It may seem pretty quiet, but we get it– you all want to know where we are and what we’re doing! Well, plenty is going on behind the scenes and out in front! Besides the installation of our new banner on the marquee, here’s what’s going on:
Building and Preservation–Schematics are completed!
- Union Square Hospitality Group delivered cafe recommendations that helped our architects design for traffic flow, prep area, and equipment needs for our all-day cafe and bar.
- Boston Sound & Light, the premiere technical design firm for arthouse cinemas, provided valuable input–including plans for both 35MM and 70MM projection.
- V&M Architects completed the Schematics Phase this month. We’re now narrowing down our contractor selection. Once the contractor is chosen, we begin Design Development–fine-tuning drawings, hiring subcontractors, and selecting materials. This phase takes approximately 14 months. [Read about the vision and plan]
Programming
- More than 350 filmgoers attended our first three pop-up screenings of the year, with three more to come. We’re already planning our Summer Pop-Up Series, which will include three free outdoor films. Stay tuned!
- Our Film in the Classroom pilot continues at PS 84 this spring, with plans to expand to additional schools in the future.
Fundraising
Our 28-month buildout timeline depends almost entirely on continued fundraising progress:
- Several city and state grant applications are pending; decisions expected July 2026. We anticipate significant funding given strong support from our elected officials.
- Assemblyman Micah Lasher secured a $250K CREST grant toward our capital campaign.
- Individuals and foundation donations continue to come in. We now count more than 739 donors and are pushing toward 1,000. Become a Founding Donor by making a gift online, by check, stock, DAF, pledge, or Naming Opportunity!