The Olympia Film Society (OFS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, was founded in 1980. We present film screenings and other events seven days a week inside the Capitol Theater, a grand old 750-seat venue built in 1924. Our mission is to enhance film appreciation within the community by promoting alternative films and by aiding and encouraging the development of allied arts. Furthermore, it is the purpose of the Society to foster, promote and present visual media and performing arts. Daily operations at OFS are shared between a small paid staff collective and a committed team of nearly 125 volunteers, and overseen by a Board of Directors. Download our Bylaws
Olympia Film Society Programming
Weekly Film Series
OFS presents the best award-winning, international, and independent films. Additional special, one-time-only screenings are also presented, featuring question-and-answer sessions with visiting filmmakers and mixed-media performance artists.
Members are invited to provide film programming suggestions by leaving ideas in the suggestion box in the theater lobby and by attending Film Programming Meetings. Programming Meetings are held in the MIXX 96 Meeting room at 119 Washington Street NE. Specific meeting dates and times are available on the calendar and in the Quarterly Newsletter. For more information, please contact Helen Thornton, Film Programmer at helen@olympiafilmsociety.org or 754-6670.
Annual Olympia Film Festival
Since 1983, OFS has hosted the annual Olympia Film Festival, a ten-day around-the-clock extravaganza of films, filmmakers and film-related guests, special performances, discussion panels, and educational workshops. While the festival is well known and respected throughout the film world, the effort that goes into making it happen is completely local, from the many hours and days put in by our dedicated volunteers to the generous support of local businesses. The festival attracts between 5,000 and 7,000 attendees each year.
Live and Special Events
As part of our mission to provide new opportunities for the community to engage with the arts, OFS is committed to bringing live music and performance art to the South Sound. We seek out musical performers and performance artists of all stripes to reflect the diverse cultural interests of our membership and our audience.
Art in the Mezzanine
Art in the Mezzanine, curated by artists from around the Olympia area, provides a space for local visual artists to present their work in the mezzanine, alcoves and halls of the Capitol Theater. The art gallery also supports local artist by producing arts and craft fairs at the theater, including the Annual Spring Arts Walk Arts and Crafts Fair and Duck the Malls. To learn more contact artgallery@olympiafilmsociety.org.
Benefits
The Olympia Film Society extends its support to local, community-based non-profit organizations by occasionally offering the use of our venue for a reduced rate so that those organizations can utilize the facility for fundraising events. If you are interested in holding a benefit screening for your organization, please contact Helen Thornton at helen@olympiafilmsociety.org or 754-6670.
