The Frida is going strong - but we need your help!

This November 21, The Frida Cinema celebrated its ninth month since first opening doors in February.   We couldn't have done it alone - the support of our Members, donors both individuals and corporate, advertisers, and yes, each and every one of you who has purchased a ticket or a bag of popcorn at our cinema, has kept us afloat.  In nine months, we are proud to have hosted:

• Over 65 short and feature films, from over 15 countries, and ranging from 1927 (Fritz Lang's Metropolis) to a current slate of art house favorites (Richard Linklater's Boyhood).
• Three film festivals: SEEfest, Galactic Film Fest, and RIP Horror Film Fest.
• Several events held to raise funds for community causes, with donations raised for groups such as Barrio Writers, the Jacqueline Bogue Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the LGBT Center OC, Rock N' Roll Girls Camp OC, and SAVS - Sexual Assault Victims Services of Orange County.
• Five art shows, showcasing works from local talented artists.
• A summer series of family-favorite classics, presented with Spanish subtitles for our community of Spanish-speaking filmgoers.

What We Need & What You Get

As anyone who runs an independent art house cinema will tell you, we cannot survive off ticket sales alone.  With very rare exception, the films we screen are not advertised on the backs of cereal boxes and on the sides of buses.  We have been able to bring such revelatory, critically-acclaimed, and thought-provoking films such as Under the Skin, Documented, and Jodorowsky's Dune - as well as such classics as The Godfather  and Do the Right Thing - because of direct support from arts and film enthusiasts who appreciate having an indie art house cinema in their community, offering such films on the big screen.

Our aim is to raise $50,000 in capital this Winter - with $20,000 of it coming from you, our Indiegogo supporters!   Where is this going?

• As we continue to develop our programming, we need to hire more staff! Whereas we have an awesome and growing team of Volunteers who help us on a daily basis, roles ranging from a Volunteer Coordinator to an on-site Operations Manager are sorely lacking over at The Frida.
• Our second auditorium needs upgrades!  Thanks to your support in 2014 we were able to fully modernize our projection and sound system in "Cinema One," and now it's time to do the same in our second auditorium!  This will allow us to program more contemporary independent-studio films, carry more films for film festivals, and expand our ability to rent our venue to an increasing number of potential clients who need DCP-accessible venues.
• Did you know our monthly electricity bill averages around $2,700?  Seriously, it does!  When factoring in rent and other operational costs, it is very expensive to keep Frida's doors open.  Your support will allow us to catch up on, and stay on top of, our expenses, which will in turn will allow us to spend more on programming and development.

Other Ways You Can Help

Want to support us, but can't contribute to our campaign?  Please consider some other ways you can assist.

• Please SHARE this campaign with your friends, family, social media followers, and fellow film enthusiasts!
• Contact us at thefridacinema@gmail.com about launching a MATCHING CHALLENGE donation campaign with us!  In 2014, our friends at Michelle Whiting & Associates, Boldo Bol, and DTSA Restaurant Association each offered $1,000 Matching Challenges to our donors, enjoying some nice publicity perks while lending their support.  Matching Challenge partnerships are a great and innovative way to donate to The Frida Cinema while promoting your business - contact us today if interested!
• Have something you'd like to personally contribute to encourage people to donate?  It's not too late to add perks!!  Calling all artists - let us know if you'd like to contribute your time and talents towards a special tier in our campaign!
• Ask your boss or HR department if your company offers a Matching Gifts Program!  Many companies will match donations made to non-profits by their employees - your company might turn your $250 gift into a $500 gift!
• Finally, please remember - EVERY DOLLAR counts.  Find that you want to contribute $100, but can only spare $10?  Please donate that $10 - we'll be so very grateful for it!  Don't feel pressured to give beyond your means - every dollar counts, and helps us get to where we need to be.
• Host your company's next special event at The Frida Cinema!  Or rent our facility to raise funds for your favorite non-profit, community group, Little League team, or community cause!  The Frida Cinema has also proven to be a great venue for birthday parties, concerts, weddings, poetry readings, and even a film-themed bachelor party!