Northwest Film Forum

The region’s first and only non-profit center for film arts, Northwest Film Forum shows more than two hundred films annually and offers year-round filmmaking classes for all ages. It is one of the few organizations of its type in the world. Founded in 1995 by filmmakers Jamie Hook and Deborah Girdwood, the organization was originally known as "WigglyWorld Studios" and focused primarily on post-production. It all began in a small space, with the majority of its small staff working unpaid. NWFF continued to expand its projects and audience base, and in 2003 decided to move to a bigger venue that could better host all aspects of its mission. Ten months after selling its original space, raising funds and gathering a myriad of volunteers, NWFF transformed a new space at 1515 12th Avenue into a true cinematheque with two theatres and plenty of space for workshops and production. The new venue opened in September 2004.

Fun Fact: The name was changed from “WigglyWorld Studios” to “Northwest Film Forum” because the founders of the organization, Jamie and Debbie, were fans of the Film Forum in New York.