Name a Seat

Name a Seat in the Iconic SIFF Cinema Downtown!

SIFF Cinema Downtown (formerly the historic Seattle Cinerama) opened in 2023 and has since brought tens of thousands of cinephiles together for magical and inspiring programming. From classic noir, retrospectives, blockbusters, family favorites, and movies from first-time filmmakers, to those films shown on 35mm and 70mm, it all happens in this theater. SIFF currently screens more films on celluloid than any other cinema in Seattle.

Now, you can put your stamp on this historic gem by naming a seat in SIFF Cinema Downtown! Or, give a truly unique and special gift by honoring the movie lover in your life with a seat (or two) of their own. You can also recognize your favorite filmmaker, commemorate a birthday or anniversary, or demonstrate your company’s support of a vital and historic Seattle institution.

Your support of this campaign ensures that SIFF can continue bringing people together for meaningful cinematic experiences. Each tax-deductible gift of $750 or $1,500 reserves a seat recognition with your chosen text. Donations can be made online via credit card, check, stock, donor-advised fund, or IRA distribution.

Name a Seat

Existing gifts and pledges cannot be applied to seat naming. However, flexible payment options and schedules are available! To make your payment in installments, please email giving@siff.net.

Seat naming text is limited to 20 characters per line (up to two lines) and subject to approval. Recognition text will be placed on the back of the selected seat.

First installation will happen in December 2026.

Seat naming opportunities do not include memberships, cinema tickets or passes, or rights to sit in the named seat during film screenings and programs. As a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible.

Click Here for Seat Map

FAQ's

How can I pay for my seat naming?

You can either pay in full or you may choose to pay in installments. For credit card installments, monthly payments will be processed until the pledge has been fulfilled. We also accept check, stock, donor-advised funds, or IRA distributions (which are all fully tax-deductible). For these giving options, please send us an email.

What do I receive when I reserve my place?

You’ll receive an email from SIFF confirming your donation and the wording you chose. Each seat recognition is a personalized label fixed on the upper back of the seat in the section that corresponds to your gift level.

What can my seat naming include?

You may choose to list your own name, yourself plus your partner or other family members, or you may recognize a relative, friend, company, etc. You may also use phrases such as “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” to further personalize your seat recognition. Movie quotes, messages, etc., are not permitted. Text is determined by the donor but is subject to character limitations and SIFF’s approval.

Where will the seat recognition be placed? 

Your seat recognition will be on the upper back of the seat in the section that corresponds to your gift level. For a visual reference, you can view the photos shown at the top of the web page. Recognition will be clearly visible to others. The location of your recognition will be communicated with you after purchase.

May I choose a specific seat for my recognition?

You may make a request for a specific seat location as long as the section corresponds with your gift level. We cannot guarantee specific seat locations.

May I purchase a group of seats? Is there a discount if I donate in support of more than one seat? 

Yes, you may purchase more than one seat and we will ensure that your seats are grouped together. There is no discount if you purchase more than one seat.  

Will the seat that displays my recognition become my permanent seat for future screenings and programs that I attend?

While we are thrilled to display your seat recognition, it does not reserve the use of the seat for any SIFF screenings or programs.

When will installation happen? 

Our goal is to have the first installment occur in December 2026. We will offer a subsequent installment in early 2027. After that, recognition will be installed on a rolling basis.

Will my name be permanent?  

Seat recognition will be honored for ten years. Should individual seat recognition need refreshing or replacing during this time, SIFF will agree to install a new version on behalf of the donor(s).

If you have additional questions, please contact giving@siff.net.