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Category: General

SLFS Annual Report 2024

Posted on by Rachel Getts

Annual Report 2024

We exhibit, create, and preserve the cinematic experience. 

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SLFS Annual Statement 2024 (2)Download

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Sundance Is Moving: Independent Cinema Is Still Here

Posted on by Rachel Getts

Official Statement from Salt Lake Film Society on Utah’s Independent Film Future

Utah has long been a cornerstone of independent film—its breathtaking landscapes, robust nonprofit film organizations, deep production resources, and a century-long legacy of iconic films make it a powerhouse in the industry. From its stunning scenery to its strong infrastructure of nonprofit film organizations, skilled crews, extensive production resources, and even the potential of a new film studio by Kevin Costner, Utah continues to stand as a premier destination for filmmakers.

While Sundance’s decision may be disappointing to some, it does not change the fact that Utah remains home to one of the most passionate and engaged moviegoing communities in the nation. Salt Lake Film Society (Broadway Centre Cinemas and Historic Tower Theatre), along with Utah’s strong mid-sized cinema exhibitors and innovative nonprofit film organizations, continues to shape the national independent film scene. Utah thrives as a leader in film exhibition, preservation, and artistic innovation.

Salt Lake City, in particular, will remain a vibrant hub for cinema with Salt Lake Film Society’s annual film festivals, including Filmexico, Masima: Pacific Island Film Festival, Unstoppable: Differently Abled Film Festival, and Czech That Film. The state will continue to champion film culture, supporting historic venues like the 1928 Tower Theatre, currently undergoing a renovation to become an environmentally responsible cultural hub dedicated exclusively to film.

For those donors who once supported Sundance, there are many meaningful ways to continue investing in Utah’s film future. Organizations like Salt Lake Film Society, Utah Film Commission, Utah Film Center, and SpyHop Productions provide powerful platforms for independent voices, historic cinema preservation, accessibility advocacy, and environmental sustainability in film.

Salt Lake Film Society will continue to operate 365 days a year at Broadway Centre Cinemas and Tower Theatre to fuel dreams, spark community, and ignite conscience through film. Visit or support us at SLFStix.org.

Tower Theatre Update

Posted on by Rachel Getts

TOWER THEATRE PLANNING UPDATES

This page was last updated on November 6, 2025

 Our goal is to update this page quarterly. 

We extend our deep gratitude to all who have inquired about and continue to love the Tower. SLFS remains 100% committed to preserving this unique and wonderful cinematic gem.

THE VISION

The 1928 historic Tower Theatre is being designed and renovated as an environmentally responsible crown-jewel movie house and community hub dedicated exclusively to cinematic experiences.
 
When completed, the Tower will serve as a community-based, mission-driven anchor for the 9th & 9th neighborhood. This treasured movie house will be Utah’s cinematic museum, trailblazing environmental responsibility and serving community through historic, contemporary, and unique technological film screenings, director/actor Q&As, cultural/environmental films, panel discussions, and SLFS’ curated programming. It will include museum exhibits that celebrate cinema’s history while inspiring the future of the medium.

RECENT HAPPENINGS

LATEST NEWS: 

We’re thrilled to share that Salt Lake Film Society has submitted the initial concept drawings for the Tower Theatre renovation project to Salt Lake City Building Services for the required planning review.

This milestone represents an exciting — though very early — step in the long and thoughtful process of restoring and reimagining our beloved 1928 movie house.

Developed by the Tower’s talented architectural and design partners, these drawings reflect the project’s preliminary vision. They will continue to evolve as we incorporate community input, professional feedback, and sustainable design principles rooted in our environmental mission.

Read more in our official news release here. 

See our news coverage in the Salt Lake Tribune here.

ONGOING PROGRESS

This summer also marked steady progress throughout the schematic design phase of the Tower Theatre: Next 100 Years project. Our architectural and engineering partners have been working closely with SLFS leadership and consultants to refine concepts, sustainability goals, and community-driven priorities.

Highlights since May include:

  • Advancement of schematic drawings, which will guide the next stage of design development in 2026.
  • Continued Tower tours with philanthropists and foundation leaders, resulting in new early donor commitments.
  • Ongoing collaboration with our architecture, engineering, and design partners, who remain on schedule to complete schematic work in 2026.
  • Regular upkeep of the Tower’s exterior and surrounding property throughout the summer to maintain the building’s historic charm and neighborhood presence.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

When will the Tower reopen?
The Tower is projected to complete major renovations later this decade. Exact reopening dates will depend on fundraising success, design development, and construction and manufacturing schedules.
 
What stage is the project in now?
We are currently in the schematic design/capital campaign build phase, scheduled to run through 2026. This stage will deliver architectural drawings, cost estimates, city approvals, and a public fundraising campaign gameplan.
 
Why is this renovation taking years instead of months?
Historic restorations of this scale require multiple stages: visioning, schematic design, design development, fundraising, and construction. Similar projects at peer cinemas have taken 5–10 years to complete. Often the perception is that such projects are only 2-3 years due to the timeframe the project “goes public.” When in reality, such projects have a quiet phase of planning and development, often with boards and behind-the-scenes, for years prior to announcing to the public such projects. Since the Tower is not in operations, this quiet phase is not really possible for SLFS. The public already knows the Tower exists and needs support to reopen. It will take all of us to make it a success, but it will take time.
 
How can I support the Tower project right now?
The most direct way is to become a sustaining donor through our Red Carpet Club. Sustaining donors keep SLFS as an institution strong and healthy so we can execute the vision for the Tower.
 
Businesses and philanthropists interested in leadership-level giving can contact us at info@saltlakefilmsociety.org for more information.
 
Will Tower programming continue in the meantime?
Yes! SLFS continues to host Tower programming at Broadway Centre Cinemas, including our annual Tower of Terror series each fall.
 
What makes this renovation environmentally responsible?
The project is rooted in biophilic design principles, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable building practices. Our Project Ethics Mandate ensures equity, environmental stewardship, and just practices guide every phase.
 
Why can’t the Tower just “patch things up” and reopen sooner?
The assessments revealed significant structural and systems challenges, including roof truss reinforcement, electrical and HVAC upgrades, and accessibility improvements. Patching these without a full plan would compromise long-term safety, sustainability, and preservation goals.

THE TIMELINE

THE PROJECT HISTORY

The Tower Theatre, a 1928 movie house, holds many mysteries and secrets. For 23 years, SLFS rented the Tower, limiting our ability to invest deeply in the building. In 2021, a modest lobby renovation was planned, but the historic complexity of the site escalated costs. With the Utah Theatre being demolished, SLFS purchased the Tower in 2022 to preserve it for future generations.
 
Thanks to the Alternative Visions Fund, SLFS now owns the building outright and is laying the groundwork for its preservation and transformation.
 

THE VISIONING PROGRESS

Since acquiring the Tower Theatre in December 2022, SLFS has been collaborating with arts leaders, board members, staff, and community partners to shape the Tower Theatre: Next 100 Years Project. Our phased approach — Visioning, Planning (schematics), Design, and Construction — is modeled after successful restorations across the country.
 
Your engagement is crucial. Supporting our Broadway Centre Cinemas, attending events, and becoming a sustaining donor all strengthen SLFS and this project’s future.
 
 
With love,
SLFS staff, board, advisory committees, and volunteers

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Music May

Posted on by Rachel Getts

🎵 🎬 Starting with INDIGO GIRLS: IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL on 5/3 and 5/4, each weekend we’ll be diving into the world of music and film.
Get tix now -> www.slfstix.org

May 3 & May 4: Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All
May 10: Amy
May 11: Stop Making Sense
May 17: Punk The Capital
May 18: The Decline of Western Civilization
May 24: Once
May 25: Almost Famous
May 31: May It Last: A Portrait Of The Avett Brothers
June 1: Purple Rain

Hey Neighbor!

Posted on by Rachel Getts

Won't you join us for Film? Community? Inclusion?

It’s a beautiful day in the SLFS neighborhood!
This season, we need your support to promote diversity, cure loneliness, and inspire kindness in our community. Help us reach our goal of 1000 neighborly acts by December 31st.

UPDATE: WE DID IT! Thanks to generous neighbors like yourself, we completely blew past our goal with 1568 NEIGHBORS! 

 

Support Film

No donation too small - every donation is an act of neighborliness
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Be A Sponsor

Be a Legacy Donor, Collaborate on Cultural Tours, Donor Advised Funds, Employee Giving, and all other ways to be a neighbor
Sponsor Opportunities

1500 Neighborly Acts By December 31st

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381

indiv. & organization donations

527

membership distributions

39

memberships given as gifts

621

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Your Support Helps Film

We exhibit, create, and preserve the cinematic experience. We promote diversity through film exhibition and creation. We foster film talent and cultivate film appreciation and participation. Our programs and venues ensure that the potent ideas and voices of film are accessible to everyone in our community.

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SLFS By The Numbers​

358

total films and events in 2022

35+

staff members and volunteers

116

International films screened in our venues

53

filmmakers and artists attended special events

In The Can with Doug Fabrizio starts April 20

Posted on by Rachel Getts

Salt Lake Film Society partners with University of Utah department of Film and Media Arts and KUER’s RadioWest host Doug Fabrizio to bring you a conversation about THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS. This month’s special guest will be University of Utah Associate Professor of Film Studies Sarah Sinwell. Admission includes a screening of the film followed by a live panel discussion.

Join us for this one night only special event! Tickets are now available here.

Valentine’s at SLFS

Posted on by Rachel Getts

Valentine’s Day is coming up soon (or some us just consider it any other day, which is cool) so here’s some SLFS offerings available to all.

Need a film to watch? You can find staff recommendations in our latest blog entry here:

Marquee which says SLFS STAFF RECOMMENDS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY" in black and red text with paper hearts flowing up the right side.

Also you can find the films mentioned in this blog on our Letterboxd here:

SLFS is on Letterboxd! Follow us there for more movie recommendations.

And finally here’s some SLFS themed Valentine’s Day cards that you can give to your favorite movie-goer:

Arthouse Audience Survey

Posted on by Rachel Getts

UPDATE: This survey is now closed. We will contact winners via email in the next week.

It’s that time of year… We need your help! We want you to tell us what you think you need and want from your movie-going experience, and how we might improve.

Help us out by filling out this Arthouse Survey by 10/23. Click on the link, fill it out, and you’ll be added to a drawing for $50 certificate and two $25 certificates:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7002524/Salt-Lake-Film-Society

Thank you so much for taking your time to fill this out. SLFS is looking for ways to continue bringing the best in cinema to SLC.

SLFS Land Acknowledgement

Posted on by Rachel Getts

New Website, Same SLFS

Posted on by Rachel Getts

Welcome to our new website! It’s a bit different but we’re still the same SLFS.  

If you’re looking for films and showtimes then head over to Watch and check out our new Showtimes page. You’ll see a search bar and filter buttons that can help narrow down by location.  By clicking on the orange colored showtime or the picture you will be taken to www.slfstix.org for tickets and more info.   

Need information on our Red Carpet Club? Sponsorships? Mast? Other cool opportunities? Head over to Engage and you’ll find ways to get involved with SLFS. 

Looking for news and updates? Head over to Learn and find what you’re interested in.  

And, finally, you can Donate by clicking on the upper right. 

Thank you for all of your support.