Keep making movies for the big screen work underway for SIFF Egyptian reopening UPDATE

Amidst celebrations for five Academy Awards, Anora director Sean Baker has called on filmmakers to persist in creating for the big screen. The SIFF Cinema Egyptian in Seattle is currently undergoing extensive restoration after a significant water leak damaged the historic building. Seattle Central College expects the repairs to be completed by March 2025, with a hopeful reopening date set for April 2025, although SIFF has confirmed that the Egyptian won’t be ready in time for the upcoming Seattle International Film Festival. In light of the closure, community support has been strong, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $10,000 for affected cinema workers. Additionally, the Northwest Film Forum has reported its best ticket sales in over two years, showcasing the resilience of local movie theaters.

SIFF has committed to a thorough assessment of its equipment and operations before reopening the Egyptian Theater. As the local film community rallies, the anticipation for the Egyptian's comeback continues to grow, highlighting its importance to Seattle’s cultural landscape. Updates on the reopening will be shared as information becomes available.