Northwest Film Forum

April 23, 2013 – Today, Northwest Film Forum takes its first steps toward a full digital conversion of its cinemas by launching a new crowd-funding project campaign for $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Like many other media arts non-profits, the Film Forum faces an imperative from the film industry to complete a whole-scale format conversion, away from the 120 year-old standard of 35mm projection to the new "Digital Cinema Package" (known in shorthand as DCP). Within the current year, the motion picture industry will complete a transition to DCP as the new standard for film exhibition on a global scale.

This is the first Kickstarter campaign Northwest Film Forum has undertaken, following in the footsteps of many other independent film centers throughout the United States. City Arts magazine profiled this change in its July 2012 issue during an interview about the "digital destiny" with Film Forum Program Director Adam Sekuler.

"DCP is the future and it is happening now," says Sekuler. "Within the year, 85% of the films we screen at Northwest Film Forum will only be available in a digital format. This is an exciting time for the independent film and a moment of real change and opportunity for us."

Northwest Film Forum's 8,000 square foot venue on Capitol Hill serves thousands of cinema audiences, students, filmmakers, community organizations and other arts non-profits in Seattle each year. Conversion to DCP is part of a three-year project to upgrade the space, which has already begun with a cinema seating renovation in December 2012 (made possibly by private donors as well as public bodies including 4Culture and the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs). Planned upgrades in 2013-14 alongside DCP include a full lobby and marquee renovation, a state-of-the-art upgrade of film classroom space and new staff hiring.

"Our hearts will always beat a little faster when we see a 35mm film, and we will play that pretty format as long as it is available and until it fades entirely," says Lyall Bush, the Film Forum’s Executive Director. "The equipment we need to show digital images will be an investment in our future; with it we can keep serving Seattle audiences and filmmakers around the world.” 

For immediate release – Northwest Film Forum, Seattle’s nonprofit center for film arts, bids farewell to long-time Program Director Adam Sekuler in 2013. Sekuler has led the Film Forum's cinema programming department since 2006, and steps down in October of this year.

Sekuler's seven years at Northwest Film Forum have brought the organization into a leadership role, both locally and nationally, for alternative film exhibition. Under Sekuler, the Film Forum has championed emerging independent filmmakers, introduced Northwest audiences to a diverse array of visiting artists from around the globe, including Ramin Bahrani, Miguel Gomes, Denis Cote, Thom Anderson and Valerie Massadian among others, and built high-impact touring film programs, inviting audiences across the country to deepen their engagement with the film arts. 

In 2007 Sekuler organized a nineteen-film, nationally touring Shohei Imamura retrospective that was a landmark of international film exhibition in the United States, and included a tour book produced in association with the Smithsonian Institute. Since 2008 he has also built an innovative alternative distribution network, for new international films without theatrical distribution opportunities. Films that benefited from this ongoing program include Lisandro Alonso's Liverpool, Pedro Costa's Ne Change Rien, Albert Serra's Bird Song and Oliver Laxe's You Are All Captains, all of which have toured to dozens of cities in North America.

Of his departure, Sekuler says, "The Northwest Film Forum is the reason I came to Seattle. It’s an inspirational home to hundreds of filmmakers in the city, but most importantly, it continues to introduce Seattle to filmmakers from across the globe. It has nurtured my development both as a film curator and filmmaker and I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to participate on such a deep level. Seattle is fortunate to have such a rich film culture with Northwest Film Forum as its backbone. I know I’ll stay connected to the institution for years to come." 

Northwest Film Forum's period of significant transition and growth continues with the hiring of Line Sandsmark as Development Director, the first full-time staff position devoted to individual, foundation, government and corporate support and fundraising in the organization's history. Sandsmark joins the Film Forum's staff after a three-year term on the Board, first as Treasurer and then as President.

Sandsmark brings to the Film Forum 18 years of festival management, grantmaking and producing experience from the European film industry. Since 2005, Sandsmark has focused on development and financing of feature and documentary films for Svensk Filmindustri and as head of EDN (European Documentary Network). She has developed and financed award-winning films through her production company Kaliber filmproduksjon, and as head of Western Norway Film Centre. Since her return to Seattle in 2010, Sandsmark has completed an MFA in Seattle University's Arts Leadership program while reacquainting herself with the city through her work at various arts organizations. Of her new position, Line Sandsmark said, ""I was drawn to Northwest Film Forum while still living abroad. It's an organization that has redefined Seattle from my point of view, and I'm honored to join this wonderful staff."

“The Film Forum has been lucky,” said Executive Director Lyall Bush. “For more than seven years one of the best programmers in the country has called Seattle, and Northwest Film Forum, home. Adam’s intelligence, keen eye for new voices, energy and heart are rare, and they will be missed. At the same time, we are delighted that Line Sandsmark will be joining us as Development Director. Her experience and background in film along with her intelligence and resourcefulness make her an ideal candidate as we increase our direct support of film projects and seek to expand our overall commitment to new voices in independent film.”

New staff hiring is part of an ongoing, three-year organizational expansion at Northwest Film Forum, which includes physical renovations of its venue, expanded direct granting to filmmakers and a conversion to digital cinema exhibition. 

April 9, 2013 – Northwest Film Forum's Live series ends its 2012-13 season with two world-premiere commissions, featuring new work by writer/historian Luc Sante and musician/composer Robin Holcomb.

Live at the Film Forum is in its fourth year, presenting innovative new performances that reflect film's inherent collaborative energy and experimentation. The Film Forum's invitation to working artists across diverse disciplines is part of a unique organizational commitment to expanding how audiences experience cinema as an art form, both on screen and off.

"Spring is a season of new horizons, and we hope audiences take away a fresh perspective on cinema from these two commissioned performances," says Executive Director Lyall Bush. "I'm humbled by the caliber of the artists we continue to attract, and their innovative take on the intersection of film with other art forms, which continues to delight and provoke us."

In April, New York-based, Belgian-born writer Luc Sante conjures an alternative view of the City of Light in The Other Paris (April 18 – 20 at 8pm). Using clips of French films—fiction and documentary, well-known and obscure, ranging across the whole length of the twentieth century—Sante will present the Parisian underbelly in all its splendor and misery. He will guide the audience on a travelogue—on foot, by car, and aboard the elevated Metro—usher them into dancehalls and saloons, and investigate the city’s suburban fringe - the staging ground of its future. Sante, the author of Low Life, Evidence, Kill All Your Darlings, and numerous other works on photography, social history and crime, was historical consultant on Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York. His new book, La Canaille: Paris and Its Rabble, is scheduled to be published in 2014.

In May, three diverse Seattle-based artists join forces for an engagement with the Donner Party tragedy in We Are All Failing Them (May 16 – 18 at 8pm). Composer Robin Holcomb, animator and designer Britta Johnson and theater artist Curtis Taylor are joined by an ensemble of musicians performing an original song cycle, with film and objects, that draws on the languages of recital, film and staged séance. The trio brings a powerful set of creative skills to bear, including Holcomb's work as a solo artist and original cross-genre composer of international repute, Johnson's films (she has previously collaborated with contemporary musicians as diverse as Laura Veirs, Andrew Bird and Minus the Bear) and Taylor's original written, directed and designed work for the stage which has been shown across the United States including at SXSW, the TBA Festival at PICA in Portland and On the Boards.

"Both of these Live series performances have a preoccupation with alternative histories and alternative storytelling, which ties in perfectly with our cinema programs," says program director Adam Sekuler. "The artists are taking a textured and thoughtful approach to multi-genre creative work, and I think our audiences will really feel the passion and momentum that I'm seeing in the development process for these commissions."

Individual tickets for Live at the Film Forum performances are available for $15 general public, $12 Film Forum members, and can be purchased by phone at 1.800.838.3006 or online.

Major support for the 2012-2013 season of Live at the Film Forum has been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, ArtsFund, 4Culture, the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, the Seattle Foundation, ArtsWA and The Stranger. Support for We Are All Failing Them provided by 4Culture and The MAP Fund, a program of Creative Capital.

February 25, 2013 – Northwest Film Forum is proud to announce a major retrospective of African-American filmmakers during L.A. Rebellion (March 1 – 24, weekends), a film and conversation series which looks in-depth at a group of artists trained at UCLA in the 1960s and 70s, their response to the culture of their era and their lasting influence on fellow artists. 

Supported by Humanities Washington, L.A. Rebellion invites audiences to join in a dialogue about race, history and cinema over four unique weekends of diverse films, many shown in new 16mm and 35mm prints. The series launches with Julie Dash's Daughters of the Dust (March 1), a landmark independent film that uses surreal imagery to explore the Gullah community, descendents of slaves living in southern Georgia at the turn of the century. Dash's film was the first feature directed by an African-American woman to receive general theatrical distribution in the United States, in 1992.

L.A. Rebellion features cinema salons each weekend that are free and open to the public. These events include special guests in conversation, including speakers from the Radical Women collective, the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival and Sistah Sinema, as well as visitors from further afield. A special highlight of the program is two evenings (March 8 & 9) with acclaimed filmmaker Charles Burnett, recipient of the MacArthur Foundation's "genius grant" and lauded by The New York Times as "the nation's least-known great filmmaker and most gifted black director." 

"The L.A. Rebellion film program offers audiences an opportunity to learn about a historically important link between the past and present situations of Black independent film in the United States," says Zola Mumford, curator of the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival. "There are some parallels between contemporary independent Black filmmakers like Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay (Middle of Nowhere), who some independent film audiences may be more familiar with, and filmmakers trained at UCLA during the late 20th century."

Film Forum Program Director Adam Sekuler says "L.A. Rebellion is our attempt to spotlight an important "new wave" of African-American filmmaking for Northwest audiences. We believe cinema is an art form that can both mirror and provoke social change and political awareness, and the filmmakers of this movement demonstrate, in powerful ways, the issues of their time and the impact of their craft."

L.A. Rebellion films screen Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm throughout the month of March. Regularly priced single film tickets cost $10 for general admission, $7 for students/seniors/children under 12, and $6 for Film Forum members, and can be purchased online at nwfilmforum.org or by phone via Brown Paper Tickets at 1.800.838.3006. A full series pass is available at deep discount, $55 general admission / $35 Film Forum members.  Weekend à la carte passes are also available for  $15 general admission / $10 Film Forum members.

Special thanks to Humanities Advisors Tamara Cooper and Ralina Joseph of the University of Washington. L.A. Rebellion is presented in association with UCLA Film & Television Archive and supported in part by grants from the Getty Foundation and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The series is curated by Allyson Nadia Field, Jan-Christopher Horak, Shannon Kelley and Jacqueline Stewart. 

>> Get a full overview of L.A. Rebellion screenings and events online or download the press release for the full schedule as a PDF.

>> View all current cinema exhibition programs
>> View all current classes and workshops
>> Download a PDF of our spring events calendar

February 18, 2013 – Northwest Film Forum is proud to announce spring screening and class events for February 22 – May 24, 2013. Cinema exhibition highlights this quarter include: 

• The second annual American.Film.Week (Feb 22 – 28). With just one screening per night, the program invites audiences to sample provocative and under-the-radar American film voices. Films in the series cover wide regional and stylistic ground (including a Tlingit community in Alaska, two dark comedies from fiction and non-fiction perspectives and a "remake" of Easy Rider, among others).
   
• A major retrospective of African-American filmmakers during L.A. Rebellion (March 1 – 24, weekends only), which looks in-depth at a group of artists trained at UCLA in the 1960s and 70s, their impact on the culture of the era and their lasting influence on fellow filmmakers. Supported by Humanities Washington, the series encourages audiences to converse about race and history, and features a very special evening with Charles Burnett (the New York Times called Burnett "the nation's least-known great filmmaker and most gifted black director") in person on March 8.
   
• Two international film series covering new trends in cinema from Argentina (Cine Independiente, April 12 – 14) and global perspectives on architecture (The Built World, May 3 – 5), respectively. Both programs foreground political, social and cultural issues impacting contemporary filmmakers, from Buenos Aires to Algiers to Rome and beyond.
   
• The conclusion of Live at the Film Forum's 2012-13 season. The Film Forum's ongoing Live series commissions artists working outside of cinema to create new performances that intersect with film. This spring features two performances rooted firmly in time and place: one explores the seedy underbelly of Paris during the 1920s-1950s, and the other evokes the late 1800s American West. With new work by Brooklyn writer Luc Sante (April 18 – 20) and Seattle musician Robin Holcomb (May 16 – 18).

Education program highlights this quarter include:

• Master classes from two diverse contemporary filmmakers: veteran director Kyle Henry (multiple Independent Spirit Award and Emmy Award nominations and wins), in Seattle for the premiere of Fourplay (March 3) and emerging cinematographer Nandan Rao (March 23), whose directorial debut The Men of Dodge City won the feature jury prize at the Film Forum's Local Sightings Film Festival in September 2012.
   
• Two popular classes focused on film craft: a DIY guide to creating DSLR lenses at home and a film camp "for grownups," taught by local filmmaker Christian Palmer (William Never Married). Both classes provide an accessible road into learning elements of filmmaking, combining humor with practical skills and training that can be applied to professional projects or amateur/experimental art making. 
   
• A scream-worthy overview of 1980s horror cinema, in the spring edition of the Film Forum's ongoing Required Viewing courses (focused on film history and theory). The class spotlights issues impacting horror genre filmmakers during the decade, including the onslaught of the AIDS epidemic and Reagan-era ideologies, and how they played out on screen.

Among other program highlights this quarter, the Film Forum's annual gala on May 10 is a major event on the Seattle film community's social calendar, providing an opportunity for filmmakers and donors to network and support the organization's work. Tickets will be available on the Film Forum's website in mid-March.

Enjoy this in-depth video interview with Northwest Film Forum Executive Director Lyall Bush, interviewed by Eric Liu on Seattle Voices, produced by The Seattle Channel.

>> also on tap: Lyall Bush, Liz Riley and Steve Scher chat on KUOW's Weekday, listen now.

For immediate release: Northwest Film Forum is pleased to announce a prestigious Film Festival Grant from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in support of Children's Film Festival Seattle, its annual festival for children and families. The Film Forum is just one of 23 U.S. arts organizations to receive support this year from The Academy, and it is the first time the festival has been recognized in this way.

Children's Film Festival Seattle is the largest and most respected film festival on the West Coast dedicated to families, curated by Northwest Film Forum especially for ages 3 to 12.  The 2013 festival (January 24 – February 3) features special programs connecting artists directly with audiences, with highlights including a world premiere live score for the silent film Captain January by renowned harpist Leslie McMichael, a Seattle visit by acclaimed British animator Charlotte Blacker to host free and low-cost educational filmmaking workshops, and a special program spotlight on youth work made by patients at Seattle Children's Hospital – which will screen for their peers during closing night of the festival.

"This award from The Academy is a meaningful show of support for our ongoing work to engage young people with film creativity," said Elizabeth Shepherd, who has directed the festival since its inception. "Our youth juries, our festival audiences and our visiting artists are reaping the benefits of being able to talk, watch and work with each other during a joyful 11 festival days."

Film Forum Executive Director Lyall Bush says, "The Film Forum has long been a hub for connecting audiences with filmmakers – from the newest emerging film artists to the most seasoned professionals. The Academy's generous support for our annual children's festival allows us to further our mission by putting transformative film experiences and filmmaking tools in the hands of young people, inspiring the best and brightest Northwest filmmakers of tomorrow." 

The Academy Foundation – the Academy’s cultural and educational wing – annually distributes more than $1 million to film scholars, cultural organizations and film festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad. In December 2012 Northwest Film Forum presented a retrospective of experimental filmmaker Stan Brakhage that was made possible by the preservation work of the Academy Film Archive, also supported by the Academy Foundation.

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Thank you to all of our audiences, artists, teachers, students, partners, members and supporters for another amazing year of film-going and filmmaking at Northwest Film Forum.  Please enjoy our 2012 holiday card!

>> Film Forum administrative offices are closed December 24 - January 1.

>> Film Forum cinemas are closed December 21 - January 3 and re-open in the new year with Francine.

>> Our free annual holiday party is Friday, December 21 at 7pm - we (and Santa) look forward to seeing you there with egg-nog or potluck contribution in hand!

>> Looking for last-minute holiday gifts?  We have a few ideas.

>> Show your support for independent film and filmmaking in Seattle: please consider a tax-deductible membership or donation at the end of 2012.

>> View all current cinema exhibition programs
>> View all current classes and workshops
>> Download a PDF of our winter 12-13 calendar

November 16, 2012 – Northwest Film Forum is proud to announce winter screening and class events for the period of November 23, 2012 – February 21, 2013.

Cinema exhibition highlights this quarter include: 

$15,000 awarded to Seattle and Portland documentary film projects in second year of major cash grants 

Northwest Film Forum announces major events in September 2012

It's a busy beginning for Northwest Film Forum's fall season of programming, including the launch of the fourth year of Live at the Film Forum and the annual Local Sightings Film Festival. 

>> Read more about UMO Ensemble's dark, hallucinatory production of Maldoror

>> Get a sneak peak at the 15th edition of Local Sightings

Music, film and design collide in Sam Green and Yo La Tengo's "live documentary" performance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Seattle Theatre Group (STG) and Northwest Film Forum announce the Seattle premiere of a new "live documentary" from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sam Green, featuring an original live score created and performed by the band Yo La Tengo. The event is scheduled for September 11, 2012 at the Moore Theatre in downtown Seattle and features a unique format combining film clips, live narration and live music.  The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller traces the career of twentieth-century futurist, architect, engineer, inventor, and author R. Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983). An early proponent of environmental stewardship, Fuller spoke persuasively about contemporary design and architecture's ability to tackle issues of sustainability and conservation, and to stimulate radical societal change.    

 Popular Seattle film and event series returns for its 11th year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Northwest Film Forum announces major project grants and services for local documentary filmmakers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 31, 2012 - Northwest Film Forum is pleased to announce the second year of its grant prgram for filmmakers of promise and vision, the Northwest Film Fund. 

The Northwest Film Fund supports documentary film projects in the Northwest (including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska) at any stage of completion. The Fund offers vital support to emerging filmmakers, helping promising films transition more rapidly from the planning stage to production, and providing a platform to introduce excellent new documentaries into the world.

Via an open invitation process in summer 2012, Northwest Film Forum will award at least one grant of $10,000 in cash, as well as a package of artist services including legal consultation, post-production services with leading Seattle post houses, an meetings with KCTS-Channel 9 and the Seattle International Film Festival.

Grant awards are competitive and decided by a panel of experts who review the initial round of applications and make the final selection. Film Fund jurors are invited to offer master classes and panel discussions, open to all documentary filmmakers, at the Film Forum.  

Northwest Film Forum launched the Northwest Film Fund in 2011. After a competitive selection process, the directors Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher were awarded an $11,000 cash grant, which enabled the completion of their new documentary Off Label. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2012, and has also screened at HotDocs and the San Francisco International Film Festival. blog.nwfilmforum.org/?p=5526

"The Film Forum has supported independent filmmaking from its start," says executive director, Lyall Bush, "and this Fund represents one of the largest cash awards in the region. I'm proud of this direct support of artists and believe it will help bring great new work into the world. We are anticipating another great clutch of proposals this year."

The submission deadline for 2012 Northwest Film Fund applications is July 27. Awards will be announced at the Film Forum's Local Sightings Film Festival in October. Complete information and an online application is available at www.nwfilmforum.org/go/nwffportal/nwfilmfund.php.

The Northwest Film Fund receives generous support from regional foundations and individuals, many of whom supported the Documentary Pooled Fund, founded by Humanities Washington. The Documentary Pooled Fund awarded 10 local documentary films from 2003 to 2005, including the award-winning Wheedle's Groove and Made in China. The Film Forum is proud to carry on the legacy that Humanities Washington created.

Northwest Film Forum has nurtured filmmakers since 1995, having supported over 700 Northwest projects through artist-focused programs. In addition to grants, the Film Forum's year-round artist support services include classes, affordable equipment rentals, edit suites and fiscal sponsorship. Information about artist support resources is available at www.nwfilmforum.org/live/collection/grants.

The Seattle Foundation's GiveBIG is a one day, online charitable giving event that provides a match for every gift made during a 24-hour period.  Last year, GiveBIG raised $4.1 million to support over 900 nonprofits in our community. Please consider supporting Northwest Film Forum on this year's GiveBIG day on May 2!

How does GiveBIG work?

Grow Your Gift

A share of every contribution made through The Seattle Foundation's online Giving Center between midnight and midnight on May 2 will be matched by The Seattle Foundation and GiveBIG's corporate sponsors, who have put $500,000 into the "stretch pool."

Win a Golden Ticket

During the day, you could be chosen at random to have your charity of choice - Northwest Film Forum - receive an additional $1,000 from GiveBIG's sponsors. This year, the selected donor will also be eligible to win a Starbucks gift card worth $100.

Donations of any size count! Please mark your calendar today and remember to make a gift on May 2 (between midnight and midnight) by going to our page on The Seattle Foundation's Giving Center.

Thank you in advance for giving big to help Northwest Film Forum discover and champion the work of visionary filmmakers, support Northwest film artists and engage the public with a deeper exploration of the cinematic arts. Learn more about the work we do and why we're Seattle's premiere film arts organization.
 

The great Austrian director Michael Glawogger is in Seattle April 24 - 26, 2012 to screen his outstanding Globalization Trilogy documentaries at Northwest Film Forum.  Join us for a special happy hour with the director in advance of his masterclass on Werner Herzog's Fata Morgana.

Thursday, April 26, 2012
5-7pm
Free happy hour at Northwest Film Forum
Get tickets for our artist discussion and screening of Fata Morgana at 7pm

Join us at Northwest FIlm Forum for two very special events:

A CONVERSATION WITH JEFF "THE DUDE" DOWD

Thursday, March 29
7-9pm

In the late '70s and early '80s, Jeff Dowd found himself at the epicenter of independent cinema just as it was exploding in the U.S.  It carried him from the grassroots of Seattle (where he had been a long-time political activist) to Los Angeles, where he became a key player in the indie film industry, discovering the Coen brothers, and producing and representing dozens of others.  He even turned Roger Ebert onto The Blair Witch Project.

Join Jeff for a conversation about three decades of film independence, assessing the industry's evolution and its dynamic future.  Discussion with all include contributions from other Seattle film community members.  Tickets at the door ($10; $6 for members).

HAPPY HOUR WITH TJ "OSCAR WINNER" MARTIN

Sunday, April 1
5-7pm

Join the Northwest's premiere incubator of local filmmakers for this very special happy hour, as we fete local artist TJ Martin, winner of the 2012 Best Documentary Oscar for his film Undefeated.  Mix and mingle, with light snacks, a free glass of wine courtesy of The Stranger, and discount prices on local wines and beers from our bar.  

Public, Foundation and Private Gifts Total $100,000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2012 - Northwest Film Forum is pleased to announce receipt of three major gifts since December 2011, including $40,000 from The National Endowment for the Arts  (NEA); $30,000 from The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation; and $30,000 from Vallejo Ganter, an investor of Lynn Shelton’s Your Sister's Sister, who pledged a percentage of profits from the sale of the film.

The Allen Foundation's funding supports the creation of new work through critical artist support programs, including the Northwest Film Fund, Live at the Film Forum, the Filmmaker Institutes and Short Film Production. Recent artists supported include filmmakers Donal Mosher and Michael Palmieri (October Country), who won the inaugural Film Fund award with their daring exploration of pharmaceutical drug use, Off-Label, set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in April. Live at the Film Forum performers supported this season include Jack Hitt and Lauren Weedman.

The Film Forum has nurtured filmmakers since 1995, supporting over 700 Northwest projects through a variety of artist programs including cash grants, production and post-production packages, commissioned work, access to the studio for auditions and production meetings, as well as free gear, editing suites and fiscal sponsorship.

The National Endowment for the Arts continues to be a robust supporter of our screening and artist support programs, supporting dozens of visiting artists every year, Live at the Film Forum, Children's Film Festival Seattle, Local Sightings Film Festival and Indigenous Showcase.  Northwest Film Forum is pleased to be in the top 50% of NEA awardees (grants of more than $25,000) with $40,000 awarded for the past two years.

"We support new work and these gifts allow us to ensure that good filmmakers in the region and in the world can continue to be discovered," says Executive Director Lyall Bush.  "These gifts let us continue to do work that is important to independent cinema." Read more about the ways the Northwest Film Forum supports artists.   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Northwest Film Forum is pleased to announce the world premier of Off Label, winner of the 2011 Northwest Film Fund, at the Tribeca Film Festival.

March 7, 2012 - Off Label, a new documentary by October Country filmmakers Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher, will compete in the World Documentary Feature competition at the Tribeca Film Festivl, April 18 - 29, 2012.  The feature-length documentary film weaves together many powerful, personal stories that include misdiagnosed patients, professional guinea pigs, recreational drug users and soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder.  The term "off-label" refers to the use of pharmeceuticals in any way counter to their prescribed dosage and function.  Directors Palmieri and Mosher spent three years making the film, which exposes the breadth of off-label drug use and takes us on an emotional road trip through an overmedicated and drug-addled America.

Off Label won the 2011 Northwest Film Fund, an artist support grant given to documentary filmakers in the Pacific Northwest, by Northwest Film Forum.  The award, announced in October, was an $11,000 cash award that came with a package of services including legal consulation, 80 hours of post-production support with leading Seattle post houses, and meetings with KCTS-Channel 9 and the Seattle International Film Festival.  It represents one of the largest single grants given to filmakers in the Northwest.

 March 6 - The Stories Inside Stories at TheFilmSchool (FREE)

Lyall Bush, Executive Director of Northwest Film Forum, discusses Synecdoche, NY and the eccentric storytelling craft of Charlie Kaufman.  Kaufman revels in loose ends and lack of neatness, and the film is a virtuoso display of stories that veer and branch into other stories that branch again (and don’t resolve). That is part of his point, and part of the pleasure of this mesmerizing film.  RSVP via Facebook here.

Join, renew or purchase a gift membership this December and receive a free night at the movies!

Purchase a membership during December 2011 and you'll receive a free "Admit-2" movie pass and a coupon for free popcorn (at $25 value!).

A gift for you is a gift for us!

Get your December is for Members membership now>>

For the perfect gift for all the cinephiles on your list, take a gander at these holiday gift ideas:
 

Northwest Film Forum Gift Certificate
Gift certificates cost $20 and are good for admission for two to any regularly priced Northwest Film Forum event. Available for purchase in-person at our office or box office, or by calling (206) 329-2629.

Northwest Film Forum Apparel & Gifts
T-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more available online via CafePress.com.
Purchase now>

Northwest Film Forum Membership
Give the gift of cinema, and feel good about supporting a local nonprofit. Memberships start at $45 and are valid for one year. Perks include discounts on all Film Forum screenings, invitations to exclusive members-only events, and even free popcorn! Check out our December is for Members promotion above for extra deals!
Purchase now>

Northwest Film Forum is pleased to offer special 15th anniversary merchandise!  

T-Shirts are available in person at our office or cinemas, or online.
Shirts are black with white and red design of a film projector, and come in sizes S-XL.  
The cost is $11/Members (and active volunteers), $15/everyone else.

Purchase yours today:
In person: Shirts can be purchased from our box office ticket counter evenings while tickets and concessions are being sold, or during regular office hours (10am-6pm, M-F).

Online: Price includes $6 for USPS Priority Mail Shipping. Please allow 2 business days for processing.

General (add $6 shipping) $15.00 NWFF Member (add $6 shipping) $11.00

Size

small medium large extra large

 
General merchandise (including hooded sweatshirts, mugs, and a larger variety of t-shirts) available at CafePress.com/nwfilmforum
 


Questions? Email promotions@nwfilmforum.org.

The Seattle nonprofit cinema has been approved for a liquor license and plans to begin selling beer and wine during evening movie screenings and events beginning Friday, April 22.

Seattle, WA -- Northwest Film Forum will soon be selling beer and wine! The Capitol Hill film arts center recently received a Nonprofit Arts & Entertainment liquor license and intends to sell alcoholic beverages every evening during box office hours beginning April 22, 2011. The cinema will continue to be open to filmgoers of all ages.

Says Executive Director Lyall Bush, "Acquiring a liquor license will make the Film Forum that much more a forum, a place where people can gather, linger and talk. We encourage people to come early or stay after a movie, meet up with friends and discuss what they've just seen."

Adds House Manger Ilana Holmes, "We've always served beer and wine for special events with event-specific banquet permits. The liquor license helps us make every night special."

The Film Forum plans to offer a house red and white wine, with a higher-end selection of red, and three choices of beer. Says Holmes, "As much as possible we will focus on Washington and Oregon breweries and wineries. Once we get settled we plan to change the menu quarterly and make connections with what's playing in the cinemas."

Over time, the organization will make adjustments in their lobby to better accommodate patrons who choose to arrive early for a drink. A plan for bench seating and cafe tables is in the works, among other updates.

Film Forum programs will continue to be open to all ages, with the exception of some special events. Details about what kinds of drinks are permitted in the cinemas are still being worked out before the first day of alcohol service.

The first night of alcohol sales will coincide with the opening night of Bummer Summer, with filmmaker Zach Weintraub in attendance. Bummer Summer was the jury prizewinner of last year's Local Sightings Film Festival. 

 Listen to the interview with Northwest Film Forum's Executive Director, Lyall Bush, on KUOW. 

http://www.kuow.org/program.php?id=24481

Northwest Film Forum is pleased to announce a new grant program for filmmakers of promise and vision, the Northwest Film Fund.

The Northwest Film Fund will support documentary film projects in the Northwest at any stage of completion (including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska). The Film Forum will award $10,000 in cash, as well as a package of services to include legal consultation, 80 hours of post-production services with leading Seattle post houses, and “first look” deals with KCTS-Channel 9 and the Seattle International Film Festival.

One filmmaker will be selected through an open invitation process beginning this summer. A panel of judges including industry experts will review applications in an initial round and make the final selection. Jurors will also be invited to offer master classes and panel discussions, open to all documentary filmmakers.

“Northwest Film Forum was conceived with the idea of supporting filmmaking in the region,” says executive director, Lyall Bush. “The Northwest Film Fund is our first new program since Live at the Film Forum to offer cash and other opportunities to working filmmakers. We hope the Fund will help bring great new films into the world. I’m looking forward to seeing what can get made.” 

The submission deadline is August 20. Awards will be announced at the Film Forum’s Local Sightings Film Festival in October. Complete information and the online application is available at www.nwfilmforum.org/go/nwfilmfund/index.php

Northwest Film Forum supports artistically ambitious films of all kinds, unique in content and form.

The Film Forum has nurtured filmmakers since 1995, having supported over 700 Northwest projects through our artist support programs. The Northwest Film Fund will offer vital support to emerging filmmakers, help promising films transition more rapidly from the planning stage to production, and provide a platform to introduce excellent new documentaries into the world.

The Northwest Film Fund receives generous support from regional foundations and individuals, many of whom supported the Documentary Pooled Fund, founded by Humanities Washington. The Film Forum is proud to carry on the legacy that Humanities Washington created, and which awarded from 2003 to 2005, funds to support 10 outstanding local documentary films, including the award winning “Wheedle’s Groove,” and “Made in China.”

Northwest Film Forum’s artist support includes a variety of grants, classes, affordable gear, edit suites and fiscal sponsorship. Information about the Film Forum’s artist support resources are available at www.nwfilmforum.org/live/collection/grants.

Take a look at some of what's up for bidding at Gala-ga, the Film Forum's annual fundraising bash...and expect much more!
Remember, you have to be present to bid, so get your tickets now.

Weekend At Treehouse Point
A one night getaway in a luxuty treehouse at Tree House Point.  Spend a night relaxing amongst the tress along the Raging River and enjoy a fresh continental breakfast in the morning. Value: $250

Industry Insider Dinner
Jennifer Roth has more than 15 years of film business experience (”Black Swan”, “The Wrestler”, “The Squid and the Wale”, “The Crow”, “Smoke”). She is six degrees from, just about everyone in movies. James Brown is a documentary film producer (’High and Outside’),  Peter Vogt is a documentary film director (’Icons Among Us’, ‘Hype’, ‘High and Outside’) and Steven Schardt is a film producer (’Humpday,’ ‘$5 Cover) and director (’Treatment’).  This dinner will be for a total of 8 people who will join them for 2 hours, 4 courses, and plenty of wine pairings and alcohol in general.  These filmmakers will dine with you as they answer any questions about temperament directors, complicated actors, and all-around crazy productions (a confidentiality agreement will be required).

The Poet on the Roof!
Mimi Allin installs “The Poetess at Green Lake” (now also the nation’s 1st Corporate Poet and soon to be the nation’s 1st Tent City Poet) on your roof- yes the roof of your house- for one weekend.  Poet will descend as needed to rest and keep warm, but will otherwise sit on your roof connecting you and your home to the infinite space about and around it and to the weather and birds and the vast blue beyond. Value: Priceless

New York Getaway
Enjoy a few days in the Big Apple with this package that includes airfare, passes to the New York Film Festival, delicious dining options and additional entertainment. Value: $1000

Shopping Spree
A night of shopping for you and 12 friends at the Finerie, complete with your very own stylist, Rebecca Luke, and catering by Gourmondo. Value: $1900

Film Frenzy! Film Festivals Across the World
We'll be auctioning off passes to festivals from Ellensburg to Rotterdam!

Photography 101
Enjoy a workshop at the Photo Center Northwest, free prints from Capitol Hill Photo and even a special photo tour to inspire your work! Value: $450

Northwest Film Forum is pleased to partner with Café Presse to offer Pique-nique, a delicious way to enjoy dinner and a movie!

For a limited time only, during the Local Sightings Film Festival (September 30 – October 6), you can pre-order a delightful Pique-nique meal or sandwich, prepared by Cafe Presse, to enjoy in-theater.

Pique-nique can be purchased online when you buy tickets to any of our Local Sightings Screenings. If you have ordered a Café Presse pique-nique dinner along with your ticket your order will be waiting for you at will call 30 minutes prior to screening. Many dishes may contain ingredients not listed on the menu. If you have any allergies please let us know by writing to our House Manager, Ilana Holmes, after you place your order: ilana@nwfilmforum.org

MENU

Le Pique-nique Complet                                                                                                    

Café Presse parisian ham and Comté cheese baguette sandwich with butter, Dijon mustard and cornichons; Bibb lettuce “salade verte” with toasted hazelnuts and orange hazelnut vinaigrette; Mixed cookies. $15.50                             

Les Sandwiches en Baguette

Le Jean-Paul Belmondo:  Paris ham, cave aged gruyere, butter, Dijon mustard, with cornichons, $7.50

Le Catherine Deneuve:  16 month cave-aged gruyere cheese, butter, with cornichons, $7.50

Le Bridget Bardot:  Basque sheep’s milk cheese, cherry compote, spinach, $8.00

Visit the festival website to purchase tickets >> 

Northwest Film Forum is pleased to partner with Cafe Presse to offer Pique-nique, a delicious new way to enjoy dinner & a movie!

For a limited time only, during screenings of Henri-Georges Clouzout's Inferno (December 17-23), you can pre-order a delightful Pique-nique meal or sandwich, prepared by Cafe Presse, to enjoy in-theater.

Pique-nique can be purchased up to two hours prior to the screening you will be attending via the payment link below. You will need to specify the date and time of the screening that you will be attending along with your order. Customers can pick up their pique-nique up to 1/2 hour before each screening at the concessions counter at the theater. Tickets for Henri-Georges Clouzout's Inferno are sold separately through Brown Paper Tickets.
 

Menu

Le Pique-nique Complet      

• Parisian ham and Comté cheese baguette sandwich with butter, Dijon mustard and cornichons; Alsatian-style potato salad with shallots, diced sausage and gruyere; Mixed cookies, $14.50

Les Sandwiches en Baguette

• Le Jean-Paul Belmondo:  Paris ham, cave aged gruyere, butter, Dijon mustard, with cornichons, $7.00
• Le Catherine Deneuve:  16 month cave-aged gruyere cheese, butter, with cornichons, $7.00
• Le Bridget Bardot:  Basque sheep’s milk cheese, cherry compote, spinach, $9.00

Many dishes contain ingredients not listed on the menu.  Please let us know if you have allergies or food sensitivities by writing to our House Manager, Ilana Holmes after you place your order.

Sandwich options

Le Pique-nique Complet $14.50 Le Jean-Paul Belmondo $7.00 Le Catherine Deneuve $7.00 Le Bridget Bardot $9.00

Show Date

Friday, Dec 17 Saturday, Dec 18 Sunday, Dec 19 Tuesday, Dec 21 Wednesday, Dec 22 Thursday, Dec 23

Show Time

5pm 7pm 9pm

Please note: Many dishes contain ingredients not listed on the menu. Please call our offices at 206-329-2629 to let us know if you have allergies or food sensitivities.

 ###

For Immediate Release
July 8, 2010
Contact: Ryan Davis, Communications Director, NWFF
(206)329-2629, ryan@nwfilmforum.org

Northwest Film Forum Receives Prestigious Grant Funding, Plans to Strengthen and Expand Programs

The film arts center accepts critical financial boosts from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the NEA, and other philanthropic institutions. The Film Forum looks forward to entering its fifteenth year with renewed excitement and potential.

Seattle – Northwest Film Forum is pleased to announce it has received important gifts from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (AMPAS) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The organization will use the donations to strengthen existing programs and underwrite new initiatives. The Film Forum, which celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this fall, continues to offer exciting quarterly schedules of screenings and classes in addition to supporting filmmakers throughout the year. The organization plans to expand these programs in the future.

Northwest Film Forum is one of just two Northwest organizations to receive funding from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. The Academy’s Institutional Grants program, which granted $500,000 to 73 film arts organizations in the country, awarded the Film Forum a $5,000 grant to help underwrite the visit of filmmakers such as Miguel Gomes this September. Gomes capture attention with his daring execution of Our Beloved Month of August, which was selected to play the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes.

The National Endowment for the Arts, moreover, increased the Film Forum’s funding more than double, to $35,000, in support of director retrospectives, premieres, films for children, and several thematic programs, including the annual Local Sightings Film Festival. This critical financial boost comes approximately one year after the difficult financial year of 2009, when the organization faced a budget shortfall. In the intervening months the organization has experienced a steady incline in attendance and class registration as well as increased attention from funders and individual donors.

Local funders have been important to the Film Forum’s recovery as well, including the Mayor’s Office of arts & Cultural Affairs, 4Culture, Artsfund, Washington State Arts Commission, and Humanities Washington. Major funding for the film art center’s year-long direct work with filmmakers comes from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

Executive Director Lyall Bush remarks, “A year ago we made it our goal to integrate our film screenings with our classes and our artist support. The word is out that our independent and international feature and documentary films are the best ways to find new voices in cinema, but what a lot of people don’t know is how fine our classes are. And we are re-imagining how we support filmmakers, too. We are planning for more integration, too, and we feel proud that these new initiatives are resonating with funders.”

A year ago, Northwest Film Forum launched an ambitious new program called Live at the Film Forum, a showcase of new work commissioned from local artists that aims to expand cinema beyond the screen. Performances include dance, theater and music in combination with film. In addition, the Film Forum also began to offer film history classes under the title, Required Viewing, with classes in New Hollywood and French cinema of the ‘90s. Film screenings continue to bring in large audiences: in the winter the organization experienced a wildly successful run of Frederick Wiseman’s La Danse as well as a sold-out 55^th anniversary screening of Rebel Without a Cause screening hosted by screenwriter Stewart Stern.

Last July, the Film Forum announced a budget shortfall, going into its last quarter, of $70,000, a result of the global economic downturn. The organization launched a successful fundraising campaign, raising $47,000 through over 600 individual gifts, most under $50. The new donations, in combination with solid programming, show that the organization is stable and ready to grow.

Board President Jennifer Roth observes, “In spite of the weak economy it’s clear that the city has a lot of love for Northwest Film Forum. Last summer we were humbled by the outpouring of support, and we continue to appreciate the sustained support from national and regional arts funders. Our enthusiasm for what we do has not wavered, and we are excited to move ahead with the ambitious programs the city has come to expect from us.” 

The Film Forum, which was founded in 1995 by independent filmmakers Deborah Girdwood and Jamie Hook, will celebrate its 15^th anniversary this fall. Planned events include a week of programming that commemorates the achievements of the organization, including a retrospective of Northwest work that was produced with the support of Northwest Film Forum.

May 6, 2010

A benefit for Northwest Film Forum

Our Annual Gala is a dinner, a party and a show, and this year all three take place at the glamorous Georgetown Ballroom.

The Gala benefits everything the Film Forum presents, offers and teaches, from the shows we hang 200 times each year in our cinemas to the filmmaking classes we offer to emerging filmmakers; and from the film and projection gear we maintain to camps we hold for young people in the summer.

The evening starts with cocktails at 6, and continues with dinner, a live auction and a film program. It ends at 9, when the after-hours dancing begins.  Festive attire requested!

Here's our plan for the evening:
6 – 7:15: Silent Auction, passed hors d’oeurves, cocktails, music (lounge grooves with DJ Pnapper)
7:15: Dinner
7:45: Live auction, followed by a program, film (click here to preview some live auction items)
8:30: Lyall Bush; Keynote talk by Stewart Stern
9:00: Raise the Paddle! 

Live music by L E A U D
Stay for dancing at the 9 LB Hammer, Georgetown
 

Online tickets have sold out! 
Please call us if you are interested in purchasing a ticket (206 329 2629).

Click here for directions to the Georgetown Ballroom
(Valet parking available for $10)

Check out our Online Auction! 
Click here for more info
 

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Can't make it to the Gala but still want to support Northwest Film Forum?  
Click here to make a donation now!

Or, join us beginning at 10pm on May 6, after the Gala, for a special after party at the 9lb Hammer with DJ Miss B Wonder Jones (and other surprise DJs!)
Suggested donation $20.  21 and over please. (No hosted bar)
 

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Live Auction Preview!
Take a peek at some of the items up for bidding at this year's Gala:

Sideways in Seattle
You and 7 friends can experience Woodinville Wine Country from the comfort and luxury of a Mercedes Van. Stuart Butler aka "The Wine Stuart" will chauffeur and guide you through some of Woodinville's finest wineries and tasting rooms (including a sampling in the private library of the Chateau Ste Michelle Winery); his insider relationships with the winemakers and owners will get you unique access that goes beyond all other so called wine tours. You will be smiling and laughing all day long; wine does that.
Value $860

Pretty Woman
A private night of shopping at The Finerie followed by food and cocktails at Le Gourmand. The shopping comes with your own personal stylist, too: Rebecca Luke of Rebecca Luke Style. You and up to 14 guests will come along on an enchanting evening with fashion, friends, signature cocktails and Le Gourmand’s tasty food creations. Your evening includes local celebrity stylist, Rebecca Luke, for wardrobe consultation and fashion questions. Finally, the winner a $300 gift certificate and $30 gift certificates for each guest for use that evening.
Value $1900

From Russia With Love
Unleash your Slavic soul. This is a many-course extravaganza for eight that begins with borscht and moves on to a variety of traditional Russian hot and cold dishes punctuated by impassioned vodka toasts to Eternal Beauty and the Power of Art.  Hosted at the home of award-winning Capitol Hill home of filmmaker Serge Gregory and Rachel Ben-Shmuel on a mutually agreed date. 
Value $400

The Long Weekend
Get away from it all in Port Ludlow -- and bring your best friends with you! With two bedrooms that hold two twin beds and one king), two baths, and a sleeper sofa in the living room, there’s plenty of room to spread out and relax in this condo. Cook multi-course meals in the fully loaded kitchen after enjoying cocktails on the balcony. And should you  venture outside, the beach, pool, tennis courts,  and marina are 200 feet away, with top-notch golf around the corner. Good for 3 nights.  While in Port Ludlow, treat your guests to a wine-tasting & hors d’oeuvres for 10 at Hoodsport Winery.  
Value $600

The Lost Weekend
A collection of wine. Really, two collections, the first gathered for us by Jameson Fink, the chief wine buyer for QFC Broadway, the second the Film Forum board reserve.

I. These wines have been selected to showcase the best of Napa and, as a counterpoint, some of the most iconic and exciting wines from around the world. Some provenances included:
Veuve Cliquot Rose NV (a Magnum): Comes in the awesome cherry blossom "ice jacket" that keeps it insulated and chilled.  Point your brower to veuve-clicquot.com to see it on the left.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (3 bottles): This is the wine that put New Zealand on the map.  Iconic.
Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay (3 bottles): Classic California Chardonnay.
Cheval des Andes (3 bottles): A collaboration between Cheval Blanc (1st Growth Bordeaux, one of the world's most famous wines) and Terrazas in Argentina.
Newton “The Puzzle” (3 bottles): Their top Napa blend from Spring Mountain (great source of fruit).

II. Film Forum Board reserve (one bottle each, except where indicated):

            Pomaine de Pignan Chateauneuf-du-Pape
            Barbaresco Rio Sordo Riserva
            McKinley Springs Cabenet Sauvignon
            Chateau Franc Grace-Dieu Red Bordeaux
            Gigondas (Red Rhone Wine)
            Gran Oristan
            Zachery’s Ladder Columbia Valley
            Efeste Lola Chardonnay
            Horan Estates 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
            Terra Bella Vineyards Paso Robles 2005 Syrah
            Caudoulet de Beaucastel 2007 Cotes Du Rhone (2)
 
Value $1200

Seattle Family Robinson
Peter & Judy Nelson are creating a tree-house utopia in an old growth forest outside of Fall City.  Here is a chance to glimpse this work in progress from luxurious bed & breakfast accommodations.  A copy of Peter's "The Treehouse Book" is included.
Value $600

Captains Courageous
Summer fun on the water – and we promise you, no Gilligans, A 3-hour boat cruise for up to 8 people through Lake Union, Portage Bay, & Lake Washington. You chart the course on a vintage 32’ Tollycraft, owned by Film Forum board member and Cap’n Brad Lenz and First Mate Kristie Gamer. You'll eat delicious food prepared by chef Craig Serbousek of Crow & Betty restaurants, and tasty wines chosen by Val Markus of Vineyard Brand Wine Importers.
Value $450

Your Dinner with Insiders
Between them, Mark Goodermote & Jennifer Roth have more than 30 years of film business(‘The Wrestler’, ‘Duplicity’, ‘Synedoche, NY’, ‘Down By Law’, ‘The Crow’, ‘The Ice Storm’, ‘Rounders’, and ‘The Squid and the Whale’). They are six degrees from just about everyone in the movies. Peter Vogt is the acclaimed documentary film director ('Icons Among Us', 'Hype', 'High and Outside') and Steven Schardt is a film producer ('Humpday,' '$5 Cover) and director ('Treatment'). This dinner will be for a total of 8 people who will join them for 2 hours, 4 courses, and plenty of wine pairings and alcohol in general. These filmmakers will dine with you as they answer any questions about temperamental directors, complicated actors, and all-around crazy productions (a confidentiality agreement will be required).
Value: Priceless!

The Birthday Party
Your child’s next birthday party will be a memorable one: Go-Go dancers, a DJ, the best popcorn in the Pacific Northwest, and a film you bring that we play for a party of up to 50. Round it all out with party planner Heidi Kaufmann.
Value: Priceless!

The Big Country
Spend 3 days by the river in sunny Methow Valley. Swimming, sunning, fishing, rafting all possible without leaving the property! House sleeps 12 comfortably and is fully equipped for whatever you need. You most likely need to get away.  Available May and first half of June (except Memorial Day) and September/October (except Labor Day). 
Value $1500

 

The perfect gift for the cinephile or cine-curious person in your life!

For a limited time Northwest Film Forum is offering a Holiday Admit-2 Pass (an $18 value) for just $12!
Buy some for yourself - or everyone on your list.

Click here to purchase now

This offer ends December 31, 2009.

Handmade gift certificates can also be purchased in-person from our box office or offices, but the special discount price is only available online.  Gift certificates purchased in-person are $18.

This pass is good for all regularly-priced Film Forum events and expires one-year from purchase date.

Facing a $70,000 budget shortfall, the non-profit film arts center made an appeal to its supporters. The money raised will be used to preserve important programs and support artists. 

Like many arts organizations, Northwest Film Forum faced the end of its fiscal year with an income down 30%. Before making major cutbacks, it appealed to its members and supporters to help preserve key programs.

Though unable to reach the $70,000 goal, the organization has received an astonishing and inspiring amount of support. To manage the remaining shortfall, some restructuring will be necessary, including possibly changing the fall quarterly printed calendar to online-only. Two full-time positions have been reduced to three-quarter time positions and one position has been converted to part-time contract work, with all three affected employees being offered continued employment in these roles.

"This year has been a challenging one, says Executive Director Lyall Bush. “But I am heartened by the words from our supporters, many of whom stressed just how important a vital Film Forum was to their daily lives. It is humbling to see so many people open their hearts, and wallets, in this rough economic climate. Our talented staff has been hard at work on a three-year plan for the organization, an initial draft of which was presented to the Board in June. Once we put the current crisis behind us, we look forward to serving the community and continuing to be Seattle’s premiere film arts center."

"I was most impressed with how the Film Forum staff and membership rallied to save the programs they have worked so hard to create," comments Board President Jennifer Roth. "Northwest Film Forum means so much to Seattle, and we are working hard to preserve and strengthen what people love, while also making sure we stay on stable financial ground."

Despite the budgetary challenges, the Film Forum is planning an ambitious fall calendar that includes a visit from independent filmmaking legend Melvin Van Peebles and emerging Argentine director Lisandro Alonso. This season will also feature the first event in the new Live at the Film Forum series, which explores cinema as a collaborative, live art form with performances by several Northwest artists. Fall is also the time of Northwest Film Forum's annual flagship event, the Local Sightings Film Festival, a celebration of local filmmaking achievements.

A complete schedule of events and screenings planned at Northwest Film Forum this fall is available at www.nwfilmforum.org.

Northwest Film Forum is still accepting donations to help with the financial crisis. Donations can be made at www.nwfilmforum.org.

We have some good news. Last week we sent out a letter about our current budget shortfall (scroll down to read the original letter). I said we were down $70,000 and I made an urgent request to you. If each of the 10,000 people on our email lists gave $10, I wrote, our woes would be solved.

Within minutes you responded. Our email bulged with news that you were pushing our online giving button, over and over. Within an hour we had $2,200, and within a day we had $10,000. And then checks started arriving, and then you started bringing cash into the theater and up to the window. One person called and said, "I'm driving by. Come out to the street." I was given with an envelope stuffed with bills.

And you told us things while you were at it. "It's the least I could do," someone wrote. "Northwest Film Forum changed my life." "I love what you do for the city," someone else said. Several people said, "You're important." We heard all that and it warmed us. Thank you for that, and thank you for giving.

And then yesterday we received a call from Sub Pop. They had read the letter and they wanted to help, and they decided that they wanted to offer the Film Forum a matching gift of $10,000. Starting now your $10 gift is worth $20. What a great idea. Thank-you, Sub-Pop! You can make your matched donation now.

So, totals: we are at $28,000 right now, with $42,000 to go to reach our goal by August 15. Thanks to all of you for spreading the word, for saying yes, and for giving. We are humbled by your appreciation of what we do. We promise to give back, too: a Film Forum you can be proud of.


Lyall Bush
Executive Director

P.S. You can also help the Film Forum by coming to see movies this weekend. Check out our listings, grab a friend and buy a ticket today.

I am writing to you to ask for your help. I am asking you for $10, the price of an average movie ticket. The Film Forum has had done many great things this year, but much like other organizations our income is off by 30%. And while we remain scrappy and imaginative in tough spots, this time is different.

We are looking at real changes at the Film Forum unless you say yes and support us. We need to reach a goal of $70,000 by August 15. Please walk it in, mail it in, or click here to make your donation.

You and 10,000 others are receiving this, which means you regularly find our emails and enews in our inbox, which means that you care, too. Maybe you even love what we do and believe the city is a better place - more sophisticated, inspired, or just more fun -- because of the films we show here, the summer filmmaking camps we offer to kids, the screenwriting and film editing classes we schedule, the filmmakers we bring to town (and the classes they teach), and the movies we are so instrumental in getting made.

Classes, filmmaker support, equipment rental, special screenings, and film series, many of these programs may be put on hold, shelved, or stopped altogether without your small gift. That means programs such as Soul Nite and ByDesign could go. It means fewer masterpieces such as "Silent Light" showing up on our screens. It means maybe no more camera rentals. Jobs and programs are on the line.

So, as the movie voiceover says, imagine a world: imagine a world in which people can open a door and find community. Imagine a world in which emerging filmmakers can receive the advice, equipment, collaborators and support they need to make their movies. Imagine a world in which anyone can register for classes to get the tools they need to enter the fields of screenwriting, editing, and video production. Imagine a world in which you can see movies that change the way you see the world. Imagine a world where you can find people of a like mind for inspiration and community.

Fifteen years ago we did that, all of it. To summarize what the Film Forum provides the city would take a much longer letter, but if you are a member or regular patron you have a pretty good idea already. You already believe in what we do.

You can keep all this, now, for the price of a ticket at your average movie theater. It's tough out there, we know that; we have tried our best to keep moving ahead in spite of the current economy. But now we know that some of what we do and provide will go dark without your support.

I am asking you urgently. If you have benefited from our equipment, from the images on our screens, from our classes, from our network of people, from our famously great parties, we are asking you to say yes, you believe, yes you can give $10. Yes.


Lyall Bush
Executive Director

Call all current NWFF volunteers!  Allow us to grill you up some delicious grub as our way of thanking you for all your hard work this past year.  We couldn't get by without you.  Join us for fun & games, fun & friends, and fun & food.

Saturday, July 11
3pm onwards
Cal Anderson Park (11th between Denny & Pine on Capitol Hill)

RSVP so we know how much food to get!
volunteer@nwfilmforum.org

Friends are welcome

We entice you with the following

•    Join or renew your membership before June 30, 2009 and receive an admit-two pass (value $18 and good through December, 2009).
•    Join or renew your membership before June 30, 2009 and we will extend your membership by two extra months - your membership won't expire until September 30, 2010!
•    Join or renew your membership before June 30, 2009 and be entered to win a year-long admit-two pass to all Film Forum films.

Members receive our calendar in the mail, discounts on tickets, and depending on the level of your membership, free popcorn, family discounts, invitations to press screenings, and other fabulous benefits.  Everything you give above $50 is tax deductible.

Click here to renew or become a member!
 

Northwest Film Forum and the Satellite Lounge (right around the corner at 12th and Pike) have teamed up to bring you a special post-movie deal!

Bring your NWFF movie stub in for $1 off drinks during the week, or $1 off food OR drinks on the weekends!

http://www.satellitelounge.com/

You are enthusiastically invited to
break the shackles of the ordinary
and attend

Unbridled Stimulus Package

An evening of dinner, bidding opportunities, performance, games, and froth
to benefit Northwest Film Forum

Produced by Implied Violence

Saturday, April 18
China Harbor
2040 Westlake Avenue North
 
6:00 P.M.
By reservation only
Seating is limited

Festive attire heartily encouraged

Table of 8 $600
Single Tickets $75
Sponsor table of 8 - $1000 includes ½ page ad in catalog
 
To reserve
Click here
or
contact Susie: 206-329-2629 / susie@nwfilmforum.org

Seats are selling fast — Buy your ticket today!

Check out the Online Auction too!

Click here to visit the Online Auction webpage

March 6, 2009

Lyall Bush has accepted a permanent position at the Seattle-based film arts organization.

Northwest Film Forum (NWFF), Seattle’s film arts organization, is proud to announce that Lyall Bush has been hired as its new Executive Director. In his new position Bush will continue to bring new energy and vision to the position left by Michael Seiwerath in 2008, as he solidifies a three-year plan that will invite new audiences into Northwest Film Forum.

Bush comes from a nonprofit background and has worked in the area of film for over a decade. He organized film festivals when he worked for Humanities Washington and as written about film for a wide variety of publications. Bush’s involvement at Northwest Film Forum began several years ago when he was vice-president of the board; over the years he has also moderated panel discussions and given talks on filmmakers at the Film Forum.

"NWFF is thrilled to welcome Lyall as our Executive Director," says president of the board Jennifer Roth. "Since November, when he first came to us as Interim Executive Director, he has led our new three-year strategic planning process. His work with the board and the staff has brought an exciting new vision to us for our future."

Bush started as Interim Executive Director on November 10 last year. He took over from the previous Executive Director Michael Seiwerath, who announced plans to leave Northwest Film Forum in the spring of 2008.

“Northwest Film Forum is built on a strong foundation of passionate people working for a great cause,” says Bush. “I have been very impressed these past few months by the dedication of the board of directors and by the intelligence and creativity of the staff. When I was offered the permanent job I accepted immediately. Michael spearheaded tremendous growth throughout his time here and that has made my work of exploring new directions for the organization a lot easier."

Most recently Bush served as the Executive Director of Richard Hugo House, where he raised the organization’s visibility in the city and energized the board and staff around his new vision for programs and development. In 2003 NWFF entered into a new era with its expansion into a well-equipped 8,000 square foot space in Capitol Hill. Bush plans to use his experience to continue NWFF's path of becoming the leading film arts organization in the region.

The Film Forum operates the region's first and only non-profit center for the film arts. Community members can view films 360 days a year. NWFF prides itself on attracting a wide variety of audience members from long-time cinephiles, to children and families, artists, students and more. The organization also boasts the impressive Start-to-Finish program, which partners with a local artist to produce a feature length film. NWFF provides a funding strategy for the project, allowing local film artists and directors to bring their work to a much larger arena. The most recent film made through Start-to-Finish, David Russo's The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and will screen next week as well at the South by Southwest Film Festival.

The current space, located at 1515 12th Ave (between Pike and Pine), is Seattle's first proper cinematheque. It houses two theaters, which play 200 films per year, year-round classes for emerging filmmakers, equipment for filmmakers, and artist support. The Film Forum is unique in that it focuses on bringing great films to the community, on fostering and nurturing local film artists, providing access to filmmaking equipment; and granting funds directly to working film artists.

There are now several homegrown producers, cinematographers, writers, and other crew members that are working steadily, in Seattle and abroad, due to the connections made and experience achieved through Northwest Film Forum.

David Russo's ‘The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle’ is the sixth feature film supported by this unique commission

SEATTLE –Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) is proud to announce the Sundance Film Festival premiere of The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle by filmmaker David Russo this January in Park City, Utah.  The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle is the sixth film produced in association Northwest Film Forum’s innovative Start-to-Finish program and the second to participate in the Sundance Film Festival. Police Beat premiered at the 2005 event.

“The Sundance Film Festival is the premiere showcase and launch pad for independent American film,” says producer Peggy Case. “We could not be more thrilled to be chosen from such a huge pool of talented applicants.”

Start-to-Finish is unique to NWFF and supports a narrative feature film of a Washington-state filmmaker. Using a holistic approach to supporting the filmmaker, NWFF aids in the project from conception to preproduction, shooting, post-production, sales and distribution. NWFF provides the filmmaker with gear, space, connections and expertise.  

“There’s nothing like Start-to-Finish in the country,” says Interim Executive Director Lyall Bush. “It’s a sign of something being right that two out of six films have made it to such a prestigious festival.”

The film features Russo’s unique visual design and animation.  Paired with sequences by Dutch animator Rosto and a talented young cast, this film is sure to excite Seattle and Sundance film fans alike.

Familiar northwest icons including the Space Needle, Viaduct, the waterfront, the Seattle skyline, and ferries haunt the background of a strange new world. Little Dizzle is an edgy and character-driven story with a unique Seattle flavor.

It was the first Seattle film to be “incentivized” by WashingtonFilmWorks and is funded in part by grants from the Rockefeller Foundation and Creative Capital.

Dory (Marshall Allman) loses his high-tech job and starts working as a night janitor. He forges an unexpected bond with a ragtag group of outcast cleaning colleagues. The story takes a sinister turn when Dory discovers that he and his co-workers are the unwitting subjects of a misguided corporate experiment.

Northwest Film Forum recently announced the next Start-to-Finish grant recipient. Production on Dayna Hanson's Rainbow will begin in 2009.

More information about Little Dizzle is available www.littledizzlefilm.com. 
 

Bush brings a passion, vision and history of working with nonprofit arts organizations to his new position.

SEATTLE – Northwest Film Forum (NWFF), Seattle’s nonprofit center for film arts, welcomes Lyall Bush as its interim executive director. Officially assuming his role on November 10, 2008, Bush joins the organization with a new spirit and energy that will build on the legacy left by Michael Seiwerath and continue to drive NWFF to greater community and artistic goals.

Bush comes from a nonprofit background and has worked in the area of film for over a decade. He organized film festivals when he worked for Humanities Washington and as written about film for a wide variety of publications.

Bush’s involvement at Northwest Film Forum began several years ago when he was vice-president of the board; over the years he has also moderated panel discussions and given talks on filmmakers.

"NWFF is thrilled to welcome Lyall as our interim executive director," said president of the board Jennifer Roth. "He brings exciting new energy to the organization as well as valuable experience in strategic planning and the capacity for creating a strong vision for the organization." Bush is assuming the role of previous executive director Michael Seiwerath, who announced plans to leave NWFF earlier this year.

“Northwest Film Forum is built on a strong foundation of passionate people working for a great cause,” said Bush. “I will be working for a great board of directors and a smart and dedicated staff. Michael’s work to bring Northwest Film Forum to where it is today, spearheading tremendous growth throughout his term, makes my work moving forward that much easier. I plan to continue that momentum while bringing my own experience and sense of organizational vision.” 

Most recently Bush served as the executive director of Richard Hugo House, where he raised the organization’s visibility in the city and energized the board and staff around his new vision for programs and development.

In 2003 NWFF entered into a new era with its expansion into a well-equipped 8,000 square foot space in Capitol Hill. Bush plans to help NWFF become a leading nonprofit for the film arts in the region.

Traditionally, the role of executive director includes leading the organization’s flagship program, Start-to-Finish, which partners with a local artist to produce a feature length film. NWFF provides funding for the project, allowing local film artists and directors to bring their work to a much larger arena.

The most recent film, Robinson Devor's Police Beat, premiered in Dramatic Competition at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, and has played to great acclaim at festivals worldwide.

NWFF operates the region's first and only non-profit center for the film arts. Community members can view films 360 days a year.  NWFF prides itself on attracting a wide variety of audience members from long-time cinephiles, to children and families, artists, students and more.

The current space, located at 1515 12th Ave (between Pike and Pine), is Seattle's first proper cinematheque. It houses two theaters, facilities and equipment for filmmakers, and a dedicated space for workshops and filmmaker offices.

NWFF is unique in that it focuses not only on bringing great films to the community, but on fostering and championing local film artists.  NWFF presents educational programs with a curriculum by filmmakers and for filmmakers; provides access to filmmaking equipment; and grants funds directly to working film artists.

There are now several homegrown producers, cinematographers, writers, and other crewmembers that are working steadily, here and abroad, due to the connections made and experience achieved through Northwest Film Forum.

Northwest Film Forum is happy to partner again with Waste Free Holidays this year to help you give experiences instead of stuff.

Coming this November 15 through December 31, more than 140 local businesses and organizations will offer discounts of 15 percent or more on tickets, gift certificates and memberships for concerts, plays, sporting events, spa treatments, museums, restaurants and much more.

Northwest Film Forum is offering an "Admit-2" Gift Certificate at the enticing price of just $12.00 (regular price is $17.00).

King County Solid Waste Division and Seattle Public Utilities sponsor the King County program, which began in 1996. The City of Tacoma, Kitsap County and Thurston County also offer Waste Free Holidays programs with their local businesses.

Reducing waste is especially important during the holiday season. Americans throw away 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year‘s Day than during any other time of the year. The Waste Free Holidays program rewards the public for reducing waste, and supports local businesses.

You can learn more about the program here, and purchase your Waste Free Holiday Pass on Brown Paper Tickets beginning November 15th.

On October 16,2008 NWFF welcomed Olga Tatosiyan, an arts manager and curator from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. She will be in residence with us for a month as she learns about the inner workings of NWFF and the Seattle arts scene. She will also share her experience at Russia's National Centre for Contemporary Arts where she curates video art at a 5000 square-meter contemporary arts building, which had formerly been a government arsenal.

Olga comes to us from Nizhny Novgorod, Russia where she is a senior researcher of the National Centre for Contemporary Art (NCCA), the curator of the video art project "Arsenal Video" and contemporary architecture project "Archoteca." She is the former manager of the large-scale program "The Cultural Capital of Volga Region." She is currently involved in the most ambitious project of the Volga region branch of NCCA called "The Arsenal: The Territory of Contemporary Art." The building of Nizhny Novgorod armory, the Arsenal, is a federal landmark. It was built in the middle of the XIX century and is one of the largest buildings in the Kremlin of Nizhny Novgorod (more than 5000 square meters). In 2010 after repairs and restoration the former armory will become the Arsenal, an international museum and exhibition centre.

Olga's visit is funded by CEC ArtsLink which provides travel grants to artists and arts managers between the US and Eastern Europe/Russia. In the coming weeks, we'll introduce Olga to many of Seattle's fine artists, theaters, galleries and drinking establishments.

On Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7pm Olga will host a screening of contemporary Russian video art in our cinema.
More information here.

Join us for the "Exiled In Seattle" film release party, presented by We Emerge in partnership with Longhouse Media and NWFF.
Celebrate the Seattle release of Kent Mackenzie's The Exiles with music by Daisy Chain and DJ Miss A.

Friday, October 10 - starting at 10:30pm (after the 9pm screening of The Exiles)
21+

We are pleased to announce the creation of a new House Manager position and the hiring of Stan Shield to take on this role.

The House Manager position is designed to attend to the needs of the front-of-house, including box office,
concession, and audience experience issues.  Stan will be on hand during the evening to oversee a smooth night out at the movies for our patrons and answer any questions about NWFF.

Stan has been around Northwest Film Forum for more than a dozen years: as an audience member, artist, and colleague of other Seattle art, theater and film non-profits.  Recently Stan has worked at Capitol Hill Arts Center, helping with everything from ticketing, house managing and coordinating outside events.  In 2008 he was in the programming department of the Seattle International Film Festival, focusing on short films and SIFF’s ShortFest.

Says Stan of taking on his new role, "I'm very excited to help take Northwest Film Forum to the next level!" 

Michael Seiwerath, executive director of the Seattle-based non-profit Northwest Film Forum, has announced his plans to step down from his position within the next several months. Seiwerath has been a part of the organization for twelve years and has held the position of Executive Director since 2001. During his tenure, Seiwerath guided the cinematheque and filmmaking center through a decade of consistent growth, including the expansion from a two small venues with limited staff, to a specially-designed 8,000 square foot space housing two cinemas, editing suites, classroom space, and filmmaker offices. No plans have yet been made for his replacement, though Seiwerath will stay on throughout the transition process.

Michael Seiwerath started at Northwest Film Forum soon after its founding with an all volunteer staff. Seiwerath held the roles of Theater Manager, Studio Director, and Program Director before obtaining the position of Executive Director. His leadership helped the organization establish a reputation as the premier film exhibition space in Seattle, and the heart of artistic filmmaking in the Pacific Northwest. Nearly 1000 members strong, NWFF has grown to currently aide 625 filmmakers in the production of more than 100 films annually, and offer more than 60 workshops each year. Seiwerath's dedication to the innovative Start-to-Finish grant program, which partners the resources of NWFF with a local artist to produce a feature length film, using both for and non-profit funding, established the program as a model unique in the non-profit world. The most recent completed film, Robinson Devor's Police Beat, premiered in Dramatic Competition at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, and has played to great acclaim at festivals worldwide. The current feature, David Russo's The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle, is in post-production.

Under his leadership, NWFF completed a $625,000 capital campaign for the build-out of its current home, helped raise over one million dollars for the production of local films and grew the organizational budget by 80%. During this time, NWFF has increased its national presence, distributing films (Police Beat, Walking to Werner) and putting together its first international touring film retrospective (A Man Vanishes: The Legacy of Shohei Imamura), a collaboration with the Freer and Sackler Galleries, Smithsonian Institution. The year-round cinema programming has grown to highlight two festivals, Local Sightings, Washington's premiere festival of regional film, and the Children's Film Festival Seattle, which annually tours to venues such as the REDCAT in Los Angeles and Pickford Cinema in Bellingham, Washington.

Seiwerath will leave the organization in its most solid and respected state. Northwest Film Forum boasts a talented full-time staff of seven, a part-time staff of two, a highly-qualified and diverse board and over fifty enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. Building on the vision of founders Jamie Hook and Deborah Girdwood, the unique character of NWFF was shaped in large part by Seiwerath's efforts, and the organization will continue to benefit from the lasting impacts of his untiring hard work and excellent leadership. At this time, Mr. Seiwerath has no immediate plans for the future, but remains committed to the success of Northwest Film Forum.

Stated Michael Seiwerath: "I am extremely proud of what NWFF has accomplished in the twelve years I have been working here. From our humble beginnings as a non-profit startup, it's grown to become a Seattle landmark for movie screenings, and a force in film production and education. It's a comprehensive home for cinema, where on the same day, a visiting artist is introducing their work, a cinematography class is under way, and filmmakers are editing late into the night. I am particularly pleased with our programs to commission new work, showcase premieres of movies made with our assistance and involve artists exploring the intersection of film and other art forms."

"Our growth and successes have come out of the efforts of our dedicated board, staff and volunteers, as well as the support of members, funders and audiences. In particular, I am grateful for the contribution of our current staff, whose excellent work will continue our mission. I am stepping down this summer, at a period of relative calm between film productions and festivals, so I can reflect on what the future holds for me. I have confidence that the new leadership will take the organization to great heights.

Jennifer Roth, Northwest Film Forum Board President commented: "The NWFF Board of directors is proud of all of the accomplishments of Mr. Seiwerath and wish him the very best in his next endeavors. We are pleased that he will help us transition to our next phase and continue to be a part of Northwest Film Forum in the future. We plan to conduct a national search to find the next director and believe that change is always for the best. Though we will miss Michael and believe the organization has flourished with his vision, we trust his decision and are confident that this in the best interest of NWFF."

NWFF has launched a new Callboard for local film and video productions!

The Callboard is intended for use by filmmakers, grips, gaffers, screenwriters, editors, actors, graphic designers, sound recordists, composers, musicians, set builders, volunteers, enthusiasts -- in short, anyone who's interested in helping films get made in Seattle.

For more information, and to sign up, visit nwfilmforum.org/callboard

NWFF is now selling gift certificates, hand-made by local artist Marissa Hiller. Admit-2 passes are available for $17.00, and are valid for any regularly priced show.

Come by and pick out your favorite design during regular box office hours (open 1/2 hour before every show).

NWFF is proud to offer half-price admission to all regularly priced Monday screenings, unless otherwise noted.

This means general audiences get in for $4.50, children and seniors pay $3.25, and our members get tickets for a measly $3!

We can offer this only for patrons buying their tickets at the box office.

Spread the word, and don't miss the best deal in town!