The Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) has been nestled comfortably on the west slope of Capitol Hill on 19th Avenue for approximately five of its eight years. Now it’s time to make a change. Somewhere near the beginning of May, NWFF will open the doors of its new facility at 1515 12th Avenue East, between Pike and Pine on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. According to Mary Erickson, Director of Publicity and Promotions, NWFF views the move as an opportunity to better serve their members while raising a public profile. “We’re kicking it up a notch,” Erickson said. “We are very excited about the move. Things just aren’t moving fast enough for us.”
The non-profit NWFF operates the Little Theatre, the Grand Illusion Cinema and the filmmakers collective WigglyWorld Studios. NWFF represents the preeminent source of local film production and screening. Sporting over 600 members, NWFF offers filmmaker workshops, access to equipment and a creative space to develop projects. Additionally, NWFF offers four grant programs to members, easing the financial burden of filmmaking.
Their new home encompasses nearly 8,000 square feet, three times that of the current space. Two theaters, five editing spaces, a significantly larger administrative area and best of all, an artists lounge, are just a few of the goodies on the list to fill this vast locale. The larger of the two theaters, the 120-seater, is compatible for screenings, as well as live performances. The 49-seat venue, although primarily for cinema, can double as a lecture hall. Both are equipped with 35mm Dolby sound.
The working plans include four offices available to members for project development and areas dedicated to the organization’s growing film/video archive and filmmaking library.
Three Dollar Bill Cinema, the presenters of the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, will also make its home at the 12th Avenue address.
Michael Seiwerath, NWFF Executive Director, described the timing of the change: “This was the right time for us,” he said. “We were looking for organizational expansion and this space became available to us with very little change in overhead.”
With the primary source of revenue stemming from member contributions as well as grants from the Cultural Development Authority of King County and the National Education Association, the organization maintains relatively low operational costs. As a result, NWFF dedicates the majority of resources to providing services to its membership.
When questioned about the opening of the new space, Seiwerath and Erickson were coyly secretive. “It’s going to be very sexy, incredible. The event of the year,” Erickson said. However, guesses about the identity of the keynote speaker, or even a hint to what film will christen the new screens were stonily denied. “I couldn’t possibly tell you that,” Seiwerath said.
Damnit!
Northwest Film Forum operates with the assistance of numerous volunteers. Those interested in lending a hand to the foremost cinematic entity in Seattle are encouraged to email volunteer@nwfilmforum.org or call 206.329.2629.
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