"We're at a good place. It's just time for me to step aside and let someone else take it to the next level," he said.
While his replacement has not been named, Seiwerath is certain the NWFF will remain a thriving organization and a strong incubator for local film in Seattle.
Seiwerath's film passions came about late, in his early 20s, and he does not describe himself as a film historian or someone with an encyclopedic knowledge of cinema. His future as the head of arguably the city's most important film organization was probably unlikely and not something he would have predicted.
Growing up first in Tacoma, then Gig Harbor, Seiwerath went to the University of Washington and graduated with a degree in history in 1994. After traveling through South American for a period, he found himself back in Seattle wondering what he'd do next.
"I was a history major looking for what to do with my life," he said.
Connecting with the Northwest Film Forum (then called Wiggly World Studios) came about almost by chance. But the timing was right.
"I had been working in photography and became interested editing motion picture film. I liked the physicality of the darkroom, and I looked for a place where I could learn about editing and learned about the organization," he said.
It was a few months after Wiggly World Studios had opened its doors.
"I jumped in as a volunteer and never left," he said. "I first helped out editing a feature film called 'Mystery Is Out.' And I found I really liked producing and being part of the filmmaking process.
Seiwerath began volunteering at the Grand Illusion Cinema in the University District, which Wiggly World had acquired. In short order, he was volunteering 40 to 50 hours a week, on top of various jobs need to keep the roof over his head.
"It's just something you do when you're in your 20s. It's probably what you're supposed to do when you're in your 20s," he said.
The organization grew quickly. Running a movie theater upped the ante considerably. Seiwerath became a full-time employee, working as a negative cutter and soon as the organization's program director. But jobs at Wiggly World were quite fluid, he said. Everyone had to wear a lot of hats.
"Pretty quickly on, I wasn't really looking for the next challenge. Instead, I became focused - obsessed maybe - with trying to make our organization better," he said.
The organization next acquired The Little Theatre on 19th Avenue East (now home to the Washington Ensemble Theatre), sold the Grand Illusion and, notably, moved into its permanent location at 1515 12th Ave. in 2005.
The space has two cinemas, as well as room and equipment for filmmakers to practice their craft.
The NWFF, beside screening a huge variety of films, offers classes and workshops to working and aspiring filmmakers. Nearly 1,000 people are members, which doesn't include the thousands who attend films, 250 of whom are working in film in some capacity.
By 2000, following the departures of founders Deborah Girdwood and Jamie Hook, Seiwerath took over as executive director.
"I sort of showed up one day and never left," he said of his 12-year tenure with the NWFF.
Working at the film forum has been remarkably rewarding. One of the appealing aspects about working for a film organization has been the collaborative nature of film making.
He's relished being connected to a broad community of local artists. He believes that film is the most important artistic medium of the 20th century, and said he enjoys the symbiotic artist possibilities of having a large number of arts groups within a small area, such as is the case on Capitol Hill.
As a result, he's been particularly concerned about the loss of arts spaces on the Hill, concerns that have been on the public's and city's radar since the sale of the Odd Fellows Hall nearly a year ago.
"I've become a real proselytizer for smart use of space and for arts organizations to have secure homes," he said. "The NWFF has created a visible hub for the film community in part because we have a secure location. Arts on the Hill is a huge passion for me."
As for the state of film in Seattle, Seiwerath thinks Seattle has always been a great film-watching city and is starting to come into its own as a film producing town.
"The filmmaking community has grown a ton. If there was one local feature worth watching a year, we used to call it a good year. There's far more activity now - many films were shot in Seattle this summer. It's been great to be part the growth of grass-roots, indigenous filmmaking. That's been the success story. There's great work being made here every year," he said.
There have been many accolades over the years. For instance, Seiwerath received Genius Award from The Stranger in 2005. And earlier this year, he received the 2008 Mayor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film. But he's most proud of the role the NWFF has been able to take in being a film incubator in the city. The NWFF, he pointed out, helps more than 80 films a year get made.
As for stepping down: "I looked at where we've taken the organization, where I've helped take it, and I was pretty happy with where it was at. The Northwest Film Forum is in a stellar place and has a great board. I had this feeling it was just time to move on, and I couldn't really figure out what was next for me while I was still working here."
As for what exactly he'll do next, Seiwerath is uncertain. He'll take some well-earned time off, enjoy some extra time with his wife (poet Rachel Kessler) and two young daughters.
But it's difficult to imagine him keeping his feet up for too long. There is one possibility he doesn't want to jinx by describing it. In any event, he wants to stay in the arts, and he has no plans to leave the city or Capitol Hill.
"Things are crystallizing for me," he said. "I am passionate about helping arts groups find arts spaces and permanent homes, and I could definitely see myself working in this area."
Not surprisingly, Seiwerath intends to remain involved with the NWFF and the larger film community. And he's not ruling out taking on film projects of his own.
"I'll always be involved with film - there's nothing else like it," he said. "And, hopefully, I'll have the time to make my own work."
Doug Schwartz is the editor of the Capitol Hill Times. He can be reached at editor@capitolhilltimes.com or 461-1308.[[In-content Ad]]