The non-profit California Film Institute celebrates film as art and education through year-round programming at the non-profit independent CHRISTOPHER B. SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTERpresentation of the acclaimed MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL and DOCLANDS Documentary Film Festival, and cultivation of the next generation of film lovers and filmmakers through CAFILM EDUCATION programs.

Photo © Drew Altizer Photography

CHRISTOPHER B. SMITH RAFAEL FILM CENTER

This beautifully restored, state-of-the-art, three-screen theater is one of few non-profit theaters in the United States. The venue exhibits independent documentary and narrative films, classics, retrospectives, features, international works and hosts special events with filmmakers from around the world year-round. The Film Center serves approximately 200,000 patrons annually.

Photo © Anita Su

CAFILM EDUCATION

Through innovative educational programs, 100 free annual screenings for school groups and their families, filmmaking workshops and a year-long cinema appreciation curriculum, CAFILM Education touches the lives of over 6,500 children annually through a broad range of activities, ranging from Q&A sessions with top international filmmakers to hands-on seminars with industry professionals CAFILM Education promotes tolerance and a sophisticated world view by expanding classroom topics across borders and disciplines.

Photo © Tommy Lau Photography

MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL

Founded in 1978 by California Film Institute director Mark Fishkin, the 11-day festival is held every October, screening over 200 innovative US and international films for over 60,000 film lovers. MVFF has established an impressive track record for launching new films and new filmmakers, and has earned a reputation as a filmmakers’ festival by offering a high-profile, prestigious, non-competitive environment for celebrating the best in independent and world cinema. The Mill Valley Film Festival is consistently rated one of the top film festivals in the nation.

Photo © Tommy Lau Photography

DOCLANDS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL

DocLands’ film slate of recently completed films is non-competitive and non-juried, with one overall Audience Choice Award. Dedicated to building connections and partnerships to invigorate the business and art of nonfiction filmmaking, DocLands  aims to build an active, inclusive, and fully supportive community around documentary film through public screenings, engaged conversations, and grassroots networking and pitching events. It showcases documentary film with a diversity of content, within three main programming sections: Art of Impact, The Great Outdoors, and WonderLands.

THE CALIFORNIA FILM INSTITUTE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which relies on the generosity of its community to thrive.

Here are a few ways that you can support CAFILM:

Individual Giving
Become a Member
Corporate Sponsorship
Foundation Support

You can make a secure donation online by clicking on the donate button below or by contacting Liana Bender, Foundation and Individual Giving Director, at [email protected] or (415) 526-5838.

All donations to the California Film Institute are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION