SIFF and Elttaes Theatres LLC are delighted to announce that the renowned Majestic Bay Theatre in Ballard will host some of the best cinema from around the world during the 42nd Seattle International Film Festival, scheduled to delight audiences of all ages across the Pacific Northwest from May 19 through June 12, 2016.

SIFF 2016 will feature a wide-ranging lineup across all genres and budgets from star-studded blockbusters to fiercely independent and international fare, along with films appropriate for young and old alike. A favorite with visitors as well as locals, SIFF presents the opportunity to meet filmmaking talent and stars, attend gala screenings with parties, and participate in forums and panels during the largest and most highly-attended film festival in the United States.

Owned and operated by Elttaes Theatres LLC, Majestic Bay is a locally-owned independent cinema with a classic, intimate feel. This popular landmark venue, elegantly updated to include modern amenities in a stylish movie house setting, will serve as the site for almost twenty SIFF screenings of all kinds during the first week of Seattle’s longest-running and widely beloved film festival, May 20 through 26.

Shoreline Community College in Shoreline and Ark Lodge Cinemas in Columbia City also play host for SIFF 2016, rounding out a slate of theaters and venues that range in scale from the 2,900-seat Susan Brotman Auditorium at McCaw Hall on Opening Night to modern cineplexes and intimate art houses where filmgoers engage with and participate in cinema as a life-changing, immersive community experience.

Carl Spence, SIFF’s Artistic Director, says, “SIFF has played a significant role in ensuring that neighborhood cinemas remain a living and vibrant part of Seattle’s community with the preservation of our flagship SIFF Cinema Uptown and Egyptian theaters. Expanding our presence west, north, and south to embrace Ballard, Shoreline, and Columbia City makes perfect sense. Our new venue partners have embraced this groundbreaking collaboration and will be invaluable ambassadors as we bring the world-class roster of SIFF 2016 films to movie lovers of our region.”

Aaron Alhadeff, President of Elttaes Theatres LLC, which has operated the Majestic Bay in Ballard since 2000, says, "We are delighted SIFF is bringing the 2016 Seattle International Film Festival to the vibrant community of Ballard, and thrilled to host their screenings in our neighborhood. Like Majestic Bay, SIFF is a Seattle tradition that brings the joy of film to the people of this city and creates memorable experiences that last a lifetime.”

"We are excited to partner with Shoreline Community College in welcoming SIFF to Shoreline,” says City of Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts. “Shoreline is a diverse community with a long history of celebrating the arts and cross-cultural understanding. Hosting the Seattle International Film Festival is a natural fit for us. We look forward to having it here for many years to come.”

Venues for the 42nd Seattle International Film Festival include McCaw Hall, Cinerama, AMC Pacific Place, Majestic Bay Theatres, Ark Lodge Cinemas, and SIFF’s own theater locations, operated year-round to present the best in international, independent, art house, and archival film: SIFF Cinema Uptown in the Uptown neighborhood of Queen Anne, SIFF Cinema Egyptian on Capitol Hill, and SIFF Film Center on Seattle Center campus. SIFF 2016 returns to Lincoln Square Cinemark Theatres in Bellevue, Kirkland Performance Center, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, and adds this year Shoreline Community College for its fourth venue in partnership with communities in neighboring cities.

Ticket packages and passes for SIFF 2016 are on sale now. Single tickets along with the complete schedule and lineup will be available from May 5 at siff.net, by phone at 206-324-9996, and in person at all three SIFF Cinema locations.