2026 Seattle International Film Festival to open with Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters

SEATTLE – The 52nd Seattle International Film Festival will open with Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters. The Festival’s Opening Night Film will screen on Thursday, May 7 at The Paramount Theatre followed by an afterparty at Cannonball Arts.

I Love Boosters follows a crew of professional shoplifters taking aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It’s like community service! Boots Riley’s sophomore film stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza Gonzalez, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle & Demi Moore. Riley’s feature debut Sorry to Bother You was featured as the Centerpiece film at the 2018 Seattle International Film Festival.

“SIFF was thrilled to share Boots Riley’s breakout film Sorry to Bother You with our audiences in 2018, and it’s especially exciting to welcome him back to open the Festival with I Love Boosters,” said SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett, “Riley brings together an incredible cast for a film that’s bold, funny, and unmistakably his own, blending sharp social satire with a wildly entertaining ride. It’s the kind of audacious filmmaking that demands to be experienced with a full house at The Paramount, making it the perfect way to kick off the 52nd Seattle International Film Festival.”

Tickets for opening night film as well as a package including both the film & after party access are available now online at siff.net/passes and in person at SIFF Cinema box offices. The after party at Cannonball Arts will include immersive gallery exhibits, a signature photo activation, food, drinks, and a live set from DJ Eliogold, the artist behind the festival's official trailer music.


Opening Night Film & Party
The Paramount Theatre & Cannonball Arts
May 7, 2026

6:00pm - The Paramount doors open
7:00pm - SIFF Welcome & Opening Night film I Love Boosters begins
Following the film: After party at Cannonball Arts.