Membership Means More
As a Cinema/Chicago member, you’ll enjoy exclusive first looks at what’s coming next in the world of cinema, from Festival pre-sale access and discounts to free advance screenings year-round. Your tax-deductible support also helps us foster the next generation of filmmakers and film lovers!
Members Enjoy…
Free advance screenings
Exclusive pre-sale access to Festival tickets
Discounts on tickets, events, and merchandise
Exclusive access to Festival events
Prime reserved seating
Special partner promotions and events
Become a Member Now
Join today and experience more stories, more screenings, and a community that shares the love of film. If you have any questions regarding membership, please email membership@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Individual Membership
- Free advance screenings every month
- Early access to Festival tickets and passes
- Special discounts on events, merchandise, and partner offers
- Monthly members-only newsletter with exclusive updates and opportunities
- Savings on Festival tickets and passes
- Special invite to the members-only preview party
- Support independent cinema — and benefit from a tax deduction
- Join a welcoming community of passionate film lovers all year
Dual Membership
Double your movie moments — share them with another member or bring a different guest each time.
- Includes all Individual Membership benefits for two people
- Two tickets for monthly advance screenings
- $30 less than purchasing two Individual memberships
- Two special invites to the members-only preview part
Producer Membership
Take your membership to the next level — see more during the Festival, unlock special access, and enjoy exclusive benefits all year long.
- Includes all Individual Membership benefits
- One in-person Opening Night film ticket
- 10-Film Moviegoer Pass to general Festival screenings of your choice
- Two tickets for monthly advance screenings, with prime reserved seating
- Special events and partner promotions
Senior / Student Membership
Stay connected to bold, independent cinema and enjoy more stories, more savings, and more community.
- Includes all Individual Membership benefits
- $25 less than the Individual membership price
Senior Memberships are available to adults ages 65 and over
For Student Memberships, please email proof of valid student identification to membership@chicagofilmfestival.com
Founder Membership
The ultimate cinema experience — intimate, unforgettable, and entirely yours.
- Includes all Individual Membership benefits
Additional Festival benefits:
- One in-person Opening Night film ticket
- One in-person Closing Night film ticket
- One ticket to any Festival screening you choose, including Special and Gala presentations
- Prime reserved seating and priority entrance — skip the lines
- Concierge ticketing service during the Festival
- Special invite to the Founder’s Night reception
- Special invite to the members-only preview party
Year-round benefits:
- Includes all Individual Membership benefits
- Two tickets for monthly advance screenings
- Invitations to special studio screenings and private previews
- Premium partner events and patron promotions
- Prime reserved seating
Dual Founder Membership
A membership made for connection — because the best stories are meant to be shared.
- Includes all Individual Membership benefits
Festival benefits:
- Two in-person Opening Night film tickets
- Two in-person Closing Night film tickets
- Two tickets to any Festival screening you choose, including Special and Gala presentations
- Prime reserved seating and priority entrance — skip the lines
- Concierge ticketing service during the Festival
- Two special invites to the Founder’s Night reception
- Two special invites to the members-only preview party
Year-round benefits:
- Four Tickets for advance screenings
- Invitations to special studio screenings and private previews
- Premium partner events and patron promotions
- Prime reserved seating
- $500 less than purchasing two individual Founder memberships
Renew Your Membership
When renewing your membership, log in using the Sign-In option in the ticketing menu at the top of the page to access the renewal option before adding the membership to your cart.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Click “Add to Cart” on your chosen membership level.
- Simply click “Close” on the error message—your selection is in the cart, and we’re already working on a fix.
- Continue to Checkout.
- Sign in or register via Eleventh, Facebook, or email.
- Complete your purchase.
- You’ll receive a confirmation number on screen and a confirmation email.
- You’re now an official member—welcome!
For general membership questions, email membership@chicagofilmfestival.comm
For questions about Founder Memberships, email Executive Director Vivian Teng at vteng@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Producer level memberships are currently closed and will re-open on December 1, 2024.
Founder level memberships are currently closed and will re-open on December 1, 2024.
Dual Founder level memberships are currently closed and will re-open on December 1, 2024.
Upcoming Member Screenings
Wed, Aug 27 @ 7:00pm
Members’ Screening: Lurker
When a twenty-something retail clerk encounters a rising pop star, he takes the opportunity to edge his way into the in-crowd. But as the line between friend and fan blurs beyond recognition, access and proximity become a matter of life and death.
Learn moreWhat Our Members Say
“I stumbled upon Cinema Chicago a few summers ago from attending their free International Movie Screening series. Not only are the movies varied, but you get the chance to see films from all over the world, many which you wouldn’t have the chance to view otherwise. That experience led me to becoming a member, which allows me to see new movies before general release and early access to purchase International Film Festival tickets. A win, win and rewarding experience at the same time!”
-Natasha Legge
Important Dates for Members
Now – August 31: Additional Members’ discount on Early Bird Festival Passes
September 23: Festival Preview Event at AMC NEWCITY (Members-only by invitation)
September 24-26: Exclusive Members-Only Festival Pre-Sale: Individual Tickets and Pass Redemption
Membership Levels
| Student/Senior | Individual | Dual | Producer | Individual Founder | Dual Founder | ||||
| Festival Benefits | |||||||||
| Member Pre-Sale Access | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |||
| Member Discounts | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |||
| Opening Night Screening | none | none | none | 1 ticket | 1 ticket | 2 tickets | |||
| Closing Night Screening | none | none | none | none | 1 ticket | 2 tickets | |||
| 10-Film Moviegoer Pass | no | no | no | 1 pass | no | no | |||
| Access to Reserved Festival Seats | no | no | no | no | 1 seat | 2 seats | |||
| Ticket to each screening | no | no | no | no | 1 ticket | 2 tickets | |||
| Invitation to Founders’ Night at the Festival | no | no | no | no | 1 invitation | 2 invitations | |||
| Concierge Ticketing | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | |||
| Year-Round Benefits | |||||||||
| Free Tickets to Members-Only Screenings | 1 ticket | 1 ticket | 2 tickets | 2 tickets | 2 tickets | 4 tickets | |||
| Special Event and Partner Promotions | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |||
| Access to Reserved Seats Year-Round | no | no | no | 1 seat | 2 seats | 4 seats | |||
| Monthly Member Newsletter | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | |||
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