Films & Events
Battle in Seattle
The 34th Seattle International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, May 22 with the premiere of Battle in Seattle, a gripping dramatization of events that rocked the world when Seattle was host to the World Trade Organization. The evening unfolds at Seattle Center's McCaw Hall with a red carpet welcome for expected guests and stars of the film Charlize Theron and Martin Henderson, as well as director Stuart Townsend. A fabulous gala party will follow with live entertainment, and complimentary champagne cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
Don't miss this unforgettable opportunity to walk the red carpet with the stars at SIFF Opening Night, one of the city's most anticipated and high-profile events, attracting celebrities, VIPs, and public figures from across Seattle's arts, cultural, and political communities.
In this gripping semi-fictionalized account of the 1999 World Trade Organization riots, a peaceful protest spirals into a full-on violent confrontation and ends up attracting the world’s attention, in Irish actor Stuart Townsend’s provocative directing debut. Weaving multiple storylines with a star-studded ensemble cast this imaginative drama revisits fact, fiction, and many myths surrounding those tumultuous few days.
Battle in Seattle was partially filmed in Seattle, and SIFF expects many others from the large cast to be part of the red carpet gathering.
Advance tickets are not available at this time. Please check back later as more tickets may be released. Rush tickets may also become available at Box Office on the day-of-show.
SIFF Opening Night Gala is sponsored in part by BNY Mellon Wealth Management.
Sponsor:
Bank of New York Mellon
Cast & Crew
Director: Stuart Townsend
Producer: Mary Aloe, Kirk Shaw, Maxime Remillard
Editor: Fernando Villena
Screenwriter: Stuart Townsend
Cinematographer: Barry Ackroyd
Music: One Point Six Ltd.
Principal Cast: Andre Benjamin, Jennifer Carpenter, Isaach De Bankolé, Woody Harrelson, Martin Henderson, Joshua Jackson, Ray Liotta, Connie Nielsen, Michelle Rodriguez, Rade Sherbedzija, Channing Tatum, Charlize Theron
Filmography: Debut Feature Film
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(3 reviews)
user reviews
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Generally Mediocre, May 23, 2008
By Rick Dailey
“This movie was pretty darn bad. There were heaps of cringe-inducing lines of dialog and generally mediocre acting. To their credit, the principal actors didn't have much to work with, especially Ms. Theron. Her ability was absolutely wasted since her character spends most of her onscreen time”
… full review
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More than History!, May 23, 2008
By Nancy Kroon
“I loved this film because Townsend, et al, didn't use the WTO protests as a backdrop for some sappy love story or tragedy. In fact it seems to me the relationships of the characters were used to make political points. When does THAT happen! Anyone who was downtown that fateful week will be excited”
… full review
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Battle In Seattle, Jun 04, 2008
By Jeff Cavanaugh
“We'll give Mr. Townsend credit for doing some of the shooting in Seattle, and for finding an excuse for Ms. Theron to look gorgeous. Other than that, the film was mediocre at best. And there was nothing that Ray Liotta (as the unnamed mayor) could possibly do. Watchable, but definitely not a”
… full review
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