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Plot twist: SIFF’s boozy Cinema Seattle clue of what comes next for The Egyptian

(Image: @HueyJune via Twitter)

(Image: @HueyJune via Twitter)

As CHS reported earlier this month, SIFF is making preparations for a return to Capitol Hill’s shuttered Egyptian Theatre for its 2014 festival. Tuesday, the marquee went back into motion for the first time since last summer.

We also reported that the movie-focused non-profit SIFF has been the only bidder to take over the old theater long-term as Seattle Central searched for a new tenant. Officials wouldn’t confirm a long-term lease but it looks like SIFF, managing director Mary Bacarella, and artistic director Carl Spence are making plans to open a new Cinema Seattle in the Egyptian according to, of all things, a liquor license application for the theater.

The application listing SIFF and the directors’ names is a request for a beer and wine license specifically issued for theaters. It was filed on Monday.

It’s possible — but not likely — Bacarella and Spence are pursuing the license just so festival goers can enjoy beer and wine during the Capitol Hill screenings of the 40th annual Seattle International Film Festival this May. Here’s hoping, instead, the application is another plot device in the Egyptian’s epic tale of loss and triumphant return to glory.

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RainWorshipper
RainWorshipper
9 years ago

seriously? Please NO, unless they drastically change the seating. SIFF Uptown is a disaster with alcohol. I went to an 80s video night and all I got was a bunch of drunk idiots holding up their phones (and SIFF management did nothing). Central Cinema still has good sightlines even with misbehavior. I want to be able to see a film if I pay to see it in a theater!

DB McWeeberton
DB McWeeberton
9 years ago
Reply to  RainWorshipper

It could work if they’d be as draconian as the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin:

http://austinot.com/alamo-drafthouse-cinema (see: Don’t Mess With the Rules)

Dod
Dod
9 years ago

Excellent news!

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[…] the marquee finally changed last Tuesday, a alcohol-induced paper trail has had CHS wondering out loud whether SIFF has already secured its bid for a 10-year lease on The […]

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[…] Details of the 10-year lease with Seattle Central are in a statement provided to CHS by the school, below. The deal calls for SIFF to extensively renovate the former Masonic temple including “additional seating, improving the sound and projection equipment, refurbishing existing signage, adding a new bar and concessions area, installing new carpeting and fresh paint, expanding the bathrooms and more.” The overhaul will also include what can only be a film-enhancing improvement — the addition of beer and wine to the menu. […]

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[…] will also now have beer and wine. Part of the upgrades from SIFF include an overhaul of the theater-going experience to catch up […]