As a 501(c)(3) Marin-based arts nonprofit, CAFILM’s mission is to celebrate and promote film as an art form and vital means of education. With your generous support, we continue to elevate the voices of independent filmmakers and bring their unique perspectives on life, community, and cultures from around the globe here, to the Bay Area.
All members receive exclusive access to the Mill Valley Film Festival, DocLands Documentary Film Festival, plus discounted tickets at the two CAFILM-owned venues, the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center and the Sequoia Cinema. Your generous contribution provides essential support for these programs and many more, helping us change lives through the power of the film.
Look through the memberships listed below to see the exact benefits of each level and decide which one is right for you. If you’d like to bundle a membership purchase with tickets to MVFF, check out our MVFF Early Bird deals. These deals end on the day of the Member Preview, September 12th, so please make your selection today!
“We are now more than ever convinced of the power of cinema to unite and positively strengthen community, locally and internationally.”
– Mark Fishkin, CAFILM Founder and Executive Director
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!
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.
QUESTIONS? Contact our Membership Department at (415) 526-5869, email [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the California Film Institute relies on the support of our members to fulfill our mission of celebrating and promoting film as art and education. Membership contributions are tax-deductible, and are not refundable or transferable.
All categories, benefits, and prices are subject to change.
By purchasing a membership from our site, in person, or over the phone, you agree to this refund policy and relinquish any rights to subject it to any questions, judgment or legal actions. We are not liable to cover any differences in exchange rates between the time you purchased and the time you are refunded.
Your support sustains the mission of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit California Film Institute and its programs which strive to advance the expression of independent voices in cinema from around the globe:
Smith Rafael Film Center | Mill Valley Film Festival | DocLands Documentary Film Festival | CAFILM Education
CAFILM BLOG & SELECTS
Benjamin Mulholland Reflects on Black Creativity in CinemaFebruary 26, 2023 - 6:03 pm
Xavier Rernard Cunningham Reflects on Black Creativity in CinemaFebruary 23, 2023 - 7:44 pm
PROGRAMMERS’ PICKS: BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023February 16, 2023 - 3:35 pm