Noir City Seattle Returns: Noir’s Femme Fatales

Seattle cinephiles, mark your calendars! Noir City Seattle is back for its 17th year, taking over SIFF Cinema Downtown from February 14-20, 2025. This year’s festival pays tribute to the unforgettable women who defined the golden age of film noir. With 18 classic films, including 12 presented on stunning 35mm and two brand-new restorations, it’s an event no film lover should miss.

The 2025 Noir City lineup shines a light on the femmes fatales whose allure and complexity have become synonymous with the film noir genre. Fans can look forward to the Film Noir Foundation’s latest restoration of Cry Danger, as well as a 4K restoration of Robert Siodmak’s Phantom Lady. Many of the featured films star the iconic actresses profiled in Eddie Muller’s acclaimed 2002 book Dark City Dames: The Wicked Women of Film Noir, which will be reissued in a revised and expanded edition this April.

Noir City Seattle will kick off with a bang, as Eddie Muller, the “Czar of Noir” himself, hosts all screenings from February 14-16. Known for his work as the founder of the Film Noir Foundation and a host on Turner Classic Movies, Muller will bring his wealth of knowledge and passion to the stage. From February 17-20, local noir experts Vince and Rosemarie Keenan will take over hosting duties, providing engaging commentary and fascinating insights into the world of film noir.

Opening Night promises to be a memorable affair. Starting at 5:30 PM, attendees can enjoy a live jazz performance by the Dmitri Matheny Quintet. Known for his lyrical flugelhorn style, Matheny and his all-star band will perform classic jazz inspired by the silver screen. The performance will set the mood for the evening’s screening of The Narrow Margin, a quintessential noir gem.

This year’s lineup of 18 films is a cinephile’s dream, with 12 presented on glorious 35mm, offering an authentic viewing experience. The combination of classic storytelling, rich cinematography, and iconic performances ensures a week of unforgettable movie magic.

Noir City Seattle runs from February 14-20, 2025, at SIFF Cinema Downtown. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the shadowy world of film noir and celebrate the women who defined an era of cinematic intrigue. For tickets and the full schedule, visit the SIFF website.

Get ready to lose yourself in the mystery, glamour, and danger of Noir City Seattle—where the femmes fatales reign supreme!