BEST OF NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE AT SIFF FEATURING KENNETH BRANAGH AND BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH

SEATTLE, WA - October 28 - November 7, SIFF presents Best of National Theatre Live, a celebration of 50 years of landmark National Theatre productions. This 11-day film series includes 6 incredible NT Live broadcasts, including the highly anticipated new adaptations of William Shakespeare's "Othello" and "Macbeth."  

 The program begins with director Nicholas Hytner's production of "Othello," Shakespeare's celebrated play about the destructive power of jealousy. Starring Oliver Award-winning actors Adrian Lester (NT Live's "Henry V," BBC's "Hustle") as Othello and Rory Kinnear (Skyfall, "The Hollow Crown")  as the duplicitous Iago, this is a production not to be missed. Kenneth Branagh returns to National Theatre Live for his first Shakespeare performance in over a decade in "Macbeth." Co-starring Alex Kingston ("Doctor Who," "ER") as Lady Macbeth, this unique and electrifying production of Shakespeare's tragic tale directed by Oliver- and Tony Award-winner Rob Asford is a gothic delight. 

This year's Encore NT Live films include thrilling, critically praised performances and unique, vivid productions. Rory Kinnear's acclaimed performance as Hamlet returns to the big screen in this production set in a future police state. Alan Bennett's 2010 play "The Habit of Art," showcases a hilarious and heartfelt performance by the late Richard Griffins. And Danny Boyle's 2011 productions of "Frankenstein" return, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC's "Sherlock," Star Trek Into Darkness) and Jonny Lee Miller ("Elementary," Trainspotting) as the creature and Victor Frankenstein in duel performances, as each actor shows their interpretation of each of these amazing roles. 

Carl Spence, SIFF's Artistic Director, says, "These productions involve some major talents of British theatre, from amazing directors to actors known for their incredible performances in both the theatre and popular television shows. NT Live is the next best thing to watching these plays live in London."

About SIFF
Founded in 1976, SIFF creates experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world with the Seattle International Film Festival, SIFF Cinema, and SIFF Education. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in North America, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest, most highly attended film festival in the United States, reaching more than 150,000 annually. The 25-day festival is renowned for its wide-ranging and eclectic programming, presenting over 250 features and 150 short films from over 70 countries each year. SIFF Cinema exhibits premiere theatrical engagements, repertory, classic, and revival film showings 365 days a year on four screens at the SIFF Film Center and the historic SIFF Cinema Uptown, reaching more than 100,000 attendees annually. SIFF Education offers educational programs for all audiences serving more than 11,000 students and youth in the community with free programs each year.  

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