What American Cinematheque does

American Cinematheque is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit film exhibition organization founded in 1984 in Los Angeles that operates as a continuous, year-round film festival rather than a traditional museum or single-purpose cinema. It programs, presents, and preserves film across three operating Los Angeles venues — the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood (516 seats, built 1922, site of the world's first movie premiere), the Aero/Max Palevsky Theatre in Santa Monica (425 seats, built 1940), and the Los Feliz 3 (144 seats, built 1935) — with a fourth venue, Directors Village in Westwood, targeted for 2027 reopening. Programming spans 1,600+ unique screenings and live events annually, including retrospectives, restorations, advance screenings, filmmaker Q&As, double/triple-features, and marathons, supported by one of the only five U.S. theaters capable of projecting rare nitrate film and the ability to present 70mm.

The organization's core technical competency is multi-format film projection (35mm, 70mm, nitrate, and DCP) inside architecturally significant historic venues, paired with accessibility tooling such as hearing assist headsets, audio description, and closed captioning receivers. Annual franchises include Beyond Fest (the highest-attended U.S. genre film festival), Noir City Hollywood (film noir with live jazz), Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair (now expanded globally to roughly 100 theaters across 73 cities in 8 countries), the American Cinematheque Award (40th year in 2026), and the Tribute to the Crafts. Strategic partnerships anchor both programming and infrastructure: a long-term arrangement with Netflix (which acquired the Egyptian in 2020 and programmed the 2021-2023 renovation) covers the Egyptian Monday-Thursday while AC programs weekends; a partnership with Village Directors Circle (led by Jason Reitman) is financing the Directors Village restoration.

Revenue is generated across four streams: ticket sales (typically $9-$15 member, $14-$15+ general, plus a $2 online booking fee), annual membership subscriptions providing discounted tickets and exclusive access, donations and fundraising (including the $25M Village Theatre capital campaign backed by Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and 30+ other filmmakers), and merchandise sales. Sponsorship and grant support flows from partners including LA County Arts & Culture, Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Turner Classic Movies, The Film Foundation, Academy Film Archive, Dolby, Paramount Pictures, and Universal Pictures. Customer segments are horizontal — film enthusiasts, filmmakers and industry luminaries, and members/donors — with no enterprise SaaS-style customer concentration.

Name

American Cinematheque

Legal name

American Cinematheque

Website

https://americancinematheque.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

American Cinematheque is a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1984 that operates a year-round film festival across three historic theaters (Egyptian, Aero, Los Feliz 3), serving film enthusiasts and industry filmmakers through 1,600+ screenings, annual festivals (Beyond Fest, Bleak Week, Noir City), and curated tributes funded by memberships, tickets, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cultural Arts and Film Exhibition Services

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Exhibition (51213), Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive-Ins) (512131)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830)

akta.pro primary industry

Screening Rooms & Cinematheques (Nonprofit/Institutional) (MPADAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Independent & Art-house Cinemas (MPADAKAB), Alternative Content Exhibition (Live Broadcasts, Concert Films, Sports, Opera) (MPADAKAG), Community & Cultural Screenings (Museums, Cultural Centers) (MPADAKAH)

Keywords

• Film exhibition programming
• Nonprofit arts organization
• Cinema screenings events
• Film festival operations
• Historic theater management

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Program: Annual membership program providing exclusive benefits including discounted tickets and access to members-only events. Supports the organization's mission of bringing people together around cinematic arts.
2. Ticket Sales: Revenue from ticket sales for screenings, special events, premieres, and festival programming at Aero Theatre, Egyptian Theatre, Los Feliz 3, and Directors Village.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Member-donor-volunteer supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Hosts annual fundraising galas like the American Cinematheque Award ceremony. The Village Theater project involves $25 million fundraising goal.
4. Merchandise Sales: Online merch store selling AC merchandise, with proceeds supporting ongoing programming.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

American Cinematheque is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit film exhibition organization that operates year-round film programming at historic Los Angeles theaters (Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, Los Feliz 3, and the upcoming Directors Village in Westwood). It sells tickets and memberships for screenings, retrospectives, restorations, filmmaker Q&As, marathons, and festivals (Beyond Fest, Noir City Hollywood, Bleak Week, Ultra Cinematheque 70 Fest), and produces the AC Podcast and the annual Tribute to the Crafts awards.

Product overview

American Cinematheque is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) film exhibition organization operating as a year-round film festival with multiple Los Angeles venues. The organization provides diverse film programming through its core venues (Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, Los Feliz 3, and the coming Directors Village in Westwood), presenting over 1,600 screenings annually including new and repertory cinema with filmmaker Q&As, retrospectives, and special events. The portfolio includes major annual events: Beyond Fest (the highest-attended genre film festival in the US), Noir City Hollywood (film noir festival), and Bleak Week (global cinema of despair festival). Additional offerings include the American Cinematheque Podcast (weekly filmmaker interview series), the Tribute to the Crafts awards, and membership programs. Venues support multiple projection formats including 35mm, 70mm, nitrate, and DCP.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Beyond Fest: The highest-attended genre film festival in the US, held annually in partnership with American Cinematheque, dedicated to horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and badass cinema. A not-for-profit entity that raises funds for the American Cinematheque.
• Noir City Hollywood
• Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair
• AC Podcast

Products and services

• Beyond Fest The highest-attended genre film festival in the US, featuring horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and action cinema. Hosts an annual fall festival plus year-round special screenings and premieres in partnership with American Cinematheque, in collaboration with Death Waltz Recording Co.
• Aero Theatre A 425-seat Streamline Moderne theatre originally built by Douglas Aircraft Company in 1940 in Santa Monica, renovated in 2005, 2019, and 2021. Features 70mm projection capability and serves as a primary venue for advance screenings, retrospectives, and the annual All-Night Horrorthon. ADA accessible with hearing assist equipment.
• Egyptian Theatre Historic 516-seat movie palace originally built in 1922, site of the world's first movie premiere. Now operated in partnership with Netflix, hosting premieres, festivals including Beyond Fest and Noir City Hollywood. One of only five US theatres able to project nitrate film, supported by Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Turner Classic Movies, The Film Foundation, and Academy Film Archive. ADA accessible.
• Los Feliz 3 Historic triplex theatre designed by architect Clifford A. Balch, opened in 1935 as a single-screen venue and converted to triplex in the early 1990s. Owned and operated by Vintage Cinemas. American Cinematheque programs Cinema 1 (144 seats) 7 days a week with 35mm and DCP projection. ADA accessible.
• Directors Village The historic Westwood Village Theatre being restored and operated in partnership with the Village Directors Circle (Jason Reitman-led filmmaker collective) as a multi-use screening and event venue. Includes a Dolby-refurbished projection booth, targeting reopening in 2027.
• Tribute to the Crafts Annual celebration of excellence behind the camera honoring production designers, casting directors, makeup artists, and other craftspeople. Features 13 award categories plus Career Achievement and Unsung Hero Awards.
• American Cinematheque Podcast Weekly interview podcast hosted by Grant Moninger that celebrates film festival programming by inviting filmmakers to share memorable cinema experiences. Available on YouTube and podcast platforms.
• Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair Global film festival focused on cinema of despair. Started in Santa Monica and expanded to 100 theaters in 73 cities across 8 countries (US, Puerto Rico, Canada, England, Scotland, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile). Screens over 300 movies including international and local selections.
• Noir City Hollywood Annual film festival featuring classic film noir with jazz and music themes. Held at the Egyptian Theatre featuring jazz musicians and scores, exploring the evolution of jazz's role in film noir. Curated by Eddie Muller.
• Membership Program Annual membership program providing exclusive benefits including discounted tickets, members-only events, priority access, and gift activation. Supports the organization's mission of bringing people together around cinematic arts.
• Film Screenings & Events Programming Over 1,600 unique screenings and live events per year including retrospectives, restorations, advance screenings, filmmaker Q&As, double-features, triple-features, and marathons. Features 35mm, 70mm, nitrate, and state-of-the-art DCP projection.
• AC Merchandise Shop Online merchandise store selling AC merchandise, with proceeds supporting ongoing programming.
• American Cinematheque Award Ceremony Annual fundraising gala and tribute ceremony held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills that recognizes outstanding achievement in filmmaking. 40th annual edition in 2026 honored Ryan Gosling for his role in 'Project Hail Mary'.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,600 unique screenings and live events per year
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Village Directors CirclecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Jason Reitman-led filmmaker collective partnering with American Cinematheque to program and operate the historic Village Theater in Westwood. Goal to transform the theater into a cultural hub with screenings, festivals, and events. Involves fundraising of $25 million with participation from over 30 notable filmmakers including Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan. Target reopening in 2027.
• NetflixcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Netflix acquired the Egyptian Theatre in 2020. American Cinematheque programs the theater on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays under a long-term agreement, while Netflix programs Monday-Thursdays. Netflix funded extensive renovation from 2021-2023 returning the theatre to its original 1922 grandeur.
• Paramount PicturesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParamount Pictures involved in the release of 'Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)' concert film, with the premiere at Westwood Village Theatre.
• Hollywood Foreign Press AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in supporting nitrate film projection capability at the Egyptian Theatre, one of only five theatres in the United States that can project rare nitrate film.
• Turner Classic MoviesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in supporting nitrate film projection capability at the Egyptian Theatre.
• The Film FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in supporting nitrate film projection capability at the Egyptian Theatre.
• Academy Film ArchiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in supporting nitrate film projection capability at the Egyptian Theatre.
• Death Waltz Recording Co.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeyond Fest is built in partnership with Death Waltz Recording Co., a not-for-profit entity that raises funds for American Cinematheque.
• LA County Arts & CulturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican Cinematheque is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture.
• FIAF (International Federation of Film Archives)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican Cinematheque is an Associate Member of FIAF, the International Federation of Film Archives.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Film Forum: Nonprofit art-house cinema in New York City operating year-round repertory programming, premieres, and filmmaker Q&As. Closest functional analog to American Cinematheque's nonprofit cinematheque model, just in a different regional market.
• IFC Center: Independent art-house cinema in New York City showing new releases, repertory cinema, documentaries, and special filmmaker events. Comparable in scale, programming philosophy, and emphasis on premieres and Q&As to American Cinematheque's venues.
• AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center: American Film Institute's nonprofit art-house cinema in Silver Spring, MD, presenting repertory and independent cinema, festivals, and filmmaker events. Operates a multi-screen venue with comparable nonprofit governance and programming mission.
• Metrograph: NYC art-house repertory cinema that combines theatrical screenings, a restaurant/bar, and curated film programming. Operates in a comparable repertory/festival programming niche with a focus on premieres and special events.
• The Brattle Theatre: Nonprofit repertory cinema in Cambridge, MA programming classic films, independent cinema, premieres, and special filmmaker events. Directly comparable nonprofit single-venue cinematheque model with a focused mission.
• Coolidge Corner Theatre: Nonprofit independent cinema in Brookline, MA offering repertory programming, festivals, and educational programming. Comparable nonprofit art-house model with year-round curated calendar and community focus.

Broad incumbents

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Larger cinema chain specializing in repertory, indie, and genre programming combined with food and beverage service. Comparable in target audience and repertory programming but at commercial scale and for-profit, with broader geographic footprint.

Regional players

• Laemmle Theatres: Family-owned art-house cinema chain based in Los Angeles showing independent, foreign, and repertory films. Directly comparable in LA-specific art-house programming and customer segment, though a smaller for-profit operator.

Emerging players

• Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM): Major performing arts venue that operates BAM Film, presenting festivals, retrospectives, and special screenings. Comparable as a multidisciplinary cultural institution with a film programming arm, but operates at significantly larger scale and broader programming scope.

Others

• The Egyptian Theatre (Netflix): Now owned by Netflix and partly programmed by American Cinematheque on weekends. Relevant as both a sister-site and a counterparty — it represents both a programming platform and a key partnership/dependency for American Cinematheque.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Cinematheque