SIFF to Conclude Operations at the Egyptian Theatre After a Decade of Stewardship

SEATTLE – SIFF and Seattle Central Colleges announced today that SIFF will not continue its lease to manage and operate the historic Egyptian Theatre, located in the Fine Arts Building owned by the college.

Since a flood in fall 2024 resulted in the venue’s closure for repairs, SIFF has not operated out of the Egyptian. During that time, both organizations have taken time to reflect and assess the future of the space and the changing landscape of the arts in Seattle.

“After a lengthy decision process and many discussions, SIFF and Seattle Central have mutually decided to end SIFF’s current lease at the Egyptian. Since the fall of 2024, much has changed for SIFF, our city, and the arts industry at large,” said Tom Mara, SIFF’s Executive Director. “For many months we prioritized finding a path to reopen this beloved venue. SIFF is currently prioritizing financial and operational sustainability above all else so the organization can continue the expansive programming offered at our additional three venues: SIFF Cinema Downtown, SIFF Cinema Uptown, and the SIFF Film Center.”

“Seattle Central is proud to have supported SIFF’s presence at the Egyptian Theatre for over a decade,” the college said in a statement, “Our focus remains on how our facilities, including this space, can best support our students and the college’s mission. We’re proud to have been part of SIFF’s story and thankful for their stewardship of this space.”

The decision reflects both the current realities of arts funding and the extensive resources required to operate a historic venue of the Egyptian’s size and age. SIFF leadership emphasized that while the Egyptian holds deep cultural and emotional significance, reopening the venue was not a sustainable path forward for the organization.

“The Egyptian Theatre has been an integral part of SIFF’s identity for nearly 50 years, and especially the last decade," said Mara. “Its absence has already been deeply felt, and this decision was not made lightly. We are incredibly grateful to Seattle Central for their partnership, and to every audience member who walked through the doors since we began operating the Egyptian in 2014.”

“To our community: You are the heart of SIFF. As we turn this page, we ask you to continue showing up for the arts, not just by attending screenings, but by supporting your local nonprofit theaters. Your generosity helps keep spaces like this alive.”

If you have questions about your SIFF membership, please contact membership@siff.net. For questions on cinema passes or vouchers, please contact boxoffice@siff.net. To donate to SIFF, please visit siff.net/donate.

Browse a small collection of photos of SIFF in the Egyptian over the years on the SIFF Blog.

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About SIFF:
Beginning in 1976 with the annual Seattle International Film Festival, then expanding into year-round programming, SIFF is a 501c3 cultural arts organization dedicated to the creation of vibrant experiences and spaces that champion film discovery and arts education. SIFF envisions a thriving arts ecosystem where film discovery encourages a more empathetic, joyful, and connected world.

In its theaters, SIFF offers year-round screenings, Film Talks, and a series of spotlight festivals throughout the year. SIFF also serves the community through educational programs and SIFFsupports, a partnership program that hosts and provides technical support to a variety of special screenings and festivals.

For showtimes and event updates, visit siff.net.