MISSION

RBFS celebrates independent film, supports emerging filmmakers, and engages the community through meaningful cinematic experiences that inform, inspire, and connect. The Rehoboth Beach Film Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization operating in the State of Delaware. Founded in August of 1998, the Society is home to the award-winning Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. In 2016, the Rehoboth Beach Film Society opened the Cinema Art Theater in Lewes, DE.

VISION

To be a premier destination where the community, audiences, and filmmakers come together to celebrate the art of cinema—fostering education, creative collaboration, and cultural connection through the power of independent film.

CORE PRINCIPLES

Integrity

We operate with honesty, fairness, ethics, and transparency in every decision and action.

 

Accessibility & Inclusion

We welcome people from all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives, ensuring equitable access and participation in all programs and experiences. Inclusivity isn't just a principle—it is how we work, collaborate, and serve.

 

Equity & Accountability

We uphold clearly defined roles and responsibilities across leadership, staff, volunteers, and partners. We commit to equitable practices—from hiring to advancement—while tracking progress through measurable diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals and data. Senior leadership champions DEI and is held responsible for creating fair and inclusive systems.

 

Creativity, Innovation & Transformational Thinking

We foster diversity of thought as the catalyst for fresh ideas and transformative storytelling. By embracing creative and inclusive approaches, we accelerate impact and inspire change in our field.

 ABOUT US

Today, the Society continues to provide cinema programming at the Cinema Art Theater (CAT) utilizing two screens. The Art house programs year-round CAT THIS WEEK, a roster of first-run indies, documentaries, features and international films (Wednesday – Sunday). Alternative programming includes The Metropolitan Opera live in HD, Exhibitions on Screen™ and National Theatre Live, plays from London’s West End. During the annual spring season, patrons can expect a diverse line-up of mini-Film Festivals.

 

In 2023, the Society achieved a major milestone, celebrating its Silver Screen - 25th anniversary. As the only Art house in Sussex County the organization prepares for the next 25 years of screening cinema that attracts local residents, second homeowners, visitors and many others who make the journey to experience first-run films here in the first state's first city, Lewes, DE.

HISTORY

In 1997, a small group of Sussex County residents saw an opportunity and a shared interest in cinema. As a result, the Rehoboth Beach Film Society (RBFS) was founded in February 1998 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit for the purposes of producing the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival.

The idea was to attract people from the Mid-Atlantic region to Rehoboth Beach during the off-season in hopes of driving tourism revenue to the local Rehoboth Beach businesses while supporting the local community of year-round residents.

In November 1998, the inaugural Film Festival was programmed and encompassed 102 combined features, documentaries, and shorts along with special screenings of Nightmare on Elm Street, Pink Flamingos, and Office Killer. It was most fitting to have Director John Waters host the opening night gala at the Bottle and Cork.

With much thanks to the Derrickson family, Movies at Midway ensured the success and growth of the venture by providing their theaters for the annual Independent Film Festival from 1998 to 2014.

 

The Founders of the Film Society are made-up of the original 1997 collaborators and the installation of its first Board of Directors and Committee Members that maintained the governance and management of the nonprofit in the annual production of the Film Festival from 1998 to 2006. Today, we give much thanks to their vision and passion for cinema.

RBFS Founders

Rob Rector, Barry Becker, Mariah Calagione, Joyce Felton, Tom Shreeve and Patti Shreeve

RBFS Board of Directors

Rob Rector, President

Barry Becker, Vice President

Mariah Calagione, Treasurer

Carl Becker, Fundraising Co-Chair

Tiffany Derrickson, Fundraising Co-Chair

Liz Dolan, Screening Chair

Lee Jones, Hospitality Chair

Alex Pires, PR Co-Chair

Jill Roberts, PR Co-Chair & Fundraising Co-Chair

Bill Sievert, PR Co-Chair

*As recognized by the RBFS Board of Directors who approved the official roster on January 17, 2007.

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

Learn more about the Film Society’s year-round programs, CAT This Week, our award-winning Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, special events and theater rentals by visiting RehobothFilm.com.

RBFS is funded in part by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts as part of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).