Technical failures and labor disputes have disrupted the premium 70mm screenings of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” at SIFF Cinema Downtown. Since the film opened at the venue on July 16, technical difficulties have caused interruptions in four of the 12 screenings, occasionally forcing the theater to switch to digital projection, according to Seattletimes.
Technical Difficulties with 70mm Projection
SIFF, the local arts nonprofit that operates three area theaters and the Seattle International Film Festival, informed ticket holders via email that these premium format issues may persist through the current and following weekends. The 70mm 5-perf film process involves reels weighing up to 45 pounds that run at 112.5 feet-per-minute, a process projectionist Aaron Ridenour described as not for the light of heart,
as reported by KOMO News.
Ridenour, SIFF’s dedicated 70mm projectionist for this run, noted that only about 80 screens across the U.S. are running the film in the 70mm 5-perf format. This format utilizes a photo-chemical process with a 2.20:1 aspect ratio, which Ridenour says allows audiences to see the film as the filmmaker intended with a level of resolution and clarity not available elsewhere.
Union Walkout and Labor Dispute
Concurrent with these technical issues, the SIFF Cinema Workers Union (SCWU) initiated a walkout on Friday afternoon. According to an emailed statement from union chair Adrienne Tippins, 13 union workers walked out of their shifts across all SIFF venues around 2 p.m. Friday, with additional non-scheduled members joining the action. The walkout was scheduled to span two days of “The Odyssey” screenings, including Friday’s sold-out 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows, and continue through Saturday, as reported by yakimaherald.com.
The labor unrest stems from a dispute over the ratification of a second contract, as the first contract expired in April. Tippins alleged that SIFF engaged in bad-faith bargaining practices, including refusing “reasonable” information requests and intentional delays, which have denied members improvements in benefits, protections, and wages. The SCWU has also filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
SIFF management denied these claims, stating they have consistently come to the table in good faith
and provided multiple proposals. Jeanne Nickelsburg, SIFF’s director of advancement, stated the cinema intended to continue operating. To avoid disappointing ticket buyers during the opening weekend, SIFF announced that nonunion staff would fill shifts for “The Odyssey” screenings.
Impact on Theater Operations
While the high-demand screenings of “The Odyssey” were prioritized, other films were affected by the labor action. SIFF canceled several Saturday screenings, including:
- “Maddie’s Secret” (1:30 p.m.)
- “The Invite” (1:45 p.m.)
- “Gail Daughtry” (2:15 p.m.)
SIFF stated it would reach out to affected patrons to provide vouchers for other screenings.
Context of the Release
The disruptions occur during a high-stakes release for “The Odyssey,” the first feature film shot entirely with Imax 70mm film cameras. The movie grossed $17.6 million across the nation from Thursday previews alone and was on track for $50 million by Friday night, according to the Yakima Herald.
Due to the rarity of the format, viewers have various options for experiencing the film. While 70mm 5-perf is available at SIFF Cinema Downtown from July 16-26 and July 31-August 2, other options include Imax 70mm—available at only 26 theaters in the U.S.—and digital Imax or Dolby Cinema, as detailed by The Washington Post.
Worth a look
