Special Events and Series
We Have a New Home: The Varsity Theatre!
The Grand Illusion Cinemas has signed a long term lease and will reopen the historic Varsity Theatre!
Hong Kong Cinema Classics
Monthly screenings of essential movies from Hong Kong, many long unavailable and recently restored.
Coming Soon
Shaolin Soccer
- Sunday, Nov 15, 2026, 12:00pm
Screening location: SIFF Film Center – 167 Republican St, Seattle(located within the Seattle Center, just north of Climate Pledge Arena / east of KEXP and The Vera Project)
25th anniversary screening of Stephen Chow's wildly entertaining martial arts sports action comedy!
Hong Kong screen legend Stephen Chow directs and co-stars in this high-octane, cult-favorite genre mashup, in which a down-and-out footballer joins forces with an idealistic kung fu master in hopes of leading their ragtag team of Shaolin monks to victory on the pitch.
The full, uncut, original Hong Kong version, presented in Cantonese with English subtitles.
Special live intro from local Hong Kong genre film connoisseur and one of the programmers of the Seattle Film Society, Patrick McFarland.
“Catnip to those familiar with the conventions of Hong Kong martial arts movies.” Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
“It’s the sort of movie that leaves you smiling like an idiot.” David Edelstein, Slate
Reel Injun
- Saturday, Nov 21, 2026, 4:30pm
Screening location: SIFF Film Center – 167 Republican St, Seattle (located within the Seattle Center, just north of Climate Pledge Arena / east of KEXP and The Vera Project)
Free screening in honor of Native American Heritage Month! Seattle theatrical premiere!
REEL INJUN journeys through a century of cinema to set the record straight about Hollywood's depiction of Native Americans. Traveling through the heartland of the U.S., to the Black Hills and Monument Valley, Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond examines how the myth of the movie "Injun" has influenced the world's understanding—and misunderstanding—of Natives. Through clips from hundreds of classic and recent films, it documents the shift from nuanced silent-era heroes to the Western's "noble savage" stereotype, leading up to the burgeoning Native independent scene of SMOKE SIGNALS and THE FAST RUNNER.
Featuring candid interviews with celebrated filmmakers, actors and activists, it is an insightful and essential compendium for understanding the racial politics of Hollywood and the continuing artistic vibrancy of Native peoples.
RSVPs will begin 11/9. More info coming soon!
“Impeccably well researched and crafted, REEL INJUN neatly walks the line between Michael Moore-style personality driven doc and the more traditional talking head, educational style. And appropriately so, because he walks the exact same line in balancing entertainment and education. Reel Injun succeeds magnificently at both.” Todd Brown, ScreenAnarchy
This screening is co-presented with Xa?Xa? Indigenous Birth Justice. Xa?Xa? honors ancestral wisdom and to works to create nurturing, culturally-affirming birth experiences that promote the health and well-being of Native mothers, babies, and families. We ask that you support them with a donation this month and you can donate directly to them at their website or in-person at the screening.