Did you know there’s an entire non-profit arts service organization dedicated to strengthening North America’s independent art house exhibitors? Welcome to Art House Convergence (AHC!)
Who is AHC?
With all the chatter around exhibition, distribution, microcinemas and cultivating audiences, here on #filmstack, we figured it was high time we enter the chat and tell you who we are, what we’re up to and why we believe independent exhibition has never been more important.
We are a 501(c)3 that connects, amplifies and advocates for mission-driven, community-focused independent cinemas and exhibitors within the film industry, and arts and cultural sector. Year round, we provide the support to independent cinemas and their workers through initiatives including:
Professional development through monthly webinars, an annual conference and capacity building opportunities
Networking through virtual affinity group meetings, an online discussion forum and regional gatherings
Annual programs including the National Audience Survey, Cinema Operations Survey, Art House Theater Day and reciprocal Visiting Members Program
We advocate for independent cinemas in the ever-changing, exhibition and film landscape by:
Building solidarity across the entire independent film ecosystem: exhibition, distribution, production, archival services, cultural advocacy, research and teaching, curation, and more
Establishing partnerships with like-minded global organizations like the Confederation of International Art House Cinemas (CICAE), Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors, Cinema United and Film Festival Alliance
Elevating the visibility of independent exhibitors within the industry, and to audiences, as indispensable spaces of community, cultural, and artistic growth
Click here to for our values, and backstory which dates back to 2006 when we were founded in partnership with the Sundance Institute’s Art House Project.
What to Expect from our Substack
You’ll hear directly from us - members of our wider community - as we dive into projects like the Visiting Members Program, Art House Theater Day, our annual conference and more with topics like:
how independent exhibitors operate differently from a commercial multiplexes
challenges across exhibition right now and how we’re working to solve them
success stories from our members
distribution v. exhibition: what they’re NOT teaching you about exhibition in film school
best practices for filmmakers who want to book directly with art houses
Why You Should Support Your Local Indie Cinema
But let’s first dive into the basics. Independent cinemas have been around for a long time - well before multiplexes - and despite what the trades might be telling you, movie-going audiences are thriving because of them. Here are some of the top reasons why you should support yours:
They are the stewards of ‘cinema-going culture’ - film screenings include intros, Q&A’s, panels, educational opportunities, and presentation formats include 35mm and 70mm film.
They are curated by real human beings - who work with distributors of all sizes and directly with filmmakers. Where else will you find theatrical screenings of documentaries, foreign or festival standouts?
They lead with a customer-first approach - no 30 minute pre-shows, elevated and often local concessions, and membership perks you care about.
They are working hard at cultivating audiences - through special screenings, film festivals, repertory films. And they know who is coming to their cinemas.
They are (mostly) non-profit organizations that are cornerstones of their communities - and their cultural and economic impact is real (see AHC’s National Audience Survey.)
How can you support indie cinema RIGHT NOW?
Living in an attention economy means nurturing a cinema going audience is harder than ever. Go see a movie at your local art house, or even better become a member! (Check out our Visiting Members Program map and see where you can get reciprocal benefits across the country.)
Access is being stolen away from us by the minute because media conglomeration is REAL and it’s unfolding right before our eyes (We’re grateful to be working with our friends at the Future Film Coalition. Share your story at Block The Merger initiative.)
Independent cinemas can’t sustain their bottom lines with ticket sales alone - concessions are where their bread and butter. Get the (gourmet) popcorn! Get the (fancy) soda! Get the (local) chocolate!
Who are our members?
Our membership program is open to everyone who is a part of the art house cinema ecosystem, including but not limited to programmers, filmmakers, cinema service providers and vendors, educators, technical staff, projectionists, theater managers, ushers, fundraisers, publicists and marketing professionals, journalists and trade publications, galleries, libraries, archives, museums, distributors, film funders, virtual platform providers.
Click the map to find an art house cinema near you, or if you’re a part of the community, click here to learn more about membership opportunities.
Find Us IRL
In case you missed us at Sundance (thank you to our lovely friends at dpop studios / Litebeem for hosting our gathering) and Slamdance’s Market Monday - thanks to Hope For Film for inviting us.
Now you can grab your very own AHC x Pink Among Men “Theatrical Windows Rule” merch. (A portion of the proceeds generously benefits our organization, and more on this campaign coming to this space.)
And find find us at SXSW:
Art House Convergence (AHC) is a 501(c)3 arts service organization that connects, amplifies and advocates for mission-driven, community-focused independent cinemas and exhibitors within the film industry, and arts and cultural sector. We provide professional development, and capacity and network building for the independent exhibition workforce; and advocate for independent cinemas in the greater, and ever-changing, exhibition and film landscape.
-
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.