"Kathryn Philip stood outside the True West Film Center in Healdsburg last Friday, looking up at the brand new movie theater that, for five years, had only existed in her head. As customers exited the very first film screening, one word came to mind. Notably, True West is not a commercial enterprise, but a mission-based nonprofit. John Cooper, the former director of the Sundance Film Festival and now True West's artistic director, said that in the current landscape for moviegoing, the nonprofit model for small theaters is imperative."
"Outdoor screenings and Spanish-language events are in the works, along with a film festival, which began life as the Alexander Valley Film Festival. Many of the same organizers of that long-running film festival, including executive director Philip, moved their energies to True West; next year's festival will take on the theater's name. As more people arrived for the second-ever round of screenings at the theater, on opening day, Philip said she felt relieved and excited."
True West Film Center opened in Healdsburg as the first brand-new movie theater in Sonoma County in 20 years. The venue operates as a mission-based nonprofit focused on community access rather than commercial profit. Programming plans include outdoor screenings, Spanish-language events, and a film festival that evolved from the Alexander Valley Film Festival and will adopt the theater's name. Organizers emphasized community outreach and school involvement, and the theater offers senior ticket pricing. Local residents expressed relief at reduced travel for movies, and leadership framed the nonprofit model as essential for small theaters in the current moviegoing landscape.
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