Northwest Film Forum

Mission Northwest Film Forum incites public dialogue and creative action through collective cinematic experiences. A nonprofit film and arts center located in Seattle, Northwest Film Forum presents hundreds of films, festivals, community events, multidisciplinary performances, and public discussions each year. A comprehensive visual media organization, the Forum offers educational workshops and artist services for film and media makers at all stages of their development. Artist services include access to space, gear, fiscal sponsorship, grants, and an edit lab. Northwest Film Forum is a member-based organization. Vision A world where all people have the power to express themselves and connect with each other through visual storytelling and culture. Organizational Values Collective Power Elevating one another’s strengths and investing in shared potential to build momentum together, whether in the workplace or in the larger Pacific Northwest arts ecosystem. Mutual Growth Supporting the local film and arts community in learning and making what they wish, on their own terms, while encouraging resource-sharing and fellowship. Radical Transparency Centering community engagement throughout our decision-making processes and transparently sharing what we learn from our victories and mistakes. Supportive Leadership Working collaboratively to hire, train, and grow the team in ways that recognize potential and create opportunities for shared leadership throughout the entire organization. Commitment in Action Moving our values around diversity, equity, and inclusion beyond talk and into action, to be a trailblazing organization that leads by example to dismantle inequitable systems. Spirit of Experimentation & Play Delighting in the fluidity of our programming and all aspects of our organizational vision, as we seek out new ways to challenge boundaries and cultivate joyful, creative expression. A Forum For All Working passionately to create an environment where our team members and diverse community stakeholders all feel welcome, seen, held, heard, and comfortable showing up as their whole selves. History The humble but profoundly aspirational beginnings of Northwest Film Forum can be traced back to the inspiration of founders Jamie Hook and Deborah Girdwood in 1995. Filmmakers themselves, they formed a collective to help fellow artists through the post-production process in Seattle. Their idea took root, found funding, and has never stopped growing. Originally founded as WigglyWorld Studios in a tiny Capitol Hill storefront, the collective’s activity