s a film venue adored by the community and speaks to the critical role SIFF plays in bringing the power and art of film to diverse audiences across our region,” said Tom Mara, SIFF’s Executive Director, in a press statement.

Year-round programming

Tickets for the film will go on sale soon, and will no doubt sell out quickly.  After Wonka leaves the screen (one of the few single screen theaters in the city) SIFF Cinema Downtown will feature other blockbuster studio films, and will also be a home to specialty festivals and events, and first-run arthouse cinema.

Before the film hits the screen SIFF has made sure to keep it local at the concessions with Washington vendors that include Rachel’s Ginger Beer, Yonder Cider, Caffè Umbria, and Alexandria Nicole Cellars. And if you want to enjoy a beer with your flick, look out for the special SIFF 50th Anniversary brew from Black Raven Brewing Co.

On-sale dates for Warner Bros.’ Wonka and other venue info can be found at siff.net.