The Gene Siskel Film Center

What The Gene Siskel Film Center does

The Gene Siskel Film Center is a nonprofit art house cinema operated as a public program of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), located at 164 N. State Street in Chicago's theater district. Founded in 1972 and renamed in honor of the late film critic Gene Siskel in 2001, the center programs and exhibits independent, international, and classic films across two state-of-the-art auditoriums (193-seat Theater 1 and 60-seat Theater 2) equipped with 4K DCP, 35mm, and 16mm projection plus accessibility infrastructure including hearing loops, audio description, and captioning devices. Its core product is a curated exhibition slate of more than 1,600 screenings per year, supplemented by thematic series and multiple annual festivals: the Black Harvest Film Festival, Chicago European Union Film Festival, Festival of Films from Iran, Asian American Showcase, Chicago Palestine Film Festival, MUBI Fest Chicago, and the Conversations at the Edge filmmaker series, with 200+ filmmaker appearances annually.

Revenue is generated across five streams: per-ticket admissions (sold via Agile Ticketing online and at the box office), annual Individual and Dual memberships (up to 50% ticket discount, concessions discounts, exclusive presales, with digital wallet integration via Apple Wallet and Google Pay), venue rentals for corporate and private events (Theater 1 from $2,600 base, Theater 2 from $2,100 base), concessions (popcorn, craft beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee), and tax-deductible donations including a "Name A Seat" program at $1,500+ per seat. The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, anchored by a website-based film calendar, a weekly newsletter with segmented interest categories, press coverage, and a programming identity built on curation rather than scale.

The organization is structured as an integrated program within SAIC rather than a separately incorporated entity; partial funding flows from institutional support and an Illinois Arts Council Agency grant. A small 1-10 person team is supplemented by institutional infrastructure, and key named personnel include Executive Director Emily Long and (until summer 2025) Director of Programming Rebecca Fons, whose departure to London's Barbican Centre marks a notable leadership transition. The center's strategic posture is partnership-led expansion (notably the MUBI FEST 2026 partnership and cross-institutional collaborations such as with the National Museum of Mexican Art), positioned within a clearly defined niche: differentiated, accessibility-forward art house exhibition for Chicago cinephiles rather than mass-market multiplex competition.

Name

The Gene Siskel Film Center

Legal name

The Gene Siskel Film Center

Website

https://siskelfilmcenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Gene Siskel Film Center is a nonprofit art house cinema operated by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, screening curated independent, international, and classic films across two auditoriums in Chicago's theater district, supported by membership, facility rentals, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Art House Cinema Exhibition

NAICS

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

SIC

Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Community & Cultural Screenings (Museums, Cultural Centers) (MPADAKAH), Private Screenings & Venue Rentals (Corporate, Parties) (MPADAKAJ)

Keywords

• Art house cinema
• Independent film exhibition
• Film festival programming
• Nonprofit cinema venue
• Classic film screenings

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from individual movie screenings and special event tickets sold to the public
2. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees providing discounted tickets (up to 50% off), member presales, and concessions discounts. Individual and Dual membership levels available.
3. Facility Rentals: Hourly rental of theaters and gallery space for private events, corporate functions, and community gatherings. Theater 1: $2,600 base, Theater 2: $2,100 base, with additional fees for lobby, audio support, and staffing.
4. Concessions: Food and beverage sales including popcorn, candy, beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee. Members receive discounts on popcorn.
5. Donations: Tax-deductible contributions supporting nonprofit operations, including seat naming program ($1,500+), general donations, and sponsorship opportunities
6. Seat Naming Program: Donor recognition program allowing individuals to name theater seats with engraved plaques starting at $1,500

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Gene Siskel Film Center is a nonprofit art house cinema that programs and exhibits curated independent, international, and classic films across two state-of-the-art auditoriums with 4K DCP, 35mm, and 16mm projection. It supplements year-round screenings with multiple annual film festivals, themed film series, filmmaker appearances, and Q&A events, while also renting its facilities for private and corporate events. Revenue is supported by ticket sales, annual memberships, concessions, donations, and facility rentals.

Product overview

The Gene Siskel Film Center is a nonprofit art house cinema operated by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering a unified portfolio of film exhibition services centered on its two state-of-the-art auditoriums (193 and 60 seats). The core product is curated film screenings spanning independent, international, and classic cinema across multiple formats (4K DCP, 35mm, 16mm), supplemented by seasonal film festivals (Black Harvest, Chicago EU Film Festival, Festival of Films from Iran, Asian American Showcase, Chicago Palestine Film Festival), thematic film series (20th Century Queers, 25 For 25), and the annual MUBI Fest Chicago partnership. Adjacent offerings include facility rentals for private events, a membership program with digital wallet integration, concessions, accessibility services, and email newsletter subscriptions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Film Screenings Year-round curated exhibition of independent, international, and classic films including new releases and restorations, shown across two state-of-the-art auditoriums with 4K DCP, 35mm, and 16mm projection formats. Targeted at cinephiles and film enthusiasts in Chicago.
• Black Harvest Film Festival Annual festival celebrating Black cinema and storytelling, presented as part of the Film Center's festival programming. Targets audiences seeking curated Black cinematic voices and narratives.
• Chicago European Union Film Festival Annual showcase of European cinema presented in partnership with the European Union, providing curated access to contemporary European films for Chicago audiences.
• Festival of Films from Iran Specialized festival dedicated to Iranian cinema, presenting curated Iranian films to Chicago audiences.
• Asian American Showcase Film series highlighting Asian American filmmakers and narratives, providing curated platform for Asian American cinematic voices.
• Chicago Palestine Film Festival Annual festival celebrating Palestinian cinema and culture, providing curated access to Palestinian films for Chicago audiences.
• Conversations at the Edge Film series featuring filmmaker appearances, discussions, and special events alongside screenings, providing direct engagement between audiences and visiting artists.
• Thematic Film Series Thematically curated film series including 20th Century Queers, 25 For 25 anniversary series, and other thematic programming exploring diverse cinematic voices and historical contexts.
• MUBI Fest Chicago Worldwide celebration of cinema presented in partnership with MUBI streaming platform, featuring curated films and discussions with cultural voices. Scheduled for July 11-12, 2026 in Chicago.
• Facility Rentals Rental of two theaters (193 and 60 seats), gallery space, and lobby areas for corporate events, private screenings, luncheons, and community gatherings. Includes technical capabilities for 4K projection, 35mm, and 16mm film formats. Theater 1 base rental $2,600; Theater 2 base rental $2,100 (minimum 3-hour blocks).
• Membership Program Annual membership offering up to 50% off tickets, discounted concessions, exclusive member presales, and digital membership card via Apple Wallet and Google Pay. Individual and Dual membership levels available on annual billing.
• Concessions Food and beverage service including popcorn, candy, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea available before screenings. Members receive discounts on popcorn ($1.00 off).
• Name A Seat Donor recognition program allowing individuals to name a theater seat with an engraved plaque as a tax-deductible contribution to the nonprofit. Opportunities begin at $1,500.
• Accessibility Services Assistive technologies and accommodations for patrons with disabilities including hearing loops, audio description devices, open-captioned screenings, amplified audio, and closed captioning devices.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,600+ movie screenings annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered notable, minor and core.

• National Museum of Mexican ArtnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for American Pachuco documentary screening. The film about Luis Valdez and El Teatro Campesino was presented in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art, demonstrating cultural programming collaboration.
• MUBInotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerMUBI FEST 2026 partnership bringing worldwide celebration of cinema to Chicago. MUBI Fest Chicago (July 11-12, 2026) featured curated films including Monster, My Father's Shadow, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Fly, and Lurker.
• The Future of Film is FemaleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresented Puddysticks as part of The Future of Film is Female's 'Three Films, Five Cities' project, supporting emerging female filmmakers.
• Cinema FemmeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Puddysticks screening as part of Cinema Femme programming supporting diverse voices in cinema.
• HandCut FoodsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPreferred caterer for events at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago facilities. Contact: Michelle Chamberlain for menus and pricing.
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)coreOthersThe Gene Siskel Film Center is a nonprofit public program of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. SAIC operates the center as part of its educational mission, providing institutional support and infrastructure.
• Illinois Arts Council AgencyminorOthersGrant support from Illinois Arts Council Agency as noted on the About page, providing partial funding for programming.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/siskel-film-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 The Gene Siskel Film Center