We kind of already know and we look forward to it every year!
In 2006, a group of fourteen independent cinemas were brought together by the Sundance Institute’s Art House Project to discuss independent film and independent film exhibition, opening dialogues and lines of communication between cinemas around the US - soon, Art House Convergence was born. We operated an international gathering of independent exhibitors (including cinemas, film festivals, distributors, vendors and industry partners) in Midway, Utah for a week before Sundance through 2020.
After a four year hiatus, during which we became our own non-profit organization, we gathered again in 2024, in collaboration with Film Festival Alliance, for the IND/EX Conference; in 2025 we gathered our community for our own Convening; and in a few weeks, we’re back with the second edition of IND/EX, taking place, along with 750 of our closest friends.
This gathering — designed specifically for the professionals and organizations that present, program, and engage audiences around independent film, is a singular space for mission-driven and community-focused cinematic arts organizations , and serves as a critical touchstone for the exhibition community. It has become a cherished annual convening, bringing together those who steward film culture in communities across the country. Because so many organizations operate independently throughout the year, the conference offers a rare opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen the field through collective learning and collaboration. It is our water cooler
So…what do we talk about? The Programming Team consisted of 8 exhibition professionals (Paul Gonter, FACETS Film Forum, Cait McCluskie, Breck Film, Seth Mutchler, Indiana University Cinema, Kayla Myers, Cinema/Chicago, Celine Negrete, The Onynx Theatre, Zuri Obi, Freelance Curator, Hannah Schockmel, The Coolidge Theatre, Christoph Straub, TIFF) who’ve spent the last several months designing over 60 professional development sessions. Some of the ones we’re most looking forward to nerding out on include:
How to Open an Art House: A Case Study
An International Look at Repertoire and Independent Film Exhibition
Art House Audience Trends
Word-of-Mouth & Guerrilla Marketing in the Hyper-Digital Age
Beyond the Theater - Pop-Up Cinema and Non-Traditional Exhibition Spaces
What the F…undraiser! - Thinking Beyond the Gala
Daytime Done Right: Programming for Older Audiences
Small Gauge, Big Ideas: Programming and Projecting 16mm Film
More Than Audiences: Accessibility for Artists
Plus, the Fireside Chat with indie exhibition icons Gina Duncan & Tabitha Jackson; a screening of Sorry to Bother You with Boots Riley at the legendary Music Box Theater, and the epic fan favorite “Trailer Wars” - a battle-of-the-bands style competition pitting exhibitors from the cinema and festival worlds head-to-head showing off their best in-house trailers. Throw in a Cubs game and film-inspired Chicago Boat tour - this is a group of people from around the world who are excited to come together, learn from our peers and have a great time while we’re at it.
Here’s who’ll be there:
We’ll report back post-IND/EX with some of the highlights and top-level findings! Stay tuned…
Reminder: Mark Your Calendars for July 30th to Join the Cinema Party. Find a participating theater here.
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. Copyright, Art House Convergence 2026
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