Introducing the Film Forever Fund

FILM FOREVER

As New England's most successful independent, nonprofit cinema, the Coolidge is dedicated to keeping the art of film projection alive and well in Greater Boston. We are excited to announce the establishment of a new fund that directly supports 16mm, 35mm, and 70mm film at the Coolidge: the Film Forever Fund.

In the early 2000s, Hollywood studios announced that they were phasing out 35mm prints in favor of digital distribution. This shift effectively translated to an ultimatum to movie theaters: convert or die. Several independently owned movie cinemas went out of business, but in 2012, the Coolidge successfully raised funds to install digital projection. At the same time, we have remained dedicated to preserving film projection and continued to employ talented projectionists who are trained to handle film.

As film prints become more difficult to secure and distributors invest in them less, the cost of screening on film has increased significantly in the last several years—but we're committed to presenting this historically important medium as often as we can.

“There’s nothing like seeing a 35mm print of a movie you love projected on screen. We are grateful to our donors for recognizing the importance of 35mm and helping to ensure that our audiences will continue to have the opportunity to experience films on film at the Coolidge.”Mark Anastasio, Director of Special Programming

The Film Forever Fund is vital to our ability to continue screening on film. A gift in any amount will help us to maintain the world-class projection you've come to know and love from the Coolidge.

donate to the fund

MORE THAN JUST 35MM

In addition to 35mm film, we show films in 16mm and 70mm. In 2022, we screened 137 films in 35mm including runs of Memoria, Licorice Pizza, and The Power of the Dog.

This summer, we're screening four films on 70mm—check out the titles below!

70mm films

This Week

  • Denis Villeneuve's sequel to his Oscar winning adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal bestseller.

    Showtimes
  • Nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, from director Wim Wenders. 

    Showtimes
  • From writer/director Julio Torres comes a surreal adventure through the equally treacherous worlds of New York City and the U.S. Immigration system.

    Showtimes
  • From Director Rose Glass comes an electric new love story.

    Showtimes
  • The Third Man

    HUNTED... By a thousand men! Haunted... By a lovely girl!

     

    Showtimes
  • Based on the book If It’s Not Impossible…: The Life of Sir Nicholas Winton by Barbara Winton.

    Showtimes
  • Post-film Zoom Q&A with director Michael Mohan following our 7pm screening on Sunday, March 31!

    Showtimes
  • Giuseppe Tornatore pays tribute to Ennio Morricone in a moving and comprehensive documentary portrait of the composer.

    Showtimes
  • Marsha and the Positrons specialize in fun songs about science & how the world works with positive social messages! 

    Showtimes
  • Once you enter Silent Hill, there is no turning back.

    Showtimes
  • Peter Jackson brings J.R.R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings from page to screen in this epic, Academy-Award winning trilogy, in 35mm!

    Showtimes
  • Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo Marx are at their very best in their funniest and most popular film.

    Showtimes
  • Musician and Brandeis instructor James Heazlewood-Dale elucidates the musical genius of Ennio Morricone.

    Showtimes
  • With a thrilling score by composer Max Steiner (Casablanca)!

    Showtimes
  • A contemplative portrait of Ron 'Stray Dog' Hall: biker, Vietnam Vet, and lover of small dogs.

    Showtimes