Rehoboth Beach Film Society and Cinema Art Theater

The Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s mission is to celebrate the power of visual storytelling, showcasing independent films and creating transformative experiences for people of all-ages and diverse backgrounds here in the mid-Atlantic region. The Film Society cultivates and shines a light on the next generation of filmmakers which benefits the community and raises awareness on the positive impact of cinema as a performance art. ORGANIZATIONS VALUES: INTEGRITY – We lead and manage the organization by upholding the highest standards of honesty, fairness, ethics and transparency. ACCESSIBILITY – We embrace diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our operation. ACCOUNTABILITY – We have clear roles and responsibilities for our Board, staff, volunteers and we abide by and honor them.

About Rehoboth Beach Film Society and Cinema Art Theater

Mission: The Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s mission is to celebrate the power of visual storytelling, showcasing independent films and creating transformative experiences for people of all-ages and diverse backgrounds here in the mid-Atlantic region. The Film Society cultivates and shines a light on the next generation of filmmakers which benefits the community and raises awareness on the positive impact of cinema as a performance art. ORGANIZATIONS VALUES: INTEGRITY – We lead and manage the organization by upholding the highest standards of honesty, fairness, ethics and transparency. ACCESSIBILITY – We embrace diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our operation. ACCOUNTABILITY – We have clear roles and responsibilities for our Board, staff, volunteers and we abide by and honor them.

The Rehoboth Beach Film Society (RBFS) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 registered in the state of Delaware. Founded in 1998, the Film Society’s established longevity as the only Cinema Art House in Sussex County, DE, the nonprofit produces a weekly slate of films along with special and alternative programs. The Society made its mark with the 1998 launch of the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival and quickly became the mid-Atlantic seaside town to visit each November.

Today, the organization operates a two-screen facility, the Cinema Art Theater (CAT) -- 140 seats which provides a year-round weekly first-run screening schedule of independent documentaries, features, and foreign titles (Wed-Sun). Alternative programs include The Metropolitan Opera - Live in HD, National Theatre Live (Plays from London’s West End) and Exhibitions on Screens. 

Each spring, the film society hosts a series of mini-film festivals that include the African American Film Festival, Jewish Film Festival, Regional Film Showcase, YOUR WORLD Youth Environmental Film Festival (middle- and high-school students) and the PRIDE Film Festival for the mid-Atlantic region.

Supporting a brick and mortar theater is an investment by and for the community. We employ seven full- and part-time local employees and a roster of 15 volunteers each year. Our 2027 Strategic Plan encompasses three pillars. One is the Society's investment in local community partnerships collaborative special events while maintaining low rental fees for our business community.

County Served: New Castle; Kent; Sussex

Office Location(s): Lewes; Rehoboth Beach

Sector: Arts & Culture; Education; DDOA Grantee