Northwest Film Forum

I love the films they show at NWFF and have been going there for many years, but recently they seem to have parties/​socials out in the lobby every time I show up to see a film. The problem is that the lobby is adjacent to the main theater and there is no soundproofing. The last time I went to see a film the loud conversation of the «cocktail party» outside completely overtook what was going on in the film — a very frustrating experience if you like to be immersed in the film experience. I will no longer be attending films at NWFF until they decide to respect the audience watching the films that they charge admission for. I hope they figure it out.

I was here during the weekend of the Asian American Film Festival as a volunteer but was able to watch a few films during my time there.
The theaters are smaller than your usual Regal/​AMC theaters, but they feel more intimate so it was a perfect venue for the film festival. The directors and filmmakers could interact and conduct Q&As with the audiences without feeling intimidated.
They have a concession stand too serving your usual popcorn/​candy snacks as well as beer and wine.
I believe they also have classes and workshops for folks interested in film! The location doesn’t get any better either except for parking, but you already knew that about Capitol Hill.

Such a cool place to go see great independent or unusual films! Small, cozy theater with comfy seating. Good snacks and drinks available. I will definitely be back again soon!

Love, love, love Northwest Film Forum. Films no one else shows and festivals themed in the most unusual ways. Great popcorn. Truly a haven for cinemaphiles.

Sunday night at 7pm the facility was nearly vacant. It was me and one other couple watching the Georgian film «In Bloom», a beautiful coming-​of-​age story about two best friends growing up in Tbilisi, Georgia and their struggles with tradition and societal expectations. It felt almost like my own private screening and as I fell in love with the story and the place I was so happy to be watching something produced outside of Hollywood, not to mention to get a glimpse into a culture that I don’t know anything about. I love that they showcase real art through these independent, foreign and local filmmakers — stories with substance not just tits/​ass/​explosions to fill a dragging story line! This place is the perfect antidote to other sticky-​gooey, loud, generic «theatres» in town. Facilities are clean, modern, minimalist with a great snack bar. As a plus, the staff aren’t movie-​snobs, but chill and friendly cinema buffs! I will be back for their local films shown in the Reel NW series in April.

So, every time I go to the Northwest Film Forum, I ask myself why I don’t come here more often.
I am a fan of films that are a) independent, b) foreign, c) slightly warped, d) all of the above. The Northwest Film Forum shows all these and more. They show new works by local film makers, classic works by famous filmmakers, documentaries, etc. Thye show films for kids and films about music. They show films that just don’t seem to show up on any other screen in Seattle.
In addition to showing movies, the Film Forum also offers a number of classes about making movies. (And, boy does their pride show when someone from their film family does good.)
The folks who work (and volunteer) here are friendly and clearly passionate about their mission of helping to create and show great films.
We are fortunate here in Seattle to have several venues at which we can see films that are outside the mainstream. The Northwest Film Forum is one of the finest.

I needed a Final Cut Pro 7 class for work. There were a lot of FCPX classes in the area and a few 7 classes, but most would require travel and were very expensive. NWFF offered the a quick 2 day class for a reasonable price.
They were easy to work with and there online directory was simple to use. I signed up and come to find out I was the only one in the class. They still held the class and from what I gathered, they did it because it was the right thing to do; it was not about the money.
The class was great. They have a well equipped computer lab with good visual aids. My instructor was easy to work with. He was able to really explain the programs abilities without going way over my head. He was also able to show how really setting up the shot and getting plenty of footage would help me in the lab.
NWFF is a great location and they do a great job supporting the local and emerging film industry. They offer a lot of classes for the professional to the weekend film warrior.

What a great place to get away from the huge hollywood repeats. I popped in on a recommendation to catch a film and found the overall experience quite enjoyable. The cashier was very friendly. The lobby was a bit small but the showing rooms only seat so many so that doesn’t really matter. Two things that took adjusting to were that the seats where a bit uncomfortable for sitting through a full length film and the showing room was freezing.
Will definitely remain on my radar for other films. I can’t believe I’ve been in seattle for so long without coming here.

Simply amazing. From classes to eccentric and artsy films, you can get so much done here at the NWFF! I’m also amazed at how large the space is. Tucked away on 12^th avenue you’d think it wasn’t a large venue but it really is.
Everyone I’ve encountered here as been really friendly and it’s great to see so much passion for the arts. Man I love Seattle!

Recently learned that the b$tchy cashier I referred to in an earlier review is not just a cashier, but a serious mgmt position. Shocking. Maybe she knows someone who got her the job /​allows her to treat patrons that way?
Despite said employee’s lording over this place with an iron fist, NWFF is wonderful. We just came here for the Children’s Film Festival again, which pleased as always. I wished we’d made it in time to see the films, but we threw in wildcard guests this year, so alas. The venue is great and there are so many good vendors and things to do and see with kids.
I also went to see «How The Fire Fell,» a local film. I hugely enjoyed my staff interactions this time around, and the small theaters and few patrons give this place the feel of watching a movie in your own home, only with better quality video and sound. They sell beer and wine, which you have to drink before going in to the actual screening room.
If you haven’t had a chance, check this place out!

I came here to see «Urbanized» last week. Parking was tough. Now I know this isn’t a big megaplex but the seats weren’t very comfortable and the screen was small. I didn’t like the film too much, but I appreciate that this place shows smaller movies I wouldn’t be able to see in other places.

I can’t say I have used this place as a filmmaker. Just as a filmgoer.
But the fact that they offer so many services to aspiring and avocational filmmakers does this old heart of mine some good. It’s not an affordable artistic calling for most people, and artistic gifts are not doled out by any set pattern. If we’re going to find and develop all the inherently gifted filmmakers out there somehow, we’re going to need to have organizations like this in place. I wish I knew more about their programs, maybe because I still daydream sometimes about making films.
But the also offer services to filmgoers. Those being, you know, auditoriums where they show films. Two auditoriums, in fact, where they show films. They operate like every other cinema, with a lobby where they sell you tickets and candy and then little rooms off to the side where you go sit and watch the movie. It barely looks like a theater from outside, somehow, despite their best attempts to build a classic marquee. Ultimately that’s its strength though.
They show all kinds of stuff, usually with a run of just a night or two, so you have to get right in here to catch it. It’s always interesting material, something that won’t be showing up in mainstream cinemas.
Last night we checked out Cure for Pain: The Mark Sandman Story. What a fantastic band, and what a beautifully done tribute to him. Very glad to have caught them a couple times before his passing. And very glad to have finally gotten myself into NWFF.

So far I’ve been here only once, and I give them credit for showing a film that I really wanted to see but couldn’t find anywhere else. However, my viewing experience was watching an old, scratched up print on one of the smallest movie screens I’ve ever seen.

I saw Rabbit a la Berlin here. The ticket was around $ 11, and I had a nice flashback to my college days of watching films in small cozy campus settings, sitting in the seats mounted on bleacher-​style tiered wood steps. I am excited to stumble upon another movie shown at this neighborhood-​friendly location soon.

So my wife said she wanted to see this film on Julius Shulman and I said sure. It was at the NW Film Forum. Having once lived on 1^st hill I didn’t recall any theaters on 12^th and Pike so I’m a little dubious. The setting is a little strange and to be honest I have home theater with a HD projector mounted to the ceiling and large screen. I mention this because when I take a seat I’m thinking the NWFF screen is the same size as the one at my house and I think «how cheap.» Fact is I enjoyed the film immensely in this cozy theater. While waiting for the film I read about this place and am impressed with the selection of films they screen and their support to film makers in the community.
I really enjoy films but find it difficult to find something worth watching. This is a sort of retro cinema and showcase for indie films. I believe NWFF is a treasure for the community and it deserves your support. I found the staff easy going and friendly. The neighborhood has many places to grab a bite or drink before or after seeing a film. Parking as aways is different than parking at the local strip mall. Check them out and go see a film that has less to do with CG special affects and more to do with telling a story about something interesting.

I’ve been here a few different times for NWFF, SIFF and Lesbian & Gay Film Festival events, and each visit has been a pleasant experience.
The main theater is pretty cozy, so arrive early to get a good seat. The lobby is reasonably spacious. One problem I do have, however, is that the theater is either really hot or really cold. When I saw «Zidane» one sweltering summer day, the theater was so cold inside that my teeth were chattering, and I was shivering! I saw another film on a chilly October day, and it was really hot inside. Even with just a long-​sleeve cotton T-​shirt on, I was really hot. Seems like they could save on power costs by not going going to extremes with the HVAC system.
Also, I like that NWFF is a reasonably easy 1-​mile walk from downtown. Just follow Pike Street to 12^th Ave!

+ I love movies
+ I love the Northwest
+ I love indie films
+ I love supporting producers of alternative cinema
= I love Northwest Film Forum
Plus, I saw Hump there. That was an unforgettable experience. Some of it was fun, some of it was traumatizing. «Man with Microwaved Melon», get out of my skull!

I haven’t been to a screening here yet, but I just finished a weekend workshop and am starting another course next week. I’m quite shy and wary of the hipster mentality (or the Seattle freeze) that I’ve found at times in other art communities, so I was a bit nervous to join. Luckily, my nerves were completely unfounded.
The staff members I’ve interacted with have been friendly, professional, and helpful. It’s obvious that those involved in NWFF are passionate about film and want to share their passion with others. The workshop curriculum has been wonderful.
I love the space and the location, too.

Okay, I may be biased since I actually volunteer here but it really is a great place to catch an old flick, a local filmmaker flick, experimental and indie films and random other nifty things you would never find at your regular local theatre. They have film making classes and equipment, cool parties and festivals and great vibe. Plus, its nonprofit!
Plus, the popcorn is WAY better here then at Landmark or Regal!

My favorite theater in Seattle!
A great selection of independant and lesser known movies. Staff is super friendly and cute.
½ PRICE MOVIES on Monday nights! So on Mondays you can see a movie for $ 4.25, or if a member (like I am) only a measly $ 2.50!!!
Well, I can get IN for $ 2.50, but I can’t get OUT without buying some popcorn! So up the cost a coupla bucks. Delicious popcorn which I get in a wooden bowl, and then dump a bunch of nutritional yeast on top. Sounds weird, it’s actually good that way. NWFF reminds me alot of the Red Vic theater in SF, it makes me a little homesick.
Yay for NWFF!