One night, in the fall of 1997, a group of five Rehoboth Beach film fans discussed the possibility of showing independent films in local restaurants. They decided to advertise a meeting for film buffs to see if others in the community were interested in such a concept. More than 30 people showed up and watched a film about small-town residents with a big dream. The idea of creating the Rehoboth Beach Film Society was conceived that night, and subsequent work established the entity as a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization.  The first Annual Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, a three day event, was launched in November of 1998. 

Since that time, the Rehoboth Beach Film Society has developed into a thriving cultural resource in southern Delaware.

The Film Society’s mission is to promote film as an art form through community outreach and educational film initiatives for all ages.

In fulfilling its mission while serving a membership of more than thirteen hundred, the Film Society offers:

• Art House Theater (Theater #14 at Movies at Midway)
• Annual Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival (every fall)
• Monthly screenings
• Quarterly newsletter
• Summer film reviews utilizing public input to select festival entrees
• Film Library
• Third Thursday Theater - a childrens' film series
• Student Film Group
• Annual Morris Fierberg Student Film Award
• A variety of educational and community outreach film initiatives