History
The Grand Illusion Cinema is the longest running independent cinema in the city. Opened in 1968 by Randy Findley in a converted dentist's office the cinema became the city's first arthouse and showcased foreign and revival films. The cinema was a success and lead to Randy opening the Seven Gables Cinema and eventually starting the local Seven Gables Theatre Chain, which inevitably got swallowed by the national Landmark Cinema Corporation. The Grand Illusion was never part of the Seven Gables Chain and remained a popular independent venue. Non-profit film arts organization, the Northwest Film Forum, saved the theater from closure in 1997, remodeled it, and revitalized interest in the venerable institution. Since 2004 a strong group of dedicated staff and volunteers, focus all attention and energy on the continued tradition of this treasured cinema.
Specialties
We exhibit independent film, classic film, and other neglected areas of cinema.