SIFF Opening Night Gala Red Carpet.
Last night kicked off a month of films from all around the world at the 2013 Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). The festival expected nearly three thousand movie fans in attendance to enjoy the fanfare of the Opening Night Gala, featuring Joss Whedon’s adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. Opening Night 2013 sold out in less than six hours and is one of the largest gala events each year in Seattle. The evening of film took place at McCaw Hall with an after-party at the Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall.
Opening Night broke SIFF’s box office records.
Washington Filmworks Board Member, Paul Matthaeus, was presented with the 8th Annual Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film. Matthaeus was given the award during the SIFF opening ceremonies by Mayor Mike McGinn, honoring his work. Matthaeus is Founder, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Emeritus of Digital Kitchen in Seattle. Congratulations, Paul!
Cris Walters of Washington Filmworks, Zan Collier, and Ken Hagen of Washington Filmworks enjoy Opening Night.
Deborah Person, outgoing Managing Director of the Seattle International Film Festival, publically handed the torch to her successor, Mary Bacarella. Person was honored during the opening events for her many contributions to Seattle throughout her tenure with SIFF. Person has a dedicated, 32-year history with the festival, first as a patron and volunteer, eventually serving on the Board of Directors and as Board President for four years. Person has acted as the organization’s Managing Director since 2005. Thank you for your years of service, Deborah.
SIFF patrons fill McCaw Hall before the film.
Miss Opening Night? Don’t fret. SIFF 2013 lasts through June 9th and is the largest and most attended film festival in the country. There are hundreds of films, shorts and feature length, fabulous parties, great panels and so much more to come. Check out their online festival guide and festival trailer below. Get “SIFFcurious”.
