About Us

The Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania’s mission is to Elevate Erie’s film industry, Empower regional filmmakers, and Foster patronage for the art of film.

Founded in 2008, the Film Society is the only nonprofit arts organization dedicated to film programming in the Erie area. We are supported by dedicated volunteers, board members, and sponsors. We collaborate with creative, diverse partners. As a result, we encourage new voices and develop innovative programs.

In 2013, we established the Greater Erie Film Office (GEFO) to attract productions to Erie County and best serve visiting film and television productions with support and resources. GEFO organizes economic development advocacy for film production and tourism, and provides networking and education opportunities for local creatives and crew.

Northwestern Pennsylvania is a prime destination for filmmaking. Visit filmerie.com to learn more.

Programs and Events

Current event dates, times, and ticket purchasing on Events. Get the latest! Join our mailing list and follow us on Facebook.

For two years, Film Grain Dinner and a Movie at the Bourbon Barrel offered film fans a weekly social experience, dinner, trivia, and a new release. Two-story ceilings, couch seating, and surround sound made Film Grain a popular downtown attraction cut short by the pandemic.

In 2018, the Film Society concluded FILM at the Erie Art Museum, a five-year series of high-quality arthouse, independent and international programming. Films were regularly accompanied by audience discussion or expert panels and some events were costume parties, Pennsylvania film premieres, and live filmmaker Q&A. Held at the beautiful Erie Art Museum, the popular program established the Film Society as a mainstay of downtown weekly arts entertainment.

To educate and encourage regional filmmakers, the Film Society has engaged local industry experts to conduct production seminars, such as screenwriting and proper use of firearms for stunt use. In a partnership with the Downtown YMCA’s Teen Center, we created Erie’s Voices, a youth skill-building and storytelling program which culminated in collaborative short film projects. Four screenplay and filmmaking competitions in the state of Pennsylvania in the last 8 years have inspired fantastic works.

Filmmakers from across the region attended the Film and New Media Dinner in 2017 to be celebrated and recognized for creating content and using innovative technologies. The ever-popular Oscar Party fundraiser each year is an opportunity to get glamorous, walk the red carpet, and support the Film Society mission!

Partners

In 10 years, the Film Society has partnered with many local organizations including WQLN, Erie Philharmonic, Erie Movie House, Edinboro University NWPA Innovation and Beehive Network, Edinboro Film Series, Discover Presque Isle, Cinemark, Bad-Ass Film Festival, Iris Theater, Porreco College Movie Under the Stars, Erie Downtown Partnership, Erie Art Museum, Downtown YMCA, Erie’s Blues and Jazz Festival, Erie Asian American Association, Erie Dance Film Festival.