Festival FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the 47th Seattle International Film Festival, held virtually from April 8 to April 18, 2021.

We are excited to be moving forward with our plans for the 2021 Seattle International Film Festival. We are still in the planning stages and may not have solid answers to all of your burning questions, but here’s what we know now!

Check back here periodically, as we’ll be updating this page as we have more information. We look forward to sharing more details about the festival in early 2021. More questions? Email info@siff.net.

General Questions

What are the dates for the 2021 Seattle International Film Festival?

The 47th Seattle International Film Festival will be held virtually from April 8 to April 18, 2021.

Why did you move the dates?

We considered a wide variety of date possibilities and felt we could present the best Virtual Festival within the date range of April 8-18, 2021. This affords SIFF the opportunity to feature films in advance of the 2021 Academy Awards and encourage audiences to engage virtually before the Seattle weather gets nice.

Are you accepting submissions for the 2021 Festival?

Yes! Submissions are open now through FilmFreeway.

What are you planning for the Festival in 2022?

Thanks for asking! We learn new information every week that affects our planning, and we are evolving as we learn. We don’t have 2022 plans yet, and are excited to see how 2021 goes.

Ticketing Questions

What happens to my 2020 deferred pass and ticket pack?

For our customers who chose to defer their SIFF 2020 purchases, we’ll be reaching out in early 2021 with additional information and options for you, prior to new tickets and passes going onsale.

When will passes and ticket packs go on sale?

Check back in early 2021 for more information once we know for sure.

Will you have tickets on sale to members before the general public?

Yes, we will release tickets to SIFF members prior to going on sale to the general public. Be sure your membership is up-to-date!

Will Virtual Festival screenings have member discounts?

Yes, there will be member discounts available on Festival tickets and passes.

What happens to my volunteer vouchers?

All hardcopy ticket vouchers associated with volunteer shifts will be extended through June 30, 2021, so they can be utilized at the 2021 Virtual Festival. More information about how to redeem your volunteer vouchers will be available in early 2021.

Streaming Questions

How will films be screened?

All films will be screened virtually via SIFF’s Virtual platform by CineSend.

What is CineSend?

CineSend is a platform which gives viewers a high quality in-home cinematic experience while also providing MPAA-accredited DRM protection for our filmmakers.

Can I view virtual films from anywhere?

With few exceptions, our virtual programs can be accessed from anywhere in the US, and many will be available worldwide. Certain film titles may be subject to geo-blocking restrictions at distributor’s discretion; those films will have geographical restrictions noted on their film page.

When will the lineup be announced?

The full lineup will be announced in late March 2021. Sign up for our eNews to stay on top of all the information.

Event Questions

Will there be Q&As?

There will be virtual Q&As with filmmakers for select screenings. Check the film program when it is announced for details on Q&As for specific films.

Will there be volunteer shifts available?

We are ironing out those details, and will have more information early 2021. New volunteers should register through Shiftboard to stay up-to-date on volunteer opportunities. Learn more on our Volunteer page.

Cinema Questions

Will you be open for any in-person screenings for the 2021 festival?

SIFF, like many other independent cinemas in town, may not be fully operational in April 2021. We are not able to effectively plan for any in-person events at this time, given the health and safety concerns.

When will SIFF Cinemas reopen?

SIFF, like many other independent cinemas in town, is not currently able to reopen within the health and safety guidelines from the State. We are still working toward a 2021 reopening.

How to Support

I would like to help support making this Virtual Festival the best it can be. What can I do?

One of the best ways you can support SIFF right now is by making a donation. Donate now.

How can I become a Virtual Festival sponsor?

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities with SIFF, contact us at partnerships@siff.net.