SEATTLE — On Thursday. SIFF Cinema Downtown, formerly known as Cinerama, reopened to the public after closing in 2020.
The theater is now showing regular screenings of the new movie Wonka, starring Timothee Chalamet
“SIFF Cinema’s opening is a holiday gift we’re certainly thankful for in downtown. Tom Mara and SIFF stepping up to revive this iconic destination was a big move for downtown’s continued revitalization," said DSA President and CEO Jon Scholes in a statement. "This is another investment that shows confidence in the heart of our city. And bringing back the chocolate popcorn marks the return of a neighborhood staple.”
SIFF Cinema Downtown has plans to show Hollywood blockbusters to art house films. Concession will feature the longstanding chocolate popcorn, as well as local features, such as Rachel's Ginger Beer, Caffè Umbria and Yonder Cider, according to its website.
The theater opened in 1963 but almost closed in 1997 as moviegoers moved the the suburbs. Paul Allen then purchased and funded a multi-million dollar renovation.
The road to reopening has also been extensive. In February 2020, Cinerama closed for renovations, laying off many staff members. In May 2020, the theater closed down, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. SIFF then purchased Cinerama from Allen's estate in May 2023.
In August 2023, Seattle City Council members unanimously approved a $950,000 grant and King County Council approved $1 million to help the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) reopen the Cinerama theater. According to SIFF, they will be using funds for staffing, acquisition costs, community outreach programming and new signage.
In October 2023, the iconic Cinerama sign was taken down. This is because the terms of the sale of the building from Vulcan, part of Paul Allen's estate, outlined the name could not be transferred to the new owners.
Last week, SIFF Cinema hosted Amal Clooney and her husband, George Clooney, the director of "The Boys in the Boat," on the red carpet for the community premiere. The event celebrated a new era for the theater, as a screening of the movie was shown to an invite-only crowd. Producer Grant Heslove and the author of the book "The Boys in the Boat," Daniel James Brown, were also in attendance. The premiere also drew Gov. Jay Inlsee and his wife, Trudi Inslee.
Prices for adults begin at $19.50 a ticket online and $20 for walk-ups. Member ticket prices start at $16.50 online and $17 walk-up. There are senior and student discounts.