FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kathryn Philip
Executive Director
(707) 893-7150
ka************@tr****************.org
New Cultural Hub for Northern California to Offer Cinemas, Media Arts Education, and Film Festival
Healdsburg, CA, September 24, 2024 – True West Film Center, the non-profit film organization, broke ground on its new James Redford Campus in downtown Healdsburg Sunday with a public ceremony at the site. Located at 375 Healdsburg Avenue, the state-of-the-art 6,300 square foot campus will house three screening rooms, space for the organization’s innovative media arts education programs, and its annual True West Film Festival. To date, donors have committed a total of $3.1 million towards the $5.6 million capital campaign. Construction is now underway, with the Campus scheduled to open in the summer of 2025.
“This is truly a milestone moment,” said True West Film Center Executive Director Kathryn Philip. “Ten years ago, a group of friends in Cloverdale and Healdsburg set out to bring film culture and educational opportunities to Sonoma County. When we open our doors next summer, we will welcome residents and visitors to a single, year-round destination for first-run movies, art house films, educational programs for all ages, and our annual festival. The Campus reflects the communities’ generosity and investment in our mission. We are deeply grateful.”
The Campus is named for James Redford, the late documentary filmmaker and environmentalist who embodied True West’s commitment to community, collaboration, and championing artists. The naming signifies a new alignment with The Redford Center, a nonprofit that uses storytelling through film to advance environmental solutions. The organization was founded by James and his father, Robert, and is now chaired by James’ son, Dylan. When True West Film Center opens next summer, its programming will reflect James’ legacy with biannual artist residencies that showcase the work of filmmakers supported by The Redford Center.
“True West Film Center represents the entrepreneurial, innovative spirit of Sonoma County,” said Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore. “We are resilient and resourceful, and our natural beauty, ecological diversity, wine, and hospitality are second to none. The new film center will elevate the area’s cultural offerings, and stand as a reflection of the grit and soul of our shared land and community.”
With the new facilities, True West projects it will serve 45,000 people per year within the first three years of operations, expanding its current audience by nearly 10 times. Within one year of opening, the Campus is projected to generate $2 million in new economic activity for Sonoma County.
Two of the three cinemas will screen first-run movies, and the third theater will present independent and art house films. In keeping with the organization’s mission to provide equitable access to cinematic experiences, the theater will offer Spanish language programming, discounted tickets for a weekly locals night and senior matinees, and $5 tickets through EBT.
Alfonso Felder, SVP of Administration and Facilities for the San Francisco Giants, is serving as volunteer project manager. Eddinger Enterprises of Healdsburg is the construction firm and Tom Rael of Rael Architecture (New York) is the project architect. Theaters will be equipped with Christie Digital Laser Projectors and Dolby Sound equipment.
