"Keep it Cool" Inside the Hi-Pointe

With the proliferation of streaming services, the convenience of watching movies at home is undeniable. However, the true impact of film is best experienced when shared. Cinema St. Louis (CSL), renowned for events like the St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF), grapples with this reality in a post-pandemic world. Acquiring the Hi-Pointe Theatre in 2022 was a pivotal decision, ensuring a dedicated space for film and community engagement. Our vision for the theater is to serve as a vibrant hub for storytelling, welcoming locals, film enthusiasts, and students alike. Through affordable pricing, diverse programming, and a distinctive experience, we are committed to preserving the enchantment of cinema.

Since 2023, we have been actively hosting film festivals, competitions, master classes, free programs for local students, and showcasing a wide range of films at the historic 102-year-old Theatre. Generous donations during StL Day last year allowed us to "Raise the Roof" and achieve our highest fundraising goal yet for a new roof. However, subsequent assessments revealed that replacing the roof also necessitates upgrading the heating and cooling systems, both on the rooftop and within the Theatre. This year, we are seeking support for "Keep it Cool" inside the Hi-Pointe, collaborating with local companies to ensure the new systems are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, unlike our current setup.

This is where you come in!

Whether you take center stage or prefer a supporting role, your participation is invaluable to us. Every contribution, regardless of size, will significantly impact the success of this project. Our target for the 2024 Give StL Day is ambitious, reflecting the magnitude of this effort: $40,000. The ultimate reward? Ensuring that the timeless film programming at the oldest single-screen arthouse cinema in St. Louis continues for years, undisturbed by noisy HVAC systems or uncomfortable temperatures.

So, join me in supporting "Keeping it Cool" at the Hi-Pointe. Together, we'll beat the heat and keep the magic of movies alive in St. Louis. Every donation counts, whether it's a cool $5 or a crisp $500. 

Let's make this happen, film fanatics! Donate today and be a part of the coolest crew in town. Who knows, maybe they'll even name one of the new AC units after you?