For nearly 30 years, Rooftop Films has been a beacon for emerging filmmakers, a champion of creative cinema presentation, and a pillar in New York City’s cultural landscape. But we can’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.
What Your Donation Supports
Just as you rely on Rooftop Films to bring you the best new independent films in the world to your neighborhood, we rely on your support to maintain our nonprofit mission.
Rooftop Films brings free screenings to culturally underserved New York City communities — presenting films in parks, playgrounds, NYCHA housing, and more — to support dialogue and connections between neighbors, artists, activists, youth, and the unique urban spaces we share.
Donate today to help keep our programs thriving and accessible to all, in communities citywide.
Membership Levels
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!
Community Member — $65
- 2 tickets to be used at any Summer Series screening ($40 value)
- A pair of tickets to all three screenings in the Rooftop Selects series ($120 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 programming and exclusive events
Supporter — $100
- 4 tickets to be used at any Summer Series screening ($80 value)
- A pair of tickets to all three screenings in the Rooftop Selects series ($120 value)
- 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 programming and exclusive events
Partner — $150
- 8 tickets to be used at any Summer Series screening ($160 value)
- A pair of tickets to all three screenings in the Rooftop Selects series ($120 value)
- 50% off all tickets for the Summer Series (unlimited)
- 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 programming and exclusive events
Friend — $300
- 2 tickets to be used at every Summer Series screening ($1200 value)
- 50% off any additional tickets purchased for the Summer Series (unlimited)
- A pair of tickets all three screenings in the Rooftop Selects series ($120 value)
- Early access to Summer Series announcement
- Priority entry to ticketed events
- Invitations to special off-season screenings
- Access to year-round members-only programming and exclusive events
- Subscription to the Rooftop Films Member Newsletter
Fairy Godparent — $500-999
- All the benefits of the Friend level
- 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
- Two tickets to a Rooftop Films Gala
Champion — $2,000+
- All of the benefits of the Benefactor level
- Two VIP tickets to a Rooftop Films Gala
Student / Youth — $45
- All of the benefits of the Community Membership, at an accessible price
- Requires Valid Student ID
Gift Memberships
- Any membership level can be given as a gift
Still Considering a Membership?
If you’re not a member, you’ll miss out on…
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 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.