KFS Holiday Giving – Nov 2024 – The Kamloops Film Society
by Kamloops Film Society
KFS Holiday Giving – Nov 2024 – The Kamloops Film Society
November 27, 2024
For over fifty years, the Kamloops Film Society (KFS) has played a vital role in building community and fostering a love for cinema. The iconic Paramount Theatre, nestled in downtown Kamloops, has become a cultural hub thanks to our year-round programming, film festivals, and the incredible support from patrons like you.
Celebrating Another Year of Cinema & Community
This past year was another milestone for the Society, with over 400 screenings and events held at the Paramount Theatre. In addition to our annual festivals–the Kamloops Film Festival, Kamloops Independent Short Shorts (KISS) Fest, CinéLoops, and the Indigenous Film Festival—we introduced two new micro-festivals: the Kamloops Black Film Festival and the Kamloops Queer Film Festival. We were also thrilled to host the Metropolitan Opera live broadcasts and numerous community-driven events.
Thanks to the generosity of our members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors we have been able to accomplish so much over the past year, including:
- 22,354 admissions to KFS programs and events.
- 500 community tickets distributed to equity-deserving communities.
- 85 sponsors supporting our festivals and programs.
- 35% of KFS screenings with a community partner.
- 154 – number of times the Paramount Theatre was rented out for a community event.
The Need for Your Continued Support
Maintaining a historic venue like the Paramount Theatre—built in 1955—presents ongoing challenges. The infrastructure is aging and many areas require updates including the curtains, speakers, and carpets.
In 2023, we launched our Comfy Chair Campaign to replace the seats in our main auditorium. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we’ve raised over $22,000, but we still have a long way to go to meet our goal of $150,000.
This upgrade will not only improve comfort for our audiences but also ensure the Paramount remains a thriving space for cinema and community gatherings. We aim to replace the first section of seats by Fall 2026, and we are actively pursuing additional funding through grants and corporate sponsorships to complete the project.
- The Kamloops Film Society is a registered charitiy so donations may be eligible for a tax receipt, which can be used to claim charitable tax credits on your income tax return.
Where Your Donations Make an Impact
As a registered charitable non-profit, the Kamloops Film Society relies heavily on donations for our sustainability. Your financial support allows us to:
- Expand our programming, such as the Met Opera: Live in HD, Free Family Flicks and Animania.
- Reduce financial barriers by offering movie passes at the Kamloops Library, and free tickets to equity-deserving communities.
- Cover operational costs to keep the theatre running smoothly.
The Paramount Theatre is more than just a cinema—it is a space where local businesses, educators, community groups, and cultural professionals come together to create and celebrate. In 2024, we hosted a diverse range of events, from school screenings and lectures to comedy shows and live musical performances.
Ways You Can Help
Your continued support is vital in helping the Kamloops Film Society thrive. Here are some ways you can contribute.
Donate to our General Fund to support year-round programming and critical upgrades to our venue.
Contribute to the Comfy Chair Campaign and leave a lasting legacy by naming a seat or section.
Sponsor the Kamloops Film Festival or one of our popular year-round programs such as Free Family Flicks.
Become a KFS Member to enjoy exclusive benefits and help sustain our mission.
We sincerely appreciate your consideration of these opportunities to support our work. Together, we can ensure that the Paramount Theatre remains a vibrant cultural space for generations to come.
With gratitude on behalf of the Kamloops Film Society,
Colette Abbott
Executive Director
Kamloops Film Society
The Kamloops Film Society is the umbrella organization that operates the Paramount Theatre and runs two main events: The Thursday Film Series and the annual March Kamloops Film Festival, which includes the Kamloops Independent Short Shorts Festival. The KFS has been operating for over 45 years and was officially incorporated under the BC Societies Act on August 17, 1994. In the spring of 2019, The Kelson Group purchased the Paramount Theatre and leased the venue to the KFS. The support of The Kelson Group and Ron Fawcett has made the venture possible as The KFS continues to make the theatre a cultural venue.
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