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Seattle Film Fest Ignites with Global Cinema
15 Apr
Summary
- SIFF 2026 features 203 films from 71 countries and regions.
- Festival opens with Boots Riley's 'I Love Boosters' and closes with Olivia Wilde's 'The Invite'.
- SIFF acts as a crucial launchpad for films lacking U.S. distribution.

The 52nd Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF 2026) is set to captivate audiences from May 7 to 17 across various city venues. This significant cinematic event will present 203 films hailing from 71 countries and regions, highlighting Seattle's dynamic role in the film industry. The festival's lineup includes 71 narrative features, 34 documentaries, and 98 short films, many of which are new to U.S. distribution.
Opening the festival is Boots Riley's 'I Love Boosters,' starring Keke Palmer and LaKeith Stanfield. The closing night will feature Olivia Wilde's directorial effort, 'The Invite,' a relationship drama penned by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. Beyond these features, SIFF 2026 will highlight a range of eclectic films, including local productions and genre pieces.
SIFF is renowned for its commitment to emerging filmmakers, serving as a vital launchpad for projects that might otherwise face distribution challenges. The festival also celebrates cinematic excellence through various juried and audience-voted awards, including the Official Competition, Documentary Competition, and the Golden Space Needle Awards. Winners are set to be announced on May 17.