Iowa City FilmScene Kicks Off $75,000 Crowdfunding Campaign to Open Downtown Theater by this Fall

Interested in seeing cinema return to downtown Iowa City? The organizers of Iowa City Filmscene are asking you to take part in making that happen.

VIDEO: IC FilmScene Co-Founders Discuss Importance of Crowdfunding Campaign

Iowa City FilmScene's "Scene One" theater space, located in the renovated former Vito's space at 118 E. College Street, is set to open this October. The Make a Scene crowdfunding campaign launched Monday, done through the use of the IndieGogo fundraising platform, is intended "to pay for costs associated with the completion of the cinema and cafe."

You can view more details at their IndieGogo page where you can make direct donations to the project in exchange for gifts. Due to the mechanics of the IndieGogo campaign, however, FilmScene must reach it $75,000 goal or it will receive none of the payout.

From the fundraising page:

FilmScene will open an intimate 80-seat cinema and lounge in the heart of downtown Iowa City this fall. This community-supported endeavor was created to meet the vocal demand of Iowa Citians and to fill a hole in our cultural fabric. We need your help to do it right!

We've come a long way and have a terrific space nearly ready to go. Now we are calling on the entire community to raise $75,000 (more would be even better!) by September 8 to help purchase the cinema and cafe equipment needed to ensure FilmScene offers a first-rate moviegoing experience.

We need your help, and in return you'll get some great rewards, plus part of every donation is tax-deductible because we're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Supporters are also invited to the Mill from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. for the public launch of the campaign. There will pizza, as supplies last, and a drink special courtesy of the Mill.