Beth Barrett
Member Profile
How has Cinema United membership been impactful to you and/or your business?Cinema United has been a great resource for SIFF, both in networking and getting greater insights about the film industry as a whole. Since we operate as an Arthouse Cinema, one that also shows blockbuster first-run films, understanding the current challenges and opportunities from a business perspective has been great.
SIFF started as a Festival only in 1976, expanding to year-round Arthouse programming in 2007. We really got into the exhibition space in 2014 when we assumed the lease on a triplex (1000 total seats) and simultaneously opened a 94 seat jewelbox cinema. In 2014, we added a 570 seat single screen house, and then in 2023, we re-opened the former Cinerama Theatre (also 570 seats). Personally, I joined SIFF in 2003 as a programming coordinator for the Festival, and learned as we grew! I have come to really appreciate the nuances of cinema exhibition, and the great ways that year-round exhibition connects to audiences and creates community.
I love connecting film and audience and filmmaker. We all want the same thing – to have an incredible experience in a cinema – and that moment that connection is made is magic.
Hearing the roar of the crowd when we announced that SIFF would be re-opening the Cinerama was pretty special, as was the full circle experience of seeing Celine Song’s PAST LIVES at Sundance, then bringing her and the film to the Festival as the Opening Night in 2023, then to the great theatrical run, and right into the Oscars. To be able to share in that journey with multiple audiences was memorable.
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Of all time is impossible, but one recent experience stands out. We brought the new 4K restoration of THE SHINING to SIFF Cinema Downtown, and I had honestly never heard the sound design so clearly, and understood the power of it. Thinking about sound design and the effect it has in a theatrical setting though – I went to a 70mm screening of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY at the Seattle Cinerama that really drove home just how silent outer space really is.
I think that cinema-going is going to continue to be strong, and the theatrical experience will find a new generation of film-goers. Filmmakers make films to be seen on the big screen, and the community aspect is something that is an intangible strength in the industry. Arthouse Cinemas are part of their communities, and are able to deliver those experiences that bring us all together.
Follow your passion, and always be open to a film you might not have sought out – challenging ourselves is part of understanding our audiences.
