The California Film Institute, a 501(c)(3) is a Marin-based nonprofit arts organization with the mission to celebrate and promote film as art and education. We strive to advance the expression of independent voices from individuals, peoples and cultures from around the globe.
As a thank you for your support, we offer incredible member benefits – from MVFF early ticket access, to always getting the lowest ticket price at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, to free member screenings all year long… and that’s just to name a few!Our Members have shaped CAFILM into what it is today and have made it possible for us to continue doing what we love and share the art of film with you.
membership levels
ASSOCIATE • $80
Perfect for the solo film lover, who wants the lowest price when they watch a Smith Rafael or CAFILM Festival film, plus invitations to special member screenings and events!
CAFILM FESTIVALS
- Discounts on film tickets at both MVFF and DocLands
- Invitation to Member Preview Events—hear about the full Mill Valley Film Festival and DocLands Festival programs before the general public
- Exclusive MVFF screening and reception, just for members
- First look at the MVFF program
- Purchase MVFF tickets on the 3rd day of pre-sale—before the general public
YEAR-ROUND BENEFITS
- One discounted ticket to CAFILM-owned venues every visit
- Invitations to at least 4 exclusive member screenings throughout the year
- Discounted beer and wine when available
* Your membership is fully tax deductible (Based on average use, please check with your tax consultant)
FILM FAN • $130
All the perks of Associate membership, but for two! Perfect for couples or introducing a friend to amazing films and filmmakers.
CAFILM FESTIVALS
- Discounts on film tickets at both MVFF and DocLands
- Invitation to Member Preview Events—hear about the full Mill Valley Film Festival and DocLands Festival programs before the general public
- Exclusive MVFF screening and reception, just for members
- First look at the MVFF program
- Purchase MVFF tickets on the 3rd day of pre-sale—get your tickets before the general public
YEAR-ROUND BENEFITS
- One discounted ticket to CAFILM-owned venues every visit
- Invitations to at least 6 exclusive member screenings throughout the year
- Discounted beer and wine when available
* Your membership is fully tax deductible (Based on average use, please check with your tax consultant)
DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE • $345
For festival fans who want even earlier access to MVFF tickets and a place in our early entry line, to get the right tickets and the perfect seats at every show.
CAFILM FESTIVALS
- Discounts on film tickets at both MVFF and DocLands
- Invitation to Member Preview Events—hear about the full Mill Valley Film Festival and DocLands Festival programs before the general public
- Exclusive MVFF screening and reception, just for members
- First look at the MVFF program
- Purchase MVFF tickets on the 2nd day of pre-sale—the second earliest day of pre-sale!
- Plus: Access to early entry line B at MVFF screenings
YEAR-ROUND BENEFITS
- Two discounted tickets to the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center every visit
- Invitations to at least 10 exclusive member screenings throughout the year
- Discounted beer and wine when available
- Plus: Four complimentary film tickets to any regularly priced screening
* Tax deductible portion: $326 (based on average use), please check with your tax consultant.
PREMIER PATRON • $680
For the Film Festival marathoner! Enjoy the earliest access to film tickets, invitations to additional events and entry into the MVFF Filmmaker Lounge for relaxing between films.
CAFILM FESTIVALS
- Discounts on film tickets at both MVFF and DocLands
- Invitation to Member Preview Events—hear about the full Mill Valley Film Festival and DocLands Festival programs before the general public
- Exclusive MVFF screening and reception, just for members
- First look at the MVFF program
- Purchase MVFF tickets on the 1st day of pre-sale—you’ll be the first to get access to tickets!
- Access to early entry line B at MVFF screenings
- Plus: Access to the Filmmaker Lounge during the festival
- Two tickets to the Opening Night film and party!
YEAR-ROUND BENEFITS
- Two discounted tickets to the CAFILM-owned venues every visit
- Invitations to all CAFILM exclusive member screenings throughout the year
- Discounted beer and wine when available
- Plus: Four complimentary film tickets to any regularly priced screening
- Two complimentary popcorn and beverage packages
* Tax deductible portion: $661 (based on average use), please check with your tax consultant.
CINEMA BENEFACTOR • $1,300
Go behind the scenes! Attend even more events, first day access to ticket sales, and complimentary film and concessions coupons for MVFF and year-round screenings.
CAFILM FESTIVALS
- Discounts on film tickets at both MVFF and DocLands
- Invitation to Member Preview Events—hear about the full Mill Valley Film Festival and DocLands Festival programs before the general public
- Exclusive MVFF screening and reception, just for members
- First look at the MVFF program
- Purchase MVFF tickets on the 1st day of pre-sale—you’ll be the first to get access to tickets!
- Access to early entry line B at MVFF screenings
- Access to the Filmmaker Lounge during the festival
- Two tickets to the Opening Night film and party
- Plus: Two tickets to the Closing Night film and party
- 16 tickets for regularly priced MVFF screenings
YEAR-ROUND BENEFITS
- Two discounted tickets to CAFILM-owned venues every visit
- Invitations to all CAFILM exclusive member screenings throughout the year
- Discounted beer and wine when available
- Plus: Four complimentary film tickets to any regularly priced film screening
- Four complimentary popcorn and beverage packages
* Tax deductible portion: $1,211 (based on average use), please check with your tax consultant.
TAKE YOUR SUPPORT TO THE NEXT LEVEL… Purchase an All-Access Pass and join the Donor Circle!
BRONZE: Single • $2,750 | Dual • $5,500
Want all-access at MVFF? Receive Cinema Benefactor benefits year-round, plus early entry and all-access to films, parties, Tributes, Spotlights, Opening & Closing Nights!
MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
- All-Access to MVFF in-theater and online screenings, panels and events
- All-Access to MVFF Big Night films and events: Tributes, Spotlights, Centerpiece, Opening & Closing Nights*
- First entry line at MVFF screenings
- Filmmaker Lounge access
- First-look of MVFF program with Executive Director & Founder
DOCLANDS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
- Discounted DocLands tickets
YEAR-ROUND
- Recognition as a Donor Circle supporter (print, online and on-screen)
- Discounted beer and wine when available
- Invitations to ALL exclusive member screenings year-round
- First entry line at member screenings
Tax deductible portion (based on average usage) Single $2,609, Dual $5,217 Please check with your tax consultant.
SILVER: Single • $5,500 | Dual • $11,000
Enjoy the all-access benefits of the Bronze level year-round at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, as well as all-access, early entry and a reserved seat in the theater during festivals!
MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
- All-Access to MVFF in-theater and online screenings, panels and events
- All-Access to MVFF Big Night films and events: Tributes, Spotlights, Centerpiece, Opening & Closing Nights
- First entry line at MVFF screenings
- Filmmaker Lounge access
- First-look of MVFF program with Executive Director & Founder
- Reserved seating at MVFF screenings with RSVP, held until 15 minutes before showtime
DOCLANDS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
- Discounted DocLands tickets
- All-Access to DocLands screenings, panels and events
- First entry line at DocLands screenings
- Reserved seating at DocLands with RSVP, held until 15 minutes before showtime
YEAR-ROUND
- Recognition as a Donor Circle supporter (print, online and on-screen)
- Discounted beer and wine when available
- Invitations to ALL exclusive member screenings year-round
- First entry line at member screenings
- Reserved seating at member screenings with RSVP, held until 15 minutes before showtime
- Complimentary access to ALL CAFILM screenings & Q&As 365 days a year!
Tax deductible portion (based on average usage) Single $5,359, Dual $10,717 Please check with your tax consultant.
ASSOCIATE
- Get early access to tickets for year’s most exciting films at MVFF with Day 3 Presale
- Attend complimentary screenings of upcoming or award-nominated films with at least 4 invitations year-round
- Hear directly from filmmakers at panels and events celebrating their work
- Receive $5 off a ticket every visit to the Rafael
FILM FAN
+For you and a friend! Receive $5 off two tickets at the Rafael
+ Attend complimentary screenings with at least 10 invitations year-round
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
+Get even earlier access to MVFF tickets with Day 2 Presale
+ Attend complimentary screenings with at least 10 invitations year-round
+Receive priority entry during MVFF with Line B access
PREMIER PATRON
+Get earliest access to MVFF tickets with Day 1 Presale
+Attend MVFF’s biggest party with two complimentary tickets to the Opening Night gala
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
+Get even earlier access to MVFF tickets with Day 2 Presale
+ Attend complimentary screenings with at least 10 invitations year-round
+Receive priority entry during MVFF with Line B access
CINEMA BENEFACTOR
+Receive complimentary Rafael and MVFF tickets; you pick the films!
+Celebrate film in style with two complimentary tickets to both the Opening Night and the Closing Night parties!