We’re back for our THIRD fundraiser because, like any community-driven project, the sustainability and growth of Cathode Cinema depends on your generous support to continue bringing unique, curated film experiences to life both digitally and in-person! Help us help you!

ABOUT:

Cathode Cinema is a curatorial screening collective that showcases rare contemporary and archival films, short experimental works, and animation. Made possible by Coaxial Arts Foundation, a non-profit multi-disciplinary media arts organization devoted to supporting media, sound, and performance art.

HISTORY:

In early 2017, we had the idea of providing a space for anyone curious enough to come out to a DIY movie theater in a building that was formerly a sewing machine repair shop turned community-driven arts space—still a thriving incubator for the arts in downtown Los Angeles today.

It has always been our priority to bring the best in arthouse classics, neglected VHS weirdness from the dollar bin, esoteric sub-genres, and hidden gems to the surface. Our goal is to create a community that celebrates this material, which has brought immense joy to all of us.

Fast-forward 8+ years, and we have only just begun to expand what we started at Coaxial in 2017. Over the past year, we’ve secured more screening locations and are excited to announce even more IRL screenings soon!

In 2020, we launched our digital presence as a way to create a communal, accessible experience in watching and sharing films, which echoed our in-person screenings. Our first fundraiser last year helped sustain both our digital and in-person operations, but with rising costs and expanding plans, we need your support again.

OUR ASK:
As we head into our third fundraiser, we’re once again asking for your support to keep Cathode alive and evolving.

Last year’s donations were a huge help in covering operational costs, but with rising expenses, inflation, and the sheer effort it takes to sustain Cathode both online and in-person, those funds do not last long. We’ve continued pushing forward out-of-pocket, but we’re at a point where we need help to keep the lights on. IRL shows are deeply rewarding, but after overhead, the profit margin is minimal.


Here’s where your contribution makes a difference:

1. Overhead Expenses

This remains one of our biggest needs. T-shirt sales help keep the lights on, but barely. Behind Cathode is just three people juggling full-time jobs while keeping this thing going—paying for hosting, subscriptions, tech gear, platform maintenance, and more. Your support directly offsets the personal cost of sustaining this passion project, so we can focus on content, programming, and engaging the community—without going dark for long stretches.

2. In-Person Screenings & Hybrid Events

Last year’s fundraiser made our Halloween party possible, and it was a huge step forward. This year, we want to do more hybrid events like that—blending the Cathode stream experience with curated IRL screenings, guest speakers, DJs, and unexpected moments. We’ve got exciting ideas in development, but pulling the trigger takes resources we just don’t have. Your donation helps us build the kind of event programming we know our audience craves—while still maintaining our digital presence.

3. Future Development

Cathode’s next phase—expanding our digital platform, pushing into new formats, and formalizing our structure—was put on pause due to lack of bandwidth. But the energy is returning, and some very fun things are back in motion. Your contribution supports the groundwork: legal, publishing, presentation, and the tech needed to bring this next chapter to life.

We are deeply grateful for any amount you can contribute. No contribution is too small—every dollar brings us closer to our goal.

By supporting Cathode Cinema, you are directly investing in the cultural enrichment of our community and the promotion of artistic expression. We believe films have the power to inspire, challenge, and connect people, and with your help, we can continue to provide an inclusive zone for these experiences.

A huge thanks to all the “cult members,” cinephiles, Father Gary, the chat family and the rest of our dedicated community for helping us stay afloat. Your enthusiasm and love for strange, esoteric films are the fuel for the Cathode Machine. It’s YOU who make this a dedicated community we love so VERY VERY much!!

Lastly... PLEASE SHARE! XO