Membership FAQs

The American Cinematheque is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural arts organization. Not only does your Member-support directly fund free member-based programming and screenings; it also helps sustain the organization’s ongoing public programming for the community.

Like most non-profit art-house movie theatres, the AC’s primary source of funding is the box office, where the box office and concessions are responsible for about 60% of the budget – leaving the remainder to be raised through our Membership Program and General Fundraising to support our repertory cinema programs and events, and the continued retro-format exhibition of celluloid film (35mm & 70mm).

In order to provide the high-quality programming and theatrical exhibition at our theatres, as well as our free virtual events, we depend on memberships, donations, sponsorships and special events. We appreciate our members and the vital support their dues provide.

• Vouchers are available for in-person Box Office Redemption ONLY, and only available on the day of the event – vouchers are not currently available for redemption through our online ticketing.
• Vouchers are only available for regularly priced shows ONLY (not for 70mm screenings or other shows categorized as Special Events)
• In person at the Box Office, Members must show their Member cards, telephone number and present a valid photo I.D. when purchasing tickets and/or using the priority entrance line.
• Members are not currently able to view the total number of vouchers remaining through the online member portal. If you want to know the current number of vouchers remaining with your membership plan, you can either email the Membership Desk, or inquire at the Box Office.

We don’t offer upgrades to active and existing memberships. As the AC is a non-profit, each membership is categorized as a charitable contribution, and is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

We allow for upgrades only if the new Membership was purchased within the last two weeks. 

In order to upgrade (even before your current membership has lapsed!) you’re more than welcome to purchase the new membership by visiting the Membership page.

Your new Membership will be effective immediately and will replace the old one in the system. Your Membership will be valid for 1 year from the date you purchase it.

We do not offer refunds or exchanges for Memberships. Memberships are charitable contributions for the American Cinematheque 501(c)(3). They are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Apart from helping to support the American Cinematheque(!), benefits are dependent on the membership level. All memberships (regardless of level) share the following benefits:

• Discounted tickets
• Unique screenings
• Exclusive Q&As
• Complimentary tickets & screeners
• Invitations to members-only virtual and theatrical events
• Priority Notice on upcoming American Cinematheque events
• Members-Line: Priority entry to certain events

To browse through all Membership levels and benefits, click here.

• To join online, click here. Ticket discounts are valid immediately.