Cue the velvet ropes, movie passes, and popcorn: Seattle International Film Festival is back

A Seattle arts tradition returns this week. It’s also celebrating 50 years of bringing international and independent films to the region.

This year, the festival will screen more than 260 films over 10 days. The lineup includes a documentary about the quirky 1970s ad campaign that put Rainier Beer on the map.

Fun fact: In 1979, three years after SIFF launched at the Moore Egyptian theater, the sci-fi horror film Alien premiered nationally at the Seattle festival. Now, SIFF is one of the largest film fests in the country.

Artistic director Beth Barrett told KUOW this is where people can discover their new favorite films — local and international.

“There are a lot of first time and second time directors, there are a lot of filmmakers from countries that we haven’t heard much from,” Barrett said.

In an age of on-demand streaming, the festival provides community and a different viewing experience, she added.

“The jump-scares are infinitely scarier. If something is really funny or sad, I think it heightens the emotions of both…it’s the community's interactions that actually makes feelings and emotions feel more alive.”

Still, the film festival isn't shunning streaming. Barrett said SIFF will provide a streaming option for a limited time for those who are not physically able to make it to the theaters.