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.
Now Playing
The Last Temptation of Becky
- Wednesday, Nov 4, 2026, 7:30pm
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)
Now a CIA field agent, Becky (Lulu Wilson) goes undercover in Poland to infiltrate a family running an inn at The Wolf's Lair, one of Hitler's WWII bunkers. When she learns the father, Wilhelm Reuss (Neil Patrick Harris), plans to spark the Fourth Reich, Becky must stop him.
“As much as this is the Lulu Wilson show, Harris proves once again that he can do anything and is one of entertainment’s great all-around performers… The film stands up to its predecessors handsomely and its final reel delivers an explosive release that viewers will certainly enjoy.” J Hurtado, ScreenAnarchy
“It’s impossible not to cheer on Becky as she f*cks Nazis up at every opportunity.” Joe Lipsett, Bloody Disgusting
The VelociPastor and The VelociPastor 2 (double feature)
- Thursday, Nov 5, 2026, 7:00pm
Screening location: SIFF Cinema Uptown – 511 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle
A double feature of dino-namic proportions!
The epic saga of Doug Jones (Gregory James Cohan), a priest who travels to China after losing his parents and inherits a mysterious ability that allows him to turn into a dinosaur. In the first VELOCIPASTOR, Doug—with the help of a Lady of the Night, Carol (Alyssa Kempinski)—harnesses his newfound power to fight crime. And ninjas.
Then, in the brand new follow-up, THE VELOCIPASTOR 2, Doug and Carol travel to the port city of Milan, where they have to solve a series of murders committed by a sex-maniac killer at an Italian Fertility Festival. And Soviet Spies. Oh, and INTERPOL’s there, too.
Please note: There will be a 10-minute intermission between features.
“A bonkers film that never stops entertaining.” Bobby LePire, Film Threat
“If you’re looking for a ludicrous movie for a fun time, The VelociPastor delivers with plenty of violence, action, and bonkers bits.” Kristy Puchko, Pajiba
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