Cinema St. Louis
Cinema St. Louis is a not-for-profit organization that emphasizes film as an art form. Its mission is to enhance cultural diversity by bringing American independent productions, horizon-expanding international films and high-quality studio films to audiences before their commercial release. The Festival is especially concerned with providing filmgoers the opportunity to see works that would otherwise never screen in St. Louis.
Mission statement
The mission of Cinema St. Louis is to promote the art of cinema and to expand the variety and availability of cinema experiences by presenting the St. Louis International Film Festival, screenings, programs, and educational opportunities.
History
The St. Louis International Film Festival Inc. was established in 1992 for the purpose of producing, promoting, and presenting annual film events to advance film as an art form in St. Louis. Under the direction of Festival co-founder Barbara S. Jones, the tradition of a daring and eclectic array of American and foreign films began.
The second year, the Festival incorporated as a Missouri not-for-profit organization. The third year also saw the founding of Cinema/St. Louis, now known as Friends of the St. Louis International Film Festival, the membership society of the Festival, which contributes financially and provides critical volunteer support. In 1998, Delcia Corlew was named the Festival’s managing director, and the offices moved to its current headquarters in St. Louis’ Central West End.
Cliff Froehlich was named Executive Director in 2001 and remained in that position until his departure in April 2003. Under Cliff’s leadership, the festival enjoyed continued success and several consecutive years of shattered box office records. His legacies include a greatly expanded community education outreach programming and instituting a name change for the organization. In 2003 the organization officially changed its name to Cinema St. Louis in order to more fully reflect the wide range of programming we do throughout the year. Cliff returned to Cinema St. Louis in early 2006 and became the organization’s Executive Director once again.
The Festival staff now consists of Executive Director Cliff Froehlich, Artistic Director Chris Clark, Operations Supervisor Brian Spath and Tech Supervisor Kat Touschner. Under their leadership, the festival continues to increase its year-round presence with screenings, special events, and educational outreach. The office is currently located at 3547 Olive Street St. Louis, in the Centene Center for the Arts.
Events
St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF)
St. Louis International Film Festival spotlights the finest filmmakers in the world, whether fresh talent, emerging artists largely unknown outside their native countries, or directors of long-established reputation. SLIFF prides itself on identifying up-and-coming filmmakers, but the fest also offers high-profile films that garner Oscar nominations.
Cinemaspoke
CinemaSpoke is an opportunity for St. Louis-area screenwriters to have their work read aloud in a public forum by professional and amateur actors and to receive feedback from a panel of film-industry experts experienced in producing, screenwriting, filmmaking, development, and criticism.
The winning script will be given a full public reading. The writer will be given the option to direct this reading with guidance from the CinemaSpoke committee. In addition, the winning script will be submitted for consideration to an accredited literary agent and/or production company.
St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase (SLFS)
St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase is a yearly event that focuses exclusively on the work of local directors and filmmakers, as well as expatriates with strong local connections who have gone on to use their creative talents in other cities.
Summer Outdoor Film Series
Cinema St. Louis co-hosts 2 unique and lively outdoor film series this summer - Cinemania in conjunction with Grand Center and Frontyard Features at the Schlafly Tap Room.
I Love Movies Trivia Night
20 teams participate in a Film Trivia night held at the Centene Arts Building on grand Center. Winners receive prizes such as movies, posters and other film related objects.