Membership FAQs

Why become a member?

The American Cinematheque is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural arts organization. Member support plays a crucial role in sustaining our ongoing public film programming throughout the year.

As with most non-profit specialty cinemas, our primary source of funding comes from box office revenue, including ticket sales and concessions, which account for about 60% of our budget. The remainder is raised through our Membership program and general fundraising efforts to support our repertory cinema programs, events, and the continued exhibition of classic films in their original formats (35mm, 70mm, and nitrate).

To maintain the high-quality programming and theatrical experiences at our theatres, we rely on the generosity of our members and donors, which is vital to our mission.

What are the benefits?

Beyond supporting the American Cinematheque, membership benefits vary depending on your level. All memberships, regardless of tier, include the following benefits:

• $5 off regular-priced general admission events
• Priority line entry
• Access to over 1,600 films per year in 35mm, 70mm, rare nitrate as well as state-of-the-art digital projection
• Invitations to Members-Only advance screenings and special events
• Exclusive live Q&A sessions and discussions with filmmakers and luminaries
• Screenings at historic theatres: Aero Theatre, Los Feliz 3 and Egyptian Theatre
• Access to special merch and merch discounts

To explore all membership levels and their respective benefits, click here.

Please note: Membership benefits are subject to change without notice.

How do I join?

To become a member, simply click here to join online. Memberships are also available for purchase at our Box Office during regular hours.

Once you’ve logged into your active member account, ticket discounts will be applied immediately to your purchases.

I was gifted a membership. How do I redeem my gift?

To redeem your gifted membership, please follow these steps:

• Visit the membership page on the American Cinematheque website.
• Click “SIGN UP NOW” next to the membership type you received (e.g., if you were gifted a Film Club Membership, click to add that membership to your cart—do not click “Gift a Membership”).
• During checkout, enter the unique coupon code provided in your gift letter. Click “APPLY” to apply the code.
• The total amount will update to $0.00.
• Complete the checkout process.
• Once your membership is redeemed, you’ll receive a Membership confirmation email with your membership number.
• Log in and begin enjoying your membership benefits immediately!

Can I get a refund for my membership?

Memberships are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged or prorated. As charitable contributions to the American Cinematheque (a 501(c)(3) organization), they are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

We do offer a 72-hour grace period following your membership purchase to switch to a different membership level, as long as you have not yet used the membership for screening discounts or other benefits.

How do I log in to my member account?

You can login to your American Cinematheque Membership account using the same email you used to purchase the membership originally.

Click here to sign in or reset your password.

Can someone else use my membership for benefits, including for discounts or priority entry?

No, Memberships are non-transferable.

Can I bring a non-member guest to a Members-Only paid ticket event?

Can I bring a non-member guest to a Members-Only free with RSVP event?

I renewed early - can I get additional time added to my membership? Do other benefits carry over?

No, membership benefits (including additional time) does not carry over to the following membership year. Memberships are not prorated. Please note that the date of your renewal will reflect your new expiration date for the following year.

Additionally, expired Members are not able to redeem Membership Benefits retroactively. Benefits can only be used and applied for active members.

How do I know when my membership expires?

Once you login to your online member account, click ‘MY MEMBERSHIP‘ tab of your account dashboard. You can view all your account details, including expiration date.

My email won't work to log in

Be sure you are signing in using the email address you originally used to purchase your membership. You can click to reset your password if it’s the correct email, but the password isn’t working.

Do NOT click reset multiple times, as it may take a few minutes for the reset notification to appear in your inbox.

Still having issues? Email member[at]americancinematheque[dot]com with as many details as possible (including original date of purchase) and someone will get back to you soon.

Where can I find my Membership Card to view or print?

First, be sure you are logged into your account. Click your NAME and QR icon on the top bar – the link will take you directly  to your Digital Member ID card.

When you renew your membership, the Digital Card will automatically update with your new expiration date and membership level.

Can I upgrade my membership to a higher level?

We do not offer upgrades to active and existing memberships. As the AC is a non-profit, each membership is categorized as a charitable contribution, and is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Existing Memberships are not refundable or prorated.

In order to upgrade (even before your current membership has lapsed!) you’re more than welcome to purchase the new membership by visiting the Membership page.

Your new Membership will be effective immediately and will replace the old membership in the system. Your new Membership will be valid for 1 year from the date you purchase it.

We do allow a 72-hour grace period if you would like to upgrade your new membership to a different membership tier.

How do I use my Member number to purchase tickets or attend a Members-Only event?

Be sure you’re logged in before you click to add tickets to your cart, or RSVP to members-only events. The Membership discounts and benefits will apply automatically during the checkout process.

How do I gain priority entry to an event/film?

When at the theatre, line up in the “Member Line” for entry. Be sure to have your Digital Membership Card handy!

Your Member card will be checked at the door to authenticate your membership.

How can I find out about an upcoming events and screenings?

• Follow the American Cinematheque on socils – Instagram and X – for the latest programming announcements.
• The AC emails a newsletter with the latest schedule. Please make sure mail[at]americancinematheque[dot]com is added to your contact list so the email doesn’t hit a junk/spam filter!
• Visit the Now Showing section of AmericanCinematheque.com to see the latest schedule.

Do Members-Only Screenings have Members-Only Standby Lines?

Yes. If a screening is advertised as members-only and has sold out, there will be a members-only standby line for that event.