261 films with 18 World, 26 North American, and 14 U.S. Premieres make up the lineup for the Festival’s 50th anniversary, screening at venues across Seattle, including SIFF’s newly opened
SIFF Cinema Downtown.

SEATTLE – SIFF announced today the lineup of films included in the 50th Seattle International Film Festival, to be held May 9–19 at venues across Seattle and followed by a week of select virtual screenings on the SIFF Channel May 20–27. The Festival will screen 261 films representing 84 countries/regions, including 92 features, 47 documentaries, five archival features, two special tributes, two secret screenings, and 115 short films.

In addition to the full lineup, SIFF announced today that Seattle native and Emmy®, Golden Globe®, SAG Award®, and Critics Choice Award-winning actress Jean Smart will be awarded The Hollywood Reporter’s Trailblazer Award for her contributions to storytelling on film, television, and the stage. The event will feature a screening of an episode from the new season of the Max Original comedy series Hacks, followed by the Trailblazer trophy presentation and a conversation between Smart and THR Contributing Editor Stacey Wilson Hunt.

*June Squibb stars in “Thelma”, SIFF’s Opening Night Film*

The Festival will open with Josh Margolin’s action comedy Thelma from Magnolia Pictures, which will screen at The Paramount Theatre during the Festival's Opening Night on May 9. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Writer & Director Josh Margolin, lead actress June Squibb, and producers Zoë Worth and Chris Kaye. Following the Q&A, there will be an after-party onstage and outside on Ninth Ave.

SIFF will honor June Squibb with the 2024 Golden Space Needle Award for Outstanding Contribution to Cinema for the unforgettable work she’s presented throughout the span of her career. The Oscar-nominated actress and lead of the Festival’s Opening Night film, Thelma, will be presented the award at a special Tribute Event on May 11 at SIFF Cinema Downtown with a conversation moderated by Variety’s Jenelle Riley. Prior to the event, there will be an Honoree Brunch with Squibb at Palace Kitchen.

*Colman Domingo stars in “Sing Sing”, SIFF’s Closing Night feature.*

Closing the Festival is Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing from A24, which will screen on May 18 at SIFF Cinema Downtown. Director and co-writer Greg Kwedar will be in attendance and participate in a Q&A after the screening along with members of the film’s ensemble cast, who will receive a Golden Space Needle Award for excellence in Ensemble Acting. A Closing Night party will follow at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).

*“Moloka’i Bound” has its World Premiere as part of the cINeDIGENOUS film collection at SIFF this year.*

Additional highlights showing throughout the Festival include Focus Features’ Sundance award-winner Dìdi (弟弟), a directorial debut from Oscar® nominee Sean Wang (SIFF 2023 Grand Jury winner for Live Action short); Neon’s Babes written by and starring Ilana Glazer and directed by debut helmer Pamela Adlon; IFC’s stirring and emotional Ghostlight which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival; Harmony Korine’s latest boundary-pushing work AGGRO DR1FT; a new 4K restoration of Wim Wenders’ iconic Wings of Desire, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of German Films; and an exciting new slate of cINeDIGENOUS films, including the world premiere of Molokaʻi Bound, directed by Alika Tengan (Kanaka Maoli).

A variety of film and event passes are on sale now. Tickets for individual screenings go on sale to SIFF members on April 17 at 10AM and to the public April 18 and are $18.00 in person & $17.50 online ($15.00 in person and $14.50 online for SIFF Members). For information on all event and screening packages and tickets, please visit siff.net/fest.

The 50th Seattle International Film Festival will be screened at venues across the Seattle area, including SIFF’s newly opened SIFF Cinema Downtown, SIFF Cinema Uptown, SIFF Cinema Egyptian, SIFF Film Center, AMC Pacific Place 11, The Paramount Theatre, Majestic Bay Theatres, and Shoreline Community College Theater. The Festival will be followed by a week of select films streaming on the SIFF Channel from May 20-27.

SIFF would like to thank Ingeniux, Wongdoody, The Grand Hyatt Seattle, Delta Airlines, BECU, PNC Bank, The Seattle Times, The Stranger, KEXP, Blackmagic Design, Amazon, Hong Kong Trade and Economics Office, Seattle Public Utilities, The Walls Vineyards, Singani63, BizX, Beacon Plumbing, Shoreline Community College, and the National Endowment for the Arts for sponsoring the 2024 Seattle International Film Festival.

All photos are provided by SIFF and respective film studios and publicists, used with permission from Seattle International Film Festival.