Dear Friends of BMFI,
When Bryn Mawr Film Institute opened in 2005, there was no Uber, no Instagram, no iPads, no iPhones, and only two theaters. Most people researched what movies were playing in a physical newspaper or called our “movie line.” The next two decades included five leap years, four Presidents, one Great Recession, three royal weddings, and one global pandemic. And at BMFI: significant restoration of our historic building, the addition of two new theaters, more than 3,100 unique movie titles, 506 film classes, 456,000 bags of popcorn sold, and almost 2.5 million audience members taking a couple of hours to learn, to feel, to escape. We invite you to visit our history page, which showcases just how much generous supporters and a lean staff can accomplish.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Screened August 14, 2006
Julie & Julia (2009)
Screened August—October, 2009
Knives Out (2019) • Screened January—February 2020
Little Women (2019)
Screened December 2019—February 2020
Twenty years ago, BMFI Founder Juliet Goodfriend’s vision for a world-class cinema and film education center faced the reality of a dilapidated movie theater at risk of being converted into a fitness center. Her commitment, vision, resources, and time (plus many helping hands, including yours), ensured the survival and reimagining of an iconic Bryn Mawr community institution and architectural gem.
Some patrons are not aware that BMFI is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations as well as ticket sales to deliver outstanding cinema experiences 365 days a year. Ticket sales provide just 39% of BMFI’s budget. We rely on generous contributions to fill the gap. We manage these gifts with a ferocious commitment to fiscal oversight and have a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator.
There is much to continue and new work to do in 2026, when we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our wonderful building. We pledge to fill the next 20 years with immersive entertainment, insightful education, delightful events, and careful stewardship of the BMFI we’ve all come to love.
During this season of fellowship, light and warmth, we hope that you will join us in continuing to support BMFI’s mission with a year-end gift to keep this nonprofit film institute thriving. And, of course, please come and experience that magic in person.
Scott Fisher
Executive Director
Office Space (1999)
Screened November 13, 2006
The Color Purple (2023)
Screened December 2023—January 2024
Minions (2015)
Screened October 1, 2016
Parasite (2019)
Screened October—December, 2019
Donations do not confer BMFI membership benefits. BMFI membership, and all associated benefits, must be purchased online at BrynMawrFilm.org or at the Box Office.
