Facets
Facets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit media arts organization founded in 1975 in Chicago that operates a 126-seat arthouse cinema, a 45,000+ title video rental library, youth film camps, and educational programs serving cinephiles, families, independent filmmakers, and donors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1975
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Facets does
Facets (formerly FACETS Film Forum) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit national media arts organization founded in 1975 by Milos Stehlik and headquartered at a 126-seat arthouse cinema in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. The organization curates and screens world, classic, and independent cinema through a network of recurring programming series — Cold Sweat (horror/cult), Optical Noise (underground/indie), Anime Club (Japanese cinema), Must-Watch Indies, Essentials (arthouse canon), Family Sundays, Chicago on Screen, Film Trivia, Staff Picks, and Sunday's Best (local Black filmmakers) — shaped by an external bench of programmers, critics, and filmmakers rather than a single in-house curator.
Beyond cinema screenings, FACETS operates a member-exclusive video rental service (facetsmovies.com) with a 45,000+ title physical-media library accumulated since the 1980s, summer film camps for ages 5-17, and a multi-space venue rental business across Cinema, Studio, and Lounge spaces. The organization previously operated the Chicago International Children's Film Festival (CICFF), the world's first Oscar-qualifying children's film festival, which was paused in 2024 for strategic evaluation.
Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of earned and contributed streams: box office ticket sales ($14 general / $10 member), four-tier memberships ($100 Video Club to $500 Patron annually), theater rentals ($400 for Studio events to $4,500 for full weekend buyouts), video rentals, film camp tuition (with Bross Fund scholarships for under-resourced youth), concessions, and a Donor Circle program with giving tiers from $1,000 (Film Fan) to $25,000 (Producer). The organization also leads operations for the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals and receives institutional support from the National Endowment for the Arts and Illinois Arts Council Agency. As of February 2026, Executive Director Karen Cardarelli announced her departure after six years of leadership, with a national search underway.
Facets firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Facets
- Legal name
- FACETS
- Website
- https://facets.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1975
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Facets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit media arts organization founded in 1975 in Chicago that operates a 126-seat arthouse cinema, a 45,000+ title video rental library, youth film camps, and educational programs serving cinephiles, families, independent filmmakers, and donors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Facets industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Arthouse Cinema Services
- NAICS
- Motion Picture and Video Exhibition (51213), Museums (712110), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830), Services-Video Tape Rental (7841), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Screening Rooms & Cinematheques (Nonprofit/Institutional) (MPADAKAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Media Arts & Film/Photography Nonprofits (BPAGAHAJ), Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG), Art Galleries & Exhibition Spaces (Commercial & Nonprofit) (THAJADAH)
Keywords
Where Facets is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Facets business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Box Office Ticket Sales: Revenue from individual and double feature film screenings. General admission $14, members $10, double features $20 general/$15 members. Free screenings for Essentials series and specific member events.
- Membership Subscriptions: Four-tier membership model providing recurring annual revenue: Video Club ($100/year), Film Club ($150/year), Household ($250/year), and Patron ($500/year). Membership includes discounts, free events, and video rental access.
- Theater Rentals: Venue rental for private/public screenings, birthday parties, corporate events. 3-hour rentals range $400-$1,200 depending on space and day. Full buyout options: Weekend $4,500, One-day $1,800. Add-ons include marquee messages and additional hours.
- Video Rentals: Physical media rental service (Blu-Ray, DVD, VHS) from 45,000+ title library, exclusively available to members through facetsmovies.com
- Film Camp Tuition: Summer film camps for ages 5-17 teaching filmmaking and storytelling skills. Household members receive 15% discount. Bross Fund scholarships available (25%-100% tuition discounts) for under-resourced youth.
- Donations and Sponsorships: 501(c)(3) non-profit receiving donations through Donor Circle program with tiers from Film Fan ($1,000) to Producer ($25,000). Corporate sponsorships and in-kind gifts supporting cinema exhibitions and CICFF youth programs.
- Concessions: On-site concessions counter serving popcorn, candy, Coca-Cola products, beer, wine, cocktails. Available during events and screenings.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Single ticket general admission |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Double feature screenings |
| Subscription | Annual | Video Club membership - single user with video rentals |
| Subscription | Annual | Film Club membership - discounted tickets and free events |
| Subscription | Annual | Household membership - family plan with camp discount |
| Subscription | Annual | Patron membership - highest tier with maximum benefits |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Cinema Only 3-Hour Rental |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Cinema + Reception 3-Hour Rental |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Studio Only 3-Hour Rental |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Multi-year contract | Full Weekend Buyout |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | One-Day Buyout |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Add-ons |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Sunday's Best All-Day Pass |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Anime Club Presents Series Pass |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
Facets product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Facets operates a 126-seat historic arthouse cinema in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, screening independent, international, repertory, and genre films through curator-driven programming series (Cold Sweat, Optical Noise, Anime Club, Must-Watch Indies, Essentials, Family Sundays, Chicago on Screen, Sunday's Best, ADIFF Chicago). It supplements cinema exhibitions with a member-only video rental library of 45,000+ titles, youth Film Camps for ages 5-17, theater rentals for private and corporate events, and tiered membership programs. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1975, Facets also channels major donor support through its Donor Circle program and the John A. Bross Student Scholarship Fund.
Product overview
Facets is a non-profit arthouse cinema organization (501(c)(3)) founded in 1975, operating as a platform of interconnected film programming and educational services. The core offering is the 126-seat historic cinema at 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, which hosts multiple programming series including Cold Sweat (horror/cult), Optical Noise (underground/indie), Anime Club (Japanese cinema), Must-Watch Indies, Essentials (arthouse canon), Family Sundays, Chicago on Screen, Film Trivia, ADIFF, and Staff Picks. Complementary products include the Video Rental Service (facetsmovies.com, 45,000+ titles for members), Theater Rentals (venue rental for events), and Membership Programs (Video Club, Film Club, Household, Patron tiers). Youth and educational offerings encompass Film Camps for ages 5-17 and the John A. Bross Student Scholarship Fund. The Chicago International Children's Film Festival (CICFF), the world's first Oscar-qualifying children's film festival, is currently paused for strategic evaluation with plans to return in 2025. Major donor support is channeled through the Donor Circle program with giving levels from $1,000 to $25,000.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- Attendance quadrupled during Karen Cardarelli's tenure through interactive, conversation-driven programming
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Facets
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Facets technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Facets partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF)coreADIFF partners with FACETS for annual Chicago film festival featuring diverse lineup of 14+ films spanning documentaries, narratives, and short films. The 2026 edition runs June 5-7 at FACETS venue.
- Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF)minorCommunity partner for film programming collaboration
- European Union Film Festival (EUNIC)minorCommunity partner for European cinema programming
- Cafe FocusminorCommunity partner organization in Chicago film scene
- Chicago Reel Film ClubminorCommunity partner for film programming collaboration
- CineYouthminorCommunity partner for youth film programming
- Queer Expression/Open Space ArtsminorCommunity partner for LGBTQ+ film programming
- Tyler Michael BalentinecoreLocal filmmaker programmer presenting Sunday's Best short film series featuring Chicago-area Black filmmakers. Previously programmed 'Life Within the Lens' at Music Box Theatre.
- Henry HansonminorArtist/programmer collaborator for film events
- Sweet Void CinemaminorCommunity partner organization in Chicago film scene
- Crust Grind ChicagocorePartner organization for Jawbreaker documentary screening about Swedish punk band Anti-Cimex, with post-screening party hosted at Liar's Club venue.
- Liar's ClubcoreVenue partner hosting post-screening party for Jawbreaker documentary screening. Official post-screening party location for Crust Grind Chicago collaboration.
- KibbitznestminorRestaurant partner at 2212 N Clybourn Ave offering 15% discount to FACETS ticket holders for pre/post-show dining.
- Vegan PlateminorRestaurant partner at 1550 W Fullerton Ave offering 10% discount to FACETS ticket holders for pre/post-show dining.
- Arrogant Frog BarminorRestaurant partner at 1365 W Fullerton Ave offering 20% discount to FACETS ticket holders for pre/post-show dining.
- Chicago Alliance of Film FestivalscoreFACETS leads operations for the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals, coordinating citywide film festival programming.
- Chicago International Children's Film Festival (CICFF)coreFACETS-operated youth film festival, the first Oscar-qualifying children's film festival in the world. Launched in 1983, celebrated 40th anniversary in 2023. Paused in 2024 for strategic evaluation with plans to return in 2025.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Facets competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Gene Siskel Film Center (same as above): Removed - duplicate.
- Music Box Theatre: Chicago's other historic arthouse cinema, also founded in the early 1980s and screening independent, international, and repertory films with Q&As and special events. Music Box is FACETS' most direct local competitor for arthouse audiences in Chicago.
- Siskel Film Center: Chicago's downtown nonprofit art-house cinema operated by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, presenting independent, international, and documentary films with filmmaker appearances. Comparable nonprofit model and curatorial community focus.
- IFC Center: New York-based nonprofit-style arthouse cinema operated by IFC Films, programming independent, repertory, and midnight films with strong community and event series. Closest analog to FACETS in scale, mission, and programming philosophy.
- Metrograph: New York arthouse cinema, restaurant, and bookstore offering curated repertory and new independent films with a strong curatorial identity. Comparable in community-led programming and cultural positioning.
- Coolidge Corner Theatre: Brookline, MA nonprofit arthouse cinema founded in 1933, presenting independent, international, and repertory films with education programs and special events. Comparable nonprofit mission and community-centered approach.
- Anthology Film Archives: New York-based nonprofit film archive and exhibitor dedicated to preserving and presenting experimental, independent, and avant-garde cinema. Comparable nonprofit mission focused on rare and repertory programming.
Others
Broad incumbents
- AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center: Operated by the American Film Institute, presenting curated independent, international, and repertory film programming with educational mission. Larger parent organization but highly comparable programming approach.
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: National dine-in cinema chain with strong repertory/marthouse programming arm (Alamo for Film, repertory nights, filmmaker events). Broader incumbent with comparable community-and-event programming DNA but scaled across many locations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Facets social profiles
Digital presenceFacets financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Facets leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Facets funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Facets M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Facets
What does Facets do?
Facets operates a 126-seat historic arthouse cinema in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, screening independent, international, repertory, and genre films through curator-driven programming series (Cold Sweat, Optical Noise, Anime Club, Must-Watch Indies, Essentials, Family Sundays, Chicago on Screen, Sunday's Best, ADIFF Chicago). It supplements cinema exhibitions with a member-only video rental library of 45,000+ titles, youth Film Camps for ages 5-17, theater rentals for private and corporate events, and tiered membership programs. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1975, Facets also channels major donor support through its Donor Circle program and the John A. Bross Student Scholarship Fund.
Is Facets a public or private company?
Facets is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Facets founded?
Facets was founded in 1975. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Facets based?
Facets is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Facets make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Box Office Ticket Sales are the primary driver. The others are membership Subscriptions, theater Rentals, video Rentals, film Camp Tuition, donations and Sponsorships and concessions.
Who are Facets's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Gene Siskel Film Center (same as above), Music Box Theatre, Siskel Film Center, IFC Center, Metrograph, Coolidge Corner Theatre and Anthology Film Archives. American Cinematheque is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Does Facets have an API?
No public API is recorded for Facets.
What industry is Facets in?
Facets's product category is Arthouse Cinema Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADAKAF, Screening Rooms & Cinematheques (Nonprofit/Institutional), with a secondary code of BPAGAHAJ, Media Arts & Film/Photography Nonprofits. Its NAICS code is 51213 and its SIC code is 7830.