Virtual FAQ

Frequently asked questions about SIFF's virtual cinema and film festival offerings.

On this page: The Basics | Buying Your Ticket | Accessing Films | Different Devices

The Basics

When are Virtual SIFF Cinema films available to watch?

When new Virtual SIFF Cinema films are added, they will become available on Fridays at 12:01am PT.

When a film's Virtual SIFF Cinema run is ending, it will expire after 11:59pm PT on Thursday.

How much are tickets?

Tickets:

  • Virtual SIFF Cinema ticket prices may vary; however, our standard prices are $12 General Admission, $11 for Students & Seniors, and $7 for SIFF Members.

We also offer a Sustainer level ticket for $20. Please consider purchasing a Sustainer ticket if you plan to watch on a single device with family and friends.

What devices can I use to watch a film?

  • Roku: The channel is only built for 3rd generation or newer Roku devices. Get the SIFF channel for Roku
  • TV using HDMI cord: Watch a quick video to learn how to use a laptop and HDMI cord to watch on your TV
  • TV using Chromecast or AirPlay
  • Computer: Any PC running Windows 7+; any Mac running OS 10.12+
  • Android tablet or phone: Any tablet or phone using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later
  • iPad or iPhone: Any iPad or iPhone using Safari on iOS 11.2 or later
  • The SIFF streaming portal does not currently support viewing on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, or Tizen.

Do I have to be in the U.S. to watch a film? Or in Washington?

All Virtual SIFF Cinema films are available only to viewers within the U.S. If there are any additional restrictions from film distributors, those will be clearly marked in the film descriptions.

Please note: Even if your billing address or mailing address is in the U.S., your location is determined by your device’s IP address. If your IP address is not in the U.S., you won’t be able to access your film.

If you have a VPN (virtual private network) set up, we recommend that you disable it, as it may prevent you from accessing the films.

Can virtual films still sell out?

For some films, yes. If a distributor has limited the number of tickets available, a film can still sell out. If there are films you really want to see, it would be best to purchase a ticket as soon as possible when the film opens. Most films will be available without restrictions.

How much time do I have to watch a film?

For ticket holders, once you start a film, you can view it up to 48 hours from the time you begin watching, as long as it is before the expiration time for that film.

Pass holders will be able to view their films at any time on demand, until the film expires.

Any films leaving Virtual SIFF Cinema in a given week will expire at 11:59pm PT on Thursday.

Can I rewind or start a program over?

Yes. You can use the controls in the watch portal to rewind or start a program over.

My streaming ticket/pass/link isn’t working. What do I do?

For customer support, please email us at boxoffice@siff.net. This email account is monitored Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. We will respond as soon as possible.

Buying Your Ticket

How do I purchase a single ticket?

Tickets for individual films are available as soon as the film is announced in our Virtual SIFF Cinema schedule. Individual tickets for Cinema Italian Style will go on sale December 3.

  • Go to siff.net and log-in to your account. If you’re a new user, you’ll need to create an account.
    Browse through the films currently playing at siff.net/virtual.
  • Click the “Buy Ticket" or "Rent Online" button, which you’ll see for any film currently available.
  • If you are a Member, be sure to be signed in to access your discounted ticket rate. (If the film has a member discount available, it will be noted on the individual film webpage)
  • After you’ve selected your tickets, go to your cart and check out.
  • You’ll know you’ve completed your purchase once you receive a confirmation email.

Does each person watching need a separate pass/ticket?

  • If you will be watching with friends and family on a single device, please consider purchasing a Sustainer level ticket.
  • For pass holders or anyone else wishing to further support SIFF when watching with friends, please consider making a donation.
  • SIFF is a non-profit organization and we thank you for your support to sustain our theatres, programming, and community outreach!

Accessing Films

If I have a ticket, how can I watch?

  • If your virtual event is open for viewing, you’ll be provided a link immediately after purchase, on the order confirmation screen.
  • If the virtual event opens at a later date and time, you’ll receive a Virtual Access email (to the same email you used for purchase) one hour before the virtual event begins. Follow the link to submit your unique Voucher Code.

If I have a pass, how can I watch?

Passholders receive a link to create an account at watch.siff.net. Login to your account to watch all of your films in one place.

Where can I find my ticket?

You can find your ticket information in the confirmation email you received, or by logging in to your account at siff.net.

I am getting an error that I am not in the right location to watch this film. How can I remedy this?

  • Some films may have location-based restrictions. We recommend checking the description of the film for any location restrictions listed and ensure you are located within this area before purchasing a ticket. Please keep in mind, your location is determined by where your internet service provider says you are currently located, not based on your billing address.
  • If you're in the right place to be able to view the film and still encountering issues, check to see if you have a VPN (virtual private network) enabled. If you do, that may prevent you from playing the film. Please disable any VPN before enjoying your film.

Why is my video stalling or not playing smoothly?

Your streaming quality automatically adjusts based on your internet speed. If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent, you may experience problems during playback. If you’re using wifi, try moving closer to your router.

Different Devices

I would like to watch Virtual SIFF offerings on my TV. What apps are available?

Roku: The channel is only built for 3rd generation or newer Roku devices. Get the SIFF channel for Roku

The SIFF streaming portal does not currently support viewing on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, or Tizen.

How can I use an HDMI cord to watch on my TV?

What are the system requirements to watch on my computer?

You should be able to watch on any PC running Windows 7+ or on any Mac running OS 10.12+ through watch.siff.net.

Can I watch on my tablet or smartphone?

  • For iPhone/iPad: You can watch content using Safari on iOS 11.2 or later through watch.siff.net. Important note: Due to content protection restrictions, the Screen Mirroring feature cannot be used. Additionally, HDMI or other video dongles cannot be connected to your device.
  • For Android phones/tablets: You can watch content using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later through watch.siff.net.
  • NOTE: Our apps are not available via mobile devices. You can view titles on your phone/tablet's web browsers only.

Can I Chromecast content (Android)?

You can Chromecast from a Firefox (recommended) or Chrome web browser on PC and Mac computers, as well as Android devices, by selecting the cast button in the bottom right-hand side of the player at watch.siff.net.

Can I use AirPlay (Apple)?

You can AirPlay from most browsers on your Apple device, if you have Apple TV, by selecting the cast button in the bottom right-hand side of the player at watch.siff.net.

How do I watch films using the Roku channel?

  • First, install the SIFF channel on your Roku – search for “SIFF” on the Roku channel store, or use this link.
  • Ticket Holders: After you’ve purchased your virtual ticket on the SIFF website, your confirmation email will contain a 9-digit code. Enter this code into the SIFF Roku channel to watch.
  • Passholders: Login using your email address and the password you created to access the SIFF Virtual Portal. Passholder access does not require a voucher code.
  • PLEASE NOTE: The SIFF app only works on 3RD GENERATION ROKUS OR NEWER.