Northwest Film Forum

This is far and away the coolest theater in town. You walk in, and immediately you’re in a 70s-style living room lobby. I unironically just hang out in the lobby sometimes. This is the place to see what Seattle filmmakers are up to, as well as get resources for your next project. They run great film festivals, full of hidden gems you can’t see anywhere else. This is where Seattle culture happens.

Bless all you who work at this unassuming little establishment. The key word here being little, because even though I can enjoy some new German expressionism just about anywhere, I’d be delusional to not feel the blood all but clotting behind my knees when seated in the theatre. But, where NWFF lacks room for expansion, they do well to go beyond the literal and open up the grounds to more than just film. Please play some new Taiwanese cinema (A City of Sadness if you do requests) and I will be back, ready for my legs to fall asleep.

It's a great place to go for current and upcoming screenwriters and filmmakers.

Small cozy theater with fun eclectic showings. I love that the screen isn't too big and the volume isn't too loud, so it helps reduce the sensory overload I usually get at the movies. They sell popcorn and concessions. Keep in mind masks are required as of Jan 2024. I think it's a good policy, the theater gets crowded and doesn't seem to have good ventilation. Not stuffy or anything, but you're in close proximity to lots of strangers.

Great spot for small venues, film screenings and lectures.

Great theater. It has 2 small projection rooms. Plenty drink variety and popcorn 🍿!

Great place for local and global films and fun events

What an amazing place. I got the privilege of seeing Fantasy A Gets A Mattress here, and it was the best movie viewing experience of my life. I'd certainly come here again, there's not even one negative to mention in a review for Northwest Film Forum.

We came here to see Werther. It is a Korean drama musical that they filmed and featured in various cities here in America. I never saw a film here, but it was recommended to me by a friend. It's a really cute location and although parking seemed like it would be difficult, we were actually able to find parking fairly close to the theater. There are also parking lots if you feel more comfortable with lots rather than parking on the street. When we first arrived, you walk in and check in at the refreshment stand. There are sodas, popcorn, and other goodies you can get to enjoy while watching your movie. They had Mexican Coke which I LOVE. The lobby area is interesting and eclectic. The bathrooms are used by both genders. They have a restroom with urinals and without. There are no men's or women's restrooms. So don't be too surprised by it. Everyone was super respectful, so it wasn't a problem. The theater itself is small and cute. You don't have assigned seating and so you just walk in and find a seat. We really enjoyed our movie and we had a great time. It almost felt like going back in time and going to a movie. I would definitely go back if there is another film I want to see.

Came here for the No Other Land showing. The space is small but has cool, vintage decor. There's a concession stand, though we didn't try anything so I can't speak to the snacks. The theater itself is also small, which is fine, but the rows are a bit cramped. The person behind me kept bumping my seat whenever they shifted, which took away from the movie-watching experience

Watched a sneak peak of the upcoming movie "A View from The Floor: Mindie Lind" What a fabulously intimate theater!

NWFF is a magical place, not a place which can be easily replicated. They're not your normal movie theatre - they're a community center based around film appreciation and education. You pay less for tickets + concessions and see some a mix of classics plus catching the new film. The whole place looks like someone's living room from the late nineties. It feels like a fairy tale in there, it's my happy place.

I'm a Disabled Veteran, they told me I have to have paperwork to bring my service dog in. I showed them my dogs service tag. Then tells me next time to have her vest on. That's not the law. She doesn't have to have any paperwork or a vest. The only questions they can ask are. 1 is that a service dog? and 2 what service dogs that dog provide you? My service animal Izzy has been to the Whitehouse and the Pentagon.

1. NW Film Forum brings a lot of smaller films, local filmmakers, and festivals to Seattle that you simply wouldn't see with out them. 2. They have a lot of good programs classes for up and coming filmmakers. 3. They have a best combo deal at the concessions counter in town. We where there last weekend and got a small popcorn (which was really tasty) a real glass bottled soda (many cool flavors to choose from) and a regular candy for 7 bucks. By other movie theater standards that a bargain.

This is my favorite small theater! I had the honor of visiting this place last week for the Seattle Asian American Film Festival and really enjoyed the showings there. The theater is nice and cozy with multiple rooms and a cool lobby with decorations for people to hangout. There's also a confession stand for people to get their snack fixed for the showings. I'm looking forward to checking this place out again since it looks like they have a lot of small films/projects on their schedule!

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.

THANK YOU Brenan (and Louie R.) for replying to my emails addressed to this business. I appreciate timely, helpful replies.

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 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.

The Forum is a gem. I love that you can come to the Northwest Film Forum to watch a film, see a dance performance, hear a panel discussion, get a workout. It's the only place where I get to see some of my favorite contemporary artists making work in film and video.

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 12th 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!

A quaint little movie theater in Capitol Hill. Servicing all your indie film needs. It doesn't hold a lot of people but gives a more intimate setting than most places. I used to be a big indie movie person, mostly because mainstreams films started to suck more than usual. So I always try to know where I can catch the new flicks and the ones corporate America doesn't want you to watch. They just hosted HUMP 2, the Seattle's amateur porn contest. Which was incredible. They did a great job organizing the event and being able to offer more viewing times when every show sold out so quickly. Hopefully next year they will offer even more showtimes since we all know HUMP 3 will be even bigger. Mark your calendars now!

My favorite theater in Seattle! A great selection of independant and lesser known movies. Staff is super friendly and cute. 1/2 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!

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.

With the passing the same day on July 30, 2007 of film-makers Ingmar Bergman and Michaelangelo Antonioni it makes sense to remember that film both then and still now is largely a commercial enterprise targeted at the lowest common denominator: the masses largely interested in action--cheap thrills and stupefyingly numbingly cliches, usually--, one-liners, and loads of popcorn... http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/01/movies/05scot.html?_r=1&8dpc&oref=slogin Although I have only been there once or twice since it opened (it used to be on 19th Ave. E. near St. Joseph's), I can attest to this being the least "commercial" movie theater in Seattle, with very fine, programming, including art, foreign, "independent,"experimental, documentary, and classic film. Where else could we have seen a stunningly haunting, psychologically resonant neo-Italian realist film version of Gian-Carlo Menotti's opera "The Medium" (think The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "Turn of the Screw," and "La Strada" set to a modernist Puccini)? Or a few years, an exhibition/film festival/symposium on Slovene contemporary art? A strikingly original, funky space, with two very comfortable screening rooms, gallery, bar/cafe, large windows that look out onto the increasingly "in" 12th Ave. scene. This one-of-a-kind non-profit venue clearly stands head and shoulders above the Landmark Theaters (excepting possibly the Harvard Exit, Seven Gables, and Egyptian) in its selection of not-often-seen, mostly non-commercial fare. What about "revisiting" films by such cultural/intellectual luminaries and film-makers who have passed away recently, such as Susan Sontag ("Brother Carl"), Arthur Miller ("Playing for Time" or "Misfits"), Gian-Carlo Menotti* ("The Medium"** or "Amahl and the Night Visitors," Bergman ("Cries & Whispers," "Persona," "Scenes from a Marriage"), Antonioni ("L'avventura," "L'eclisse," "Blow-up"), etc.? (Robert Altman, despite his iconic maverick status, worked within the Hollywood studio system, as far as I know). [The Big Picture in Belltown used to be adventurous ("The Station Agent," the Robert McNamara documentary, "Fog of War," the documentary on the influential architect Louis Kahn, etc.). In the past year, it has turned to VERY standard Hollywood fare ("Dreamgirls," "Casino Royale") that could seen at any multiplex. A duplication of effort --the Meridian 16 rabbit-warren downtown usually has "first dibs" on this sort of fare]. This and the Harvard Exit are my two favorite movie theaters in Seattle. *http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/01/arts/music/01cnd-menotti.html?ex=1327986000&en=7ef65dc15876a946&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss ** http://www.amazon.com/Menotti-Medium-Powers-Alberghetti-Schippers/dp/B00006ADF9/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_1/002-2763930-2716018 Also recommended: The Warren Report, in the old Carnegie Free Library in Ballard: http://seattle.thewarrenreport.com/default.asp

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!

Being as this is the cllosest theatre to me I tend to come here when any of the movies speak to me. Granted some are way over my head or a bit too "artsy" but I try to push myself. It also helps that this place has the best theatre popcorn in the city and great sodas to go with it. I recommend any of the documentaries...I have been to two amazing ones...(one on a commune in N. California and the latest pertaining to pre-teen camp experience).

A great place to go to network with filmmakers in the community. They have facilities to do film and video editing, a collection of found footage, telecine, two theaters where they show great films. They also have equipment that you can check out at a reasonable price. Check it out or grab one of their publications to see what they offer!

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.

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 1st hill I didn't recall any theaters on 12th 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 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!

Nice selection of rare, classic, foreign, and non-commercial movies (I highly praise that effort)... But the projection feels like coming from a DVD, the EXIT lights are way too bright and distracting for their small viewing halls, and the seats are small and quite uncomfortable. Pity, for there is no substitute for their offering in town.

This is my type of place...Not only do they show awesome independent movies and other (unusual) flicks, but they also offer a plethora of services for emerging filmmakers/writers/artists. You really have to visit their web site to fully understand everything that is going on at NWFF. Don't expect the normal movie experience here, the theaters are very nice, but small; it's more like you are watching a movie in a small screening room. By the way, they have awesome popcorn (served in a wooden bowl) and if you buy a large, they give you free refills...like I said, not the typical movie experience. Did I mention the array of seasonings they have available for the popcorn? I recommend the curry powder; sounds weird, but it's great.

As much as I love the idea of the NWFF and that they show great films and support local filmmakers the projectors and screens are just awful. The images are incredibly dark. Maybe things have changed since I was last there about a year ago.

Brett Hamil is the worst. He's not funny, he's not informed, and he just seems clueless. He's not really sure what's going on but he puts a lot of effort into looking like he has some sort of grasp on what's happening around him, but everyone around him is two steps ahead of him and know that's not the case.

Must do cinema in Seattle for independent movies and documentaries you wouldn't find anywhere else. It's so quiet I'm afraid for its future but it's wonderful. Strong food and drinks selection, comfy seats, lovely staff - it's got it all.

NFF just continues to make me so happy. I got to see Sting Ray Sam along with Q&A with the creator of the film Corey Mcabee. There isn't another place in Seattle that provides you this much involvement into the films they show. The entire showing was awesome!

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.

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.

I am just starting the beginning of what will be a torrid affair with this theatre. Her big windows and posters lured me in while the petite screen and theatre charmed me. She had me in her palm of her hand when she whispered in my ear "free refills on the popcorn and we reuse our popcorn bowl". The variety of films she offers to me make me feel informed and connected and I want to return to her again and again.

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.

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!

I'm currently taking a class on line producing with the incomparable Jennifer Roth. I look forward to the class all week. They just released their winter class schedule, which is amazing. Check it out.

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.

My Red Vic away from home! I saw The Good, Bad, and the Ugly here. Nothing like some cowboy action to make me forget about the relentless rain outside. Comfy and funky with friendly and smart staff. I'll definitely be hitting this up next time I'm in town.

Wonderful art house theater with an eclectic selection of films, but also the least comfortable seats in town (with too little leg room!). I'd love to support it more.

I highly recommend taking film technology classes here. The teacher is excellent and knowledgeable source and runs an interactive and fascinating class.

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.

NWFF is a great place to see old films and very small films, the ones that most other theaters here in Seattle won't touch. I saw "Annie Hall" here as well as a Japanese drama/thriller and a documentary (amongst other things). So they definitely show a range of films. The theaters are small but comfortable. NWFF also will focus on a theme or director and show a bunch of related movies, which is cool. Not to mention it's kind of cool to go to a small theater and be in there with three other people. With decent sound and a much larger screen than your biggest TV (but not as big as a real movie screen) it makes for a really homey experience. As long as you know that's what you're getting here ahead of time, it's usually a positive experience (except when, during the Japanese film they forgot to raise the bottom of the screen up during a reel and we couldn't see the subtitles. They did fix it about five minutes later, but still).

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.

The Northwest Film Forum is an amazing local theater. It's in a great location and we really enjoyed the screening of Basquiat: Radiant Child. The concessions are fun and we enjoyed drinking Mexican cokes in glass bottles. Can't wait to go back!

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.