Save the Heart of Cinema One: Cottonwood Legacy Fund

On June 30, 2025, Cottonwood Cinema closed its doors forever. As one of the last independent cinemas outside Vancouver, and the longtime cherished home of the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival (CIFF), this news hit our community hard. For decades, Cottonwood was more than just a theatre — it was a vibrant gathering place where stories came alive, friendships were forged, and local film culture blossomed.

Since our very first festival edition in 2017—when we screened 29 films across two days in a single theatre—to last November’s milestone, where we took over all four theatres to showcase 100 films over the weekend, CIFF grew up in the heart of Cottonwood.

Now, we have a unique opportunity to preserve the soul of this beloved space.

We are working to acquire the original seats, the screen, and the projector from Cinema One. Our dream is to one day bring these iconic pieces back to life in a new venue, creating a home where future generations can experience the magic of independent film, just as we did.

While we don’t yet have a venue secured, this campaign is about safeguarding the very heart of a space that meant so much to so many. It’s about honouring our past and investing in the future of Chilliwack’s film community.

Your donation will directly support the costs of acquiring, transporting, and storing the seats and equipment until we can install them in our new home. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to keeping the spirit of Cottonwood alive.

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.