City Cinema 1:1 Match

Help Us Unlock $125,000 in Matching Funds for City Cinema

City Cinema is building something rare: a year-round filmmaking and acting conservatory for New York City high school students, with professional training, hands-on production experience, and direct mentorship from working artists. City Cinema serves mostly NYC public school students and has already built a strong track record.

65–80 Students per session
200+ Original student films
20k Student-hours of instruction
100% Full scholarships
City Cinema students on set

Civics — The Next Step

A sharp political thriller designed as a teaching film

Now we are taking the next step: Civics, a sharp, fast-paced political thriller/satire developed through City Cinema and designed as both a serious feature film and a transformational educational experience for young artists.

The project begins with a proof-of-concept short and builds toward a feature film that will involve 40–50 City Cinema students across acting, crew, and mentorship roles.

View the Civics Pitch Deck (PDF)
City Cinema filming on location
City Cinema student with a boom microphone on a professional set

Where Your Gift Goes

Real credits. Real sets. Real careers built from the inside.

Your gift helps fund student participation, equipment, mentorship, and the production resources needed to bring this film to life. Every student involved gains real-world experience on a professional film set, portfolio-ready credits, and college and career-building opportunities that can change the trajectory of their creative lives.

Anonymous Matching Gift

1:1

Every dollar matched, up to $125,000

Every donation made through this campaign will be matched 1:1 by a generous anonymous donor, up to $125,000. That means your support will go twice as far in helping City Cinema launch this ambitious project and expand access to high-level film education for NYC teens.

The larger vision behind Civics is not only to make a bold, timely film, but to give young people the chance to help create it from the inside.

City Cinema students

If you believe in youth voices, meaningful arts education, and giving talented young filmmakers and actors the chance to do real work at a high level, please make a gift today.