A better world through cinema! Support Upstate Films

What a year it’s been for Upstate Films! We restored the exterior of the Orpheum Theatre in Saugerties, launched Upstate Midtown, our intimate new theater in Kingston, and began a year-long renovation of our flagship Starr Cinema in Rhinebeck. Attendance continues to grow.

Conventional wisdom says cinema is in decline. Why is Upstate Films doubling down? We believe deeply in the power of culture to reconnect us.

But we need your help. Tickets and popcorn sales cover less than 60% of our operating expenses. Our Annual Appeal provides sustaining funds through our winter months and beyond. We hope to raise $40,000 before New Years. Gifts of any amount are appreciated and this year, your gift will be recognized with annual or program underwriting. Please make your contribution today by choosing an underwriting level below—your support is essential to our success.

Please contact us for benefits for gifts above $2,500.

Our annual underwriting opportunities include:

• Close Up: Visiting filmmakers and artists (40 programs per year): $15,000
• Sonic Wave: An ongoing music- and sound-rich series (50+ per year). $15,000
• Momentum + Family Films: Educational screenings for youth and families: $10,000
• Live from Upstate: Live performances and events (20+ per year): $7,500
• Witching Hour: A late-night film series exploring surreal visions, haunting desires, and the unsettling beauty of horror at the Orpheum (50+ per year): $5,000
• Revival House: Restored classics, introduced by scholars and filmmakers: $5,000
• Neighborhood Watch: a Kingston series where we work with community groups to host free or low-cost films and events that bring people together. $7,500
• TalkBack: Invites experts, academics and knowledgeable guests to discuss screenings in person (8+ programs per year): $3,000

Our individual program underwriting opportunities include:
• A full run of an awards-season film: $2,500
• A full run of a new narrative feature: $1,000
• A Close Up (filmmaker in person) screening: $500
• A TalkBack (expert in discussion) screening: $500
• A Live from Upstate event: $500
• A Revival House (restored classic) screening: $250
• A Witching Hour screening: $250
• A Neighborhood Watch screening: $250

We are deeply grateful to be partners with you on this project!

Paul Sturtz (paul@upstatefilms.org) / Jason Silverman (jason@upstatefilms.org)

P.S. We have a 1:1 match for the first $25,000 that we raise thanks to two generous donors! Double your impact before it's too late.