HELP US REACH OUR GOAL
CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF CINEMA, CULTURE & COMMUNITY
For half a century, Fort Wayne Cinema Center has welcomed generations of moviegoers—through first dates and family traditions, midnight premieres and matinee classics, laughter and tears. More than just a movie theatre, it’s a place where memories are made, stories come alive, and communities gather. As we celebrate this incredible 50-year milestone, we're not just looking back with gratitude—we're looking forward with purpose.
This anniversary marks a pivotal moment for Cinema Center. While we're proud of our legacy, we need your support to ensure we can continue serving our community for the next 50 years and beyond. The landscape of cinema is evolving, and theaters across the country are closing their doors. Streaming services may keep people entertained, but they also keep people apart. Streaming can't replicate the irreplaceable experience of gathering together—the collective gasp, the shared laughter, the sense of community that only happens when we experience stories side by side. At Cinema Center, we believe in the transformative power of that connection, in the magic that happens when film brings us together rather than keeps us apart.
To remain the vibrant, accessible, community-centered space you know and love—and to ensure future generations can experience what you've cherished for decades—we must invest in critical facility upgrades, enhanced technology, and expanded programming that welcomes and serves everyone. Your contribution to our 50th anniversary campaign will help us modernize our facilities, enhance the viewing experience, support educational and community programs, expand our screenings, and secure Cinema Center's future as a cultural landmark where film continues to inspire and connect us all.
Our goal is to raise $100,000 by the end of 2026.
Will you be part of this next chapter?
WAYS TO SUPPORT US
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Don't just watch movies—be part of the movement that makes them possible! Become a Cinema Center member to help celebrate our 50th and help us write the next chapter of our story.
Your membership means more than just discounted tickets—it's your investment in keeping independent, foreign, and documentary films thriving in the Fort Wayne community.
All of our donors are considered members (you can give at any amount here), but there are certain membership levels where you can enjoy exclusive perks like discounted tickets, complimentary screenings, discounted access to arthouse theaters all over the country, and the satisfaction of knowing every visit supports our mission to bring diverse, thoughtful stories to our community.
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Save the date for our 50th Anniversary Block Party on Friday, September 25th! More details coming soon!
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Become part of Fort Wayne's cinematic legacy by sponsoring Cinema Center for our 50th anniversary. Your support doesn't just keep our screens lit—it fuels a cultural cornerstone that brings thought-provoking stories, emerging filmmakers, and unforgettable experiences to Northeast Indiana.
As a sponsor, you'll align your brand with the arts, reach an engaged community-focused audience, and help ensure that Fort Wayne remains a destination for cinema that challenges, inspires, and entertains.
Whether you're looking to support local culture, gain visibility, or invest in our creative economy, Cinema Center offers meaningful partnership opportunities that make a real difference. We tailor all of our sponsorship opportunities to fit the specific needs of our sponsors and partners. Fill out this survey if you want to learn about what’s possible.
Join us in championing the stories and voices that deserve to be seen and the community that deserves to see them!
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For half a century, we've been more than a movie theater—we've been a gathering place, a community anchor, and a partner in creating shared experiences that bring people together. Now, as we honor this legacy, we want to collaborate with fellow community champions who share our commitment to enriching local life and fostering connection. Whether you're a nonprofit, school, local business, cultural organization, or community group, there are meaningful ways we can partner together—from co-hosting events and cross-promotions to educational programs and fundraising opportunities.
As Cinema Center celebrates 50 years of serving our community, we're looking for local organizations, businesses, and community groups to join us in marking this special milestone. If you’re interested, please fill out our form, and someone will be in touch!
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We need passionate, dedicated people to help bring our 50th anniversary to life. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to take on a leadership role, there's a place for you—from event planning to community outreach, marketing, and day-of support at anniversary events. No prior experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm, ideas, and commitment to making this anniversary unforgettable. Interested? Fill out our volunteer form!
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We're looking for true collaborators—creators and influencers who can help us share the story of what Cinema Center has meant to generations of moviegoers, filmmakers, and cinephiles. We want partners who see the value in celebrating the arts, community, and films that connect us to the human experience.
Whether you're a storyteller at heart, a champion of community, or someone who simply believes in the magic that happens when people come together over great films, we want to work with you. Fill out our questionnaire, and someone will be in touch!
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Art contest coming soon… more details TBA!
50TH ANNIVERSARY & MEMBER EVENTS
Explore our special anniversary programming and member-exclusive events! And don’t forget to get tickets to our annual Oscars Gala!
Purchase a Nifty Fifty pass to get discounted access to all the 50th Anniversary Cinema Center screenings throughout 2026 ($65 for non-members / $50 for members).
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
We want to hear your hopes and visions for Cinema Center. What past Cinema Center experiences did you love? What ways can we improve? What films and events appeal to you? Hit us with the truth!
A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we would like to first thank everyone that helped us get here. Celebrating the art of film is more than just showing movies. And with all of you, it does feel different here. We are very fortunate to have last this long in the midst of all the cultural and technological changes that have occurred in our organization’s lifetime. We have transitioned from physical film reels to digital projection. For a while, during the pandemic, we were streaming online. We have been here through what many consider the golden eras of romantic comedies, documentaries, and even superhero films.
It has been great to celebrate these eras with all of you. We enter this 50th anniversary in another time of transition. Projection and sound technologies need addressing. We need a new marquee. We recently replaced our popcorn machine. This campaign is the start of the next 50 years. We look forward to sharing those with you as well.”