Seattle International Film Festival

Seattle International Film Festival

At three and a half weeks, the Seattle International Film Festival is one of the longest fests in America - and probably the world, though organizers typically host out-of-town guests and filmmakers during a "core week" around the beginning of June. With such a long event, SIFF can afford to screen a wide variety of genres, through organizers have been great about keeping an intimacy to the fest despite its length. Filmmakers and other guests have given indieWIRE very positive feedback from their stay, with the fest offering up nice accommodations, and organizers making sure that everyone is having a good time. Because of its length, and occasional overlaps during the May portion of its dates with Cannes, SIFF may not always draw as large of an industry component, at least in its first half. By the nature of the event, it's more focused on serving its very large and dedicated audience than NY/LA industry. SIFF has become known for a unique Secret Festival sidebar: attendees are not told in advance what films will be screening and must sign an agreement that they will not disclose this information after the screening. The festival also offers year-round programming, including filmmaking events targeted toward youth and others.