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Friday, February 29, 2008

Breaking: Michael Seiwerath Leaving Northwest Film Forum

posted by on February 29 at 14:10 PM

Michael Seiwerath has announced that he’s stepping down from his position as executive director of Northwest Film Forum. From an email he just sent out to friends and supporters:

After much thought, I have decided to move on from my position as Executive Director of Northwest Film Forum. This is an organization I love dearly, and where I have spent much of my waking life for the last twelve years.

Since the organization’s founding in 1995, I have worked with a talented team to build a film community, support artists and bring vital films to Seattle audiences. I was hooked from the day I met founders Jamie Hook and Deb Girdwood in their windowless space behind the old Storeroom Tavern, filled only with a futon, shag carpet, cats and a monstrous 16mm Steenbeck film editor. In a city that prided itself on loving film and the arts, there was no comprehensive center for filmmakers and audiences in Seattle. I’m proud to say that over the years, NWFF has grown from this small space to fill that void […]

While I believe as firmly as ever in the mission and work of NWFF, I am leaving because it is time for me to seek something new. I’ll be staying on to the beginning of this transition, likely though the summer. While I’m unsure what the future holds for me, it is inspiring to know that NWFF will remain a part of it.

All the best,

Michael Seiwerath
Executive Director

RSS icon Comments

1

I feel bad that no one has posted a comment on here yet...

Good bye Michael Seiwerath; we'll miss you!

Posted by michael strangeways | February 29, 2008 3:15 PM
2

I worked at the Film Forum for several years, and Michael Seiwerath was undoubtedly one of the nicest and most enthusiastic people I met there. Best of luck to him in the future, and good luck to the Film Forum in finding a new Executive Director.

Posted by Stuck in Jersey | February 29, 2008 3:20 PM
3

Michael Seiwerath should get a key to the city. The NWFF is a local treasure and, along with SIFF, has put Seattle on the map as one of the most vital cinema cities in North America. Every cinephile in town owes Seiwerath a great debt, and we got to keep our fingers crossed that the next E.D. is half as dedicated and imaginative as he has been.

Posted by Gurldoggie | February 29, 2008 3:35 PM
4

He seemed like a really nice guy. Too bad for NWFF. They could use more folks like him there.

Posted by Clint | February 29, 2008 4:03 PM
5

there was no comprehensive center for filmmakers and audiences in Seattle

*clears throat*

Women in Film, Cinema Seattle, Pike Street Cinema, 911 Arts Center


Posted by niceness | February 29, 2008 4:27 PM
6

the screening quality is not very good

I have better sound from my Mac

Seems to me that their PR is very linked to the Stranger - there is a bit more to the whole area east of Downtown than this Rag, love it as I might

hope they have a long term lease on the space, staffing aside, high rent is now the danger for these kinds of projects

Posted by earl | March 1, 2008 12:08 AM
7

Mr S. has been so important to Seattle Film it's hard to overstate it. I admire him for going into a future without a big fat professional plan, except to see his remarkable kids. Brave, bravo, we love you michael.

emily

Posted by emily white | March 2, 2008 9:14 AM
8

Don't know the facts, but I do know the newer president of NW Film Forum. What a piece of work. Sleepy, naive Seattle, a perfect spot to ply her schtick. Good luck to everyone who has to be in her dark orbit. My guess is her presence had something to do with this. Only a guess. Film? She wouldn't know how to shoot a frame, edit a frame, know a frame if it hit her over the head. But she sure weaseled her way to the top of an organization that has seen many of those involved, as actual filmmakers, or aspiring, in the true sense of the word. Word up people.

Posted by anon | March 5, 2008 10:13 PM

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