Orcas Island Film Festival to reopen the beloved Sea View Theatre

Published 1:30 am Sunday, September 21, 2025

Submitted by the Orcas Island Film Festival.

The Sea View Theatre will once again light up the heart of Eastsound, reopening after months of closure following the passing of beloved longtime owner Ingrid McClinton — a loss that left a profound void in the island community.

The Orcas Island Film Festival is thrilled to announce that it will reopen the Sea View under a new lease agreement and bring movies back! An OIFF film curator will be choosing great films for us going forward. Screenings will resume the weekend of Sept. 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. The first feature film is the highly anticipated “The Lost Bus,” starring Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera and Sam Rockwell. The film has been praised for its gripping story and powerful performances, and is already generating early awards buzz, making it the perfect choice to welcome audiences back.

For the weekend of Oct. 3 and 4: “Eleanor the Great.” Scarlett Johansson’s thoughtful, provocative and very funny feature directorial debut stars 95-year-old Oscar nominee June Squibb.

“We have all missed going to the movies at Sea View and I know Ingrid would be delighted that we will carry on the tradition,” said Donna Laslo, OIFF co-director.

Movie lovers can look forward to a season of new releases, independent films and festival favorites in the months ahead. The reopening also builds excitement for the 11th Annual Orcas Island Film Festival, taking place Oct. 15–19.

The return of the Sea View Theatre is more than a reopening — it’s a joyful reunion for film lovers to come together and share the magic of the movies once again.

Tickets and information for “The Lost Bus” can be purchased in advance at seaviewtheatreorcas.com.