The thriving arts scene is a priority in this city—in fact, Seattle has been recognized for having more arts-related businesses and organizations per capita than any other metropolitan area in the U.S., according to Americans for the Arts. Filmmaker Megan Griffiths is one of the contributors to this creative city. Read on for a look at the city through her artistic lens.
Seattle, for me, has a very low-key confidence about it. The city knows what it has to offer and stands behind it without being too showy. I think my work is similar. On a more concrete level, the region is also extremely versatile, filled with cinematic views of all kinds. I’ve been able to shoot stories set in Seattle itself (Lucky Them), set in the southwest United States (Eden) and in Anytown, USA (The Off Hours, Sadie).
I have a soft spot for the Singles apartment building at 19th and John on Capitol Hill. I saw Singles on opening weekend when it came to the small town in Idaho where I lived at the time, and it’s fair to say it was a driving force in my decision to move to Seattle.
I really love this unassuming little park in Ballard on 63rd and 17th [Ballard Corners] that has a whole living room set made out of concrete. I used to live right down the street from it and it’s such a great spot to hang out and catch up with a friend on a nice summer day. I also love grabbing an espresso (preferably from Vivace) and a Cuban sandwich from Un Bien and heading out to picnic by the water at Golden Gardens.
I love seeing films at the Majestic Bay in Ballard, which is run by a real movie lover, and the Cinerama*, which is just a stunning venue for any film involving spectacle (plus their mixed chocolate-and-salted popcorn is probably the most delicious concession anywhere). Northwest Film Forum is an amazing space to connect with fellow artists and see movies that you won’t find anywhere else in Seattle. And true film fans have to visit the shrine, Scarecrow Video.
*Ed Note: The Cinerama is currently closed (2021) but we hope this will change. We miss the amazing screen and chocolate popcorn!
I love a good dive bar for my karaoke, so my go-to spots are the Waterwheel in Ballard and the Baranof in Greenwood. Both have pretty deep selection, and absolutely zero pretension.
Interview by Brangien Davis. Photo taken at Golden Gardens Park.
Check out the trailer for Megan Griffiths’ latest film, “Sadie,” the story of a 13-year-old girl who lives at home with her mother while her father serves repeated tours in the military.