Support Rooftop Films

For nearly 30 years, Rooftop Films has been a beacon for emerging filmmakers, a champion of creative cinema presentation, and a pillar of New York City’s cultural landscape. But we don’t do this work alone. It happens thanks to generous supporters like you, who believe in the power of film to inspire and invigorate communities. Your investment creates a lasting impact in the lives of emerging filmmakers and on the communities they inspire. Thank you for keeping our programs thriving and accessible to all.

MORE WAYS TO GIVE: Support Rooftop Films with your generosity through appreciated stock donations, Donor Advised Funds (DAF), IRA charitable distributions, employer matching gifts, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. For instructions or to discuss these options, contact donate@rooftopfilms.com. Rooftop Films is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Membership Levels

Join by Dec. 31, 2024, for two bonus tickets to Opening Night of the 2025 Summer Series!

In addition to supporting Rooftop Films’ nonprofit mission, your membership gets you incredible value, including free tickets to Summer Series screenings, access to member-only screenings, invitations to exclusive events, ticket discounts, early access to events, priority entry, and more!

Membership FAQ

How do I buy a membership?

To pay by credit card, simply select the type of membership you’d like, click “purchase” and enter your credit card information. To pay by check, mail along with a check payable to “Rooftop Films” to:

Rooftop Films
232 3rd Street, E-106
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Once you have purchased your membership, we will contact you to confirm the name you would like your membership to be under. Membership benefits are only valid for the person whose name is on the membership.

What does “Guaranteed priority entry with ticket” mean?

All members who have tickets receive priority entry via the member line. Members receive priority entry when doors open (usually 8:00pm).

How do I reserve my Member Tickets?

Each member receives a unique member code. Once you become a member we will send you instructions on how to reserve member tickets.

What if a show is sold out? Can I still get in as a member?

You are not guaranteed entry to any show unless you reserve a ticket.

Can I buy a membership as a gift for my friend or family member who lives in New York City?

Yes, absolutely! Gift memberships are available here.

What if I’m moving away from New York City, and I won’t be able to use my membership for the rest of the summer. Can I cancel it and get a refund? Can I give it to my friend?

Memberships cannot be cancelled or refunded.

If I join today when will my membership expire?

Memberships are valid for one calendar year from date of purchase.

How do I find out about upcoming shows?

Please visit www.rooftopfilms.com for all information on upcoming shows, or follow us on social media, including Instagram @rooftopfilms.

Is my membership fee tax deductible?

Yes, your membership fee is fully tax deductible, minus the cost of your Rooftop Films merchandise, if applicable. Rooftop Films Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. If you would rather not receive merchandise, please email memberships@rooftopfilms.com.

What is my membership worth?

Memberships provide up to a $1755 value, but the membership itself has no cash value.

Can I also make a donation to Rooftop Films?

Absolutely. To make a 100% tax deductible donation to Rooftop Films, please visit our donation page.

I have a different question altogether.

No problem! Give us a call at 718-417-7362 or email memberships@rooftopfilms.com.

Member Benefits

One-of-a-kind events

More than a film festival, Rooftop Films screenings are innovative, once-in a lifetime film events. We’ve refreshed the old traditions — turning the drive-in into an urban phenomenon, making a film festival feel like a vibrant, thrilling party, and bringing independent film to new audiences throughout NYC. You will experience the latest works by rising directors, future stars, and acclaimed auteurs — filmmakers who are taking chances and redefining the form.

Innovative Programming

Rooftop Films makes unique events out of each and every one of the film screenings we produce. Rooftop shows films which tell us about where and how people live today, and we are committed to including stories and storytellers that are underrepresented in independent film. We screen narrative, hybrid, and documentary films which are daring and unique. We screen films of all genres, from comedies and dramas to experimental, animated and political films and the works of experienced professionals, long-time amateurs and first-time filmmakers alike. We craft short film programs thematically and build them as if they are a carefully-planned mixtape, featuring highs and lows, evoking laughs and gasps in equal measure. Because of that, our short film curation is acclaimed worldwide. We are proud of the film community we have built and look forward to welcoming filmmakers and members every year!

Beautiful Outdoor Venues

At Rooftop we strive to present films in exciting and innovative ways. A film framed by the city skyline becomes more than just a film, it becomes part of the neighborhood. We try to match films to venues; we’ll seek out idyllic spots along a canal for a romantic film, mount a screening of a documentary about industry atop the roof of a 100-year-old factory, or bring back a drive-in theater to NYC for the first time in decades for the whole family to enjoy. The result is that the films take on new meanings in these unique environments.

Year-Round Member Screenings and Events

As a Rooftop Films member, not only will you receive access to more than 40 Summer Series events plus our special drive-in screenings, you will also have exclusive access to our virtual programming, and be invited to members-only pre-screening receptions, VIP screenings and sneak preview events year-round.

Live Music

Live music has always been an integral part of the Rooftop Films experience. Alongside our films, we highlight a wide spectrum of music, sound, and styles with performances throughout each season by both emerging and established artists from all over the world. We are proud to introduce audiences to the most current and dynamic new artists and bring a new crop of unforgettable live performances to the rooftops.

After-Parties

We create post-screening energy and enthusiasm by putting together after-parties for many of our screenings so you can celebrate the works you have just seen with the filmmakers, stars, bands, and one another.

December 2024 Rewards

Make the decision to support independent film by December 31st, 2024 – with a donation, membership, or gift membership – and claim extraordinary rewards that connect you into NYC’s film community – perfect for gifting to your favorite cinephile or aspiring filmmaker too!

You missed the ability to claim amazing rewards, including…

• Tickets to NYWIFT’s Only Murders in the Building Event, Green-Wood Cemetery’s After Hours Tour for Two and Discover Green-Wood Trolley Tour for Two.
• 1-on-1s with Camille Bernier-Green, Saidah Russell, Mark Elijah Rosenberg, Joe Posner, Eric Kohn, Bryan Keller, and more.
• Membership to The Gotham Gotham Film & Media Institute.
  • Now in its 45th year, The Gotham is a community of creators, producers, and distributors working across film, TV, and beyond to advance the future of story. As a Gotham Pro Member, you’ll enjoy exclusive year-round programming, a complimentary submission to The Gotham Week Project Market, a subscription to Filmmaker magazine (print and digital), opportunities to network with fellow members and Gotham Alumni at curated events, and much more.
• Additional Memberships to DCTV, IFC Center, Film Forum, BAM, NewFest, and NYWIFT.
• Behind-the-scenes experiences at Rooftop Films events, your pet on screen at Rooftop Films events, and your own personal Rooftop Films screening.
• Merch and Blu-Rays from “I Saw the TV Glow” (including a soundtrack vinyl), “Anora”, and The Criteron Collection, and “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” T-shirts.

Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram @rooftopfilms so you don’t miss your next opportunity for limited-time rewards!

How to Claim a Reward

To Claim a Reward: Include the title of the reward in the Notes field when donating, becoming a member, or purchasing a gift membership. Claiming a reward is optional. If you would like a reward, you may claim one reward per person at or below your contribution level, subject to availability, on a first-come, first-served basis. Because the availability of rewards may change before this webpage is updated, claims will be processed based on the timestamp and proper notation of the reward during checkout. Reward claims must be confirmed by Rooftop Films via a follow-up email.

See additional terms for the December 2024 Rewards below.

Additional Terms for December 2024 Rewards

Availability: Rewards are limited and may no longer be available when claimed. If a successfully claimed reward becomes unavailable, Rooftop Films will make a good faith effort to offer a substitute of equal or greater value. However, we reserve the right to modify or cancel rewards without prior notice.

Restrictions: Rewards are for personal use only and may not be resold, auctioned, or used for commercial purposes. Rewards are non-transferable unless express written permission is granted by Rooftop Films. If you wish to transfer a reward, please contact us at donate@rooftopfilms.com.

Claiming Period: Rewards may only be claimed between December 7, 2024, and December 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET, while supplies last.

Refunds: Donations made during this fundraiser are generally non-refundable. However, if you wish to request a refund, please contact donate@rooftopfilms.com. Refund requests for donations that include a claimed reward must be submitted before the reward is distributed. If a refund is granted, the fair market value of the reward will be deducted from the refunded amount if the reward has already been distributed.

Additional Terms: Some rewards may have specific terms, conditions, or restrictions. These details will be communicated upon successful claim.

Response Time: Our team will contact you within 3 business days to confirm and coordinate your selected reward. Please respond promptly to ensure timely fulfillment. Rewards will be distributed after December 31, 2024, unless otherwise specified.

Liability and Disclaimer: By claiming a reward, you agree to release and hold harmless Rooftop Films, its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents from any liability, claims, or actions of any kind relating to the rewards or this fundraising drive.

Tax Information: Rooftop Films is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The fair market value of any rewards received will be deducted from the tax-deductible portion of your donation. Rooftop Films will provide a receipt with this information for your records. If you have claimed a reward, a separate email will follow with details about its fair market value, which may affect the tax-deductible portion of your donation. Please consult your tax advisor for specific advice regarding your donation.

For questions or clarification, please contact us at donate@rooftopfilms.com before making a claim.