The Screening Room, a beloved independent cinema in downtown Tucson, is embarking on a journey to secure its future with the help of the community.
The theater — which has served as a hub for film lovers, artists and cinephiles since 1989 — is raising funds to transition into a nonprofit organization. This move is crucial to ensure the preservation of the historic venue and its commitment to showcasing unique, independent and international films along with continuing to host community events, according to Jessica “Jess” Toussaint, one of the community members and Screening Room fans leading the nonprofit transition.
Over the years, The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St., has hosted everything from film festivals and special screenings to retrospectives and comedy events. Its fun programming and intimate atmosphere have fostered a loyal following, making the cinema a staple in Tucson.
However, like many independent theaters across the country, The Screening Room has faced financial difficulties, especially since the pandemic. With reduced attendance and an unpredictable economic environment, the theater’s future seemed uncertain, Toussaint added. The decision to transition to a nonprofit model is a strategic one, designed to provide greater financial stability through grants, donations and community support.
Giulio Scalinger, shown in 1989, in the former shoe store that became The Screening Room at 127 E. Congress St. in Tucson.
A new chapter for The Screening Room
In a recent announcement, The Screening Room's management explained that they are in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status, which would officially designate the theater as a nonprofit organization. This status would not only open doors to new funding opportunities but also allow the theater to better serve its mission of preserving the art of film in a rapidly changing world, Toussaint said.
“We’re asking the Tucson community to help us build the foundation for the next chapter of The Screening Room,” Toussaint said. “This is about more than just keeping the lights on — it’s about preserving a space where films that challenge the mainstream can be seen, where filmmakers can showcase their work and where the shared experience of cinema and stage continues to thrive.”
To facilitate the transition, The Screening Room has launched a fundraising campaign that invites patrons, past and present, to contribute to the theater’s future through a GoFundMe page with a $20,000 goal. In addition to this, the theater plans to host a series of fundraising events and encourages community members to give tax-deductible donations in the new year as well.
The money raised will go toward the transition into a nonprofit as well as updating equipment, building updates and care, and hiring staff, Toussaint said.
Giulio Scalinger in The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St., in Tucson, in 1991.
A pillar of Tucson’s arts community
As a venue that champions independent cinema, The Screening Room has played a vital role in fostering creativity and diversity within the local arts scene, Toussaint said. It has hosted premieres for local filmmakers, provided a platform for underrepresented voices and curated films that might otherwise have been overlooked by larger theater chains.
“The Screening Room has always been a place where filmmakers, writers, artists and cinephiles could come together,” Toussaint said. “It’s a treasure for Tucson, and it’s such a vital part of our creative community. I’m so glad we’re taking steps to secure its future, and I’m happy to help lead the way with help from other community leaders.”
The Screening Room currently hosts open mic nights every Wednesday, short film screenings monthly and is very community driven when it comes to its events, Toussaint added.
“We want to emphasize that The Screening Room wouldn’t be here without the love from the community and that is why we host the events we do and are so attuned with how we can better serve Tucson,” Toussaint said. “We want The Screening Room’s legacy to live on and the nonprofit is exactly the way we can continue to be here and be that community space people want and need.”
David Pike looks at the work that's ahead of him in the projection room of the Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St. on March 13, 2018.
The future of The Screening Room
For The Screening Room, becoming a nonprofit is more than just a financial move — it’s a statement about the theater's commitment to its mission and its community. The transition will help secure more employees and keep the venue’s long-term sustainability alive while also providing a more stable platform to continue its programming and outreach efforts.
“This is the moment where we take control of our future and ensure that The Screening Room remains a part of Tucson’s artistic and cultural scene for years to come,” said David Pike, a board member for The Screening Room. “We’ve always been about community, and now, we need the community to help us.”
With the support of Tucson's loyal patrons, filmmakers and arts lovers, The Screening Room has the potential to thrive as a nonprofit, ensuring that it continues to serve as a home for independent cinema, local artists and creative expression for generations to come, Pike added.
To learn more about how you can support The Screening Room’s fundraising campaign and become part of its journey to nonprofit status, visit their website or follow them on social media.
