Friends of The Nightlight:

Back in October, we kicked off our Second Screen Kickstarter with the goal to raise $50,000 in 60 days, as part of our overall Second Screen Expansion project.

And on December 11, we wrapped it up — having reached 130% of our goal, thanks to you!

You can help us further our Second Screen project here.

We’re so grateful for the generosity of our Kickstarter’s 290 backers, and for the many friends and film fans in our community who showed their support with every dollar, share, comment, and like. We definitely felt the love:

A heartfelt thank-you!

And as we look ahead to next steps, we appreciate both your continued support and understanding that getting a second screen in place takes considerable time and money — from infrastructure changes to purchasing and installing high-tech equipment.

While reaching our Kickstarter goal has been essential in prepping us for such a massive undertaking, it’s a fraction of the overall expense.

As a nonprofit organization, The Nightlight is being as fiscally sound and responsible as possible to make this project happen. We have consulted with the experts, and we want to ensure this project is completed in a timely manner, but also a smart financial manner for our organization.

We’re committed as ever to bring the Second Screen to life; and we know we can get there, together.

Thank you! 🤍

The Nightlight Team

Together, we’re making a difference.

Since 2014, it’s been our mission to make independent and arthouse films more accessible and inclusive for our community here in Akron, and across Northeast Ohio — and we couldn’t do it without you.

The Nightlight community believes in the power and magic of cinema.

It literally brings us together: to share an experience of the art form, of course. But also to continue conversations. Maybe even see the world differently.

“I think cinema, movies and magic have always been closely associated.The very earliest people who made films were magicians.”

— Francis Ford Coppola
“[These stories] deserve to be told.”
— Ava DuVernay

A few of the limited add-ons and rewards for our Second Screen Kickstarter. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Doubling our screens will double the impact we’re making together.

How can we be so sure?

Because 9 years in, and our community is growing faster than ever:

We surpassed 2022’s attendance halfway through 2023.
We had our longest run of sold-out shows ever (for Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City).
We’ve made so many new friends throughout the community, with events like Cinema in the City, and partnered with people, organizations, businesses, and institutions we love.

And our Kickstarter’s completion demonstrated how impactful our community really is — friends of The Nightlight, new and old, coming together to help us bring our Second Screen dream to life.

Let’s keep making a real difference. Here’s to the next 10 years!

👉 Learn more and consider giving to our overall Second Screen Expansion campaign. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly email newsletter and follow our social media!