For over 26 years, Rooftop Films has been bringing people together by creating joyous, meaningful film events for audiences across the five boroughs of New York City and around the world. Thanks to your support, we’ve become the most popular nonprofit outdoor showcase for new, independent cinema in the country.
If you love what we do, there’s no better way to support our work than to become a member. We’re a nonprofit organization, and memberships also allow us to keep prices low (often free!) and support independent filmmakers and their work, all while providing special access to our screening events. If you buy your membership now, in addition to the 8+ free tickets members get, you’ll also get early access to our 2023 season announcement! Members also get all kinds of other great perks, like…
- 2 free tickets, to be used at any Summer Series screening
- discounts on tickets throughout the summer
- early access to RSVPs for free screenings
- priority entry at all Summer Series screenings
- free tickets to every screening in the Rooftop Selects series
- invitations to exclusive member events
Memberships are critical to sustaining the Summer Series, helping us support the independent film community and contribute to bringing filmmakers, musicians, and other live performers from all over New York and the wider world to screenings. We’ve set a goal to add 150 members by Opening Night. If we hit this goal, we’ll add one additional film to the Rooftop Selects series, so all members will get to attend one more screening for free!
Just as you rely on Rooftop to bring the best new independent films in the world right to your neighborhood, we rely on your support to maintain the quality and accessibility of our programs. Donations from the public help to:
- Bring groundbreaking cinema, live music, filmmaker Q&As and other one-of-a-kind experiences to audiences all across the five boroughs of New York City.
- Expand our screenings in culturally underserved communities throughout the five boroughs.
- Continue to increase our support for independent filmmakers to help them produce more groundbreaking new films.
- Make our screenings accessible to all by keeping admission low-cost (or FREE)!
- Your donation – whether it’s $25 or $25,000 – is crucial to our effort to bring the best films in the world to rooftops and scenic spots of New York.
Membership Levels
Community Member
$60
($160 value)
When you become a Community Member, you subsidize 4 tickets to Rooftop Films events or enable us to bring a New York City-based filmmaker to a screening and Q&A.
To express our gratitude for your support, Community Members get the following benefits:
- 2 tickets to be used at any Summer Series screening ($32 value)
- A pair of tickets to all four screenings in the new Rooftop Selects series ($128 value)
- Early access to Summer Series announcement
- Priority entry to ticketed events
- Subscription to the Rooftop Films Member Newsletter, with behind-the-scenes notes from the curation team and interviews with filmmakers
- Access to year-round members-only virtual programming
Student / Youth
$45
($160 value)
All of the benefits of a Community Membership at an accessible price. Community Membership benefits include:
- 2 tickets to be used at any Summer Series screening ($32 value)
- A pair of tickets to all four screenings in the new Rooftop Selects series ($128 value)
- Early access to Summer Series announcement
- Priority entry to ticketed events
- Subscription to the Rooftop Films Member Newsletter, with behind-the-scenes notes from the curation team and interviews with filmmakers
- Access to year-round members-only virtual programming access to Summer Series announcement
- Priority entry to ticketed events
- Subscription to the Rooftop Films Member Newsletter, with behind-the-scenes notes from the curation team and interviews with filmmakers
- Access to year-round members-only virtual programming
Supporter
$100
($192 value)
Every three Supporter Memberships allow Rooftop Films to pay a living wage to a technician for one screening event.
To express our gratitude for your support, Supporters get the following benefits:
- 4 tickets to be used at any Summer Series screening ($64 value)
- A pair of tickets to all four screenings in the new Rooftop Selects series ($128 value)
- Discounted tickets to the 2023 Rooftop Gala
- Early access to Summer Series announcement
- Priority entry to ticketed events
- Invitations to special off-season screenings
- Subscription to the Rooftop Films Member Newsletter
- Access to year-round members-only virtual programming
- Tote bag
Partner
$150
($256 value)
For the cost of two Partner Memberships, Rooftop Films can bring a musician to open a screening or play the after party.
To express our gratitude for your support, Partners get the following benefits:
- 8 tickets to be used at any Summer Series screening ($128 value)
- A pair of tickets to all four screenings in the new Rooftop Selects series ($128 value)
- 50% off all tickets for 2022 season (unlimited)
- Discounted tickets to the 2023 Rooftop Gala
- Early access to Summer Series announcement
- Priority entry to ticketed events
- Invitations to special off-season screenings
- Subscription to the Rooftop Films Member Newsletter
- Access to year-round members-only virtual programming
- Tote bag
Friend
$300
($1,088 value)
Each Friend Membership enables Rooftop Films to bring a filmmaker from outside of New York to see their film in front of a live NYC audience and participate in a Q+A.
To express our gratitude for your support, Friends get the following benefits:
- 2 tickets to be used at every Summer Series screening ($960 value)
- 50% off any additional tickets purchased for 2022 season (unlimited)
- A pair of tickets all four screenings in the new Rooftop Selects series ($128)
- Discounted tickets to the 2023 Rooftop Gala
- Early access to Summer Series announcement
- Priority entry to ticketed events
- Invitations to special off-season screenings
- Access to year-round members-only virtual programming
- Subscription to the Rooftop Films Member Newsletter
- Tote bag
Fairy Godparent
$500-999
All the benefits of the Friend level, plus:
- the opportunity to host 10 friends at a screening and get a special shout-out from the stage
Benefactor
$1,000-$1,999
All of the benefits of the Fairy Godparent level, plus:
- Two tickets to the 2023 Rooftop Films Gala
Champion
$2,000+
All of the benefits of the Benefactor level, plus:
- Two VIP tickets to the 2023 Rooftop Films Gala
Thinking of joining as a Fairy Godparent, Benefactor, or Champion? We’d love to be in touch about how Rooftop Films can celebrate your contribution. Below are some ideas. Feel free to be in touch with our Development Manager at lila@rooftopfilms.com to discuss.
- Opportunity to sponsor a screening
- Bring all your friends and get a shout-out from the stage
- Introduction to filmmakers as requested
- Meet and greet with artistic advisory council
- Meet and greet with Rooftop Films curators
- Opportunity for a private pre-screening cocktail party
Looking for a Gift Membership? Click here. Looking for a Student / Youth Membership? Click here.
Members Enjoy…
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.
Membership FAQs
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. If you are unable to use your membership in your name and would like to transfer it to another person, you can do so on a one time basis by emailing memberships@rooftopfilms.com.
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 detailed 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! Simply click 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. However, you can transfer your membership to another person on a one time basis if you are moving out of town or are unable to take advantage of your membership for some other reason. Please email memberships@rooftopfilms.com to transfer your membership.
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.
Is my membership fee tax deductible?
Yes, your membership fee is fully tax deductible, minus the cost of your Rooftop Films merchandise, if applicable. 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.
Rooftop Films Inc. is a 501(c)3 public charity; all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.