A COMMUNITY ASSET

The Milford Independent Cinema is one of only a handful of small independent theaters left in the entire state of Michigan. Its mission goes far beyond mainstream entertainment. The Cinema curates meaningful film experiences and serves as a space for education, connection, and dialogue through:

  • Independent, foreign, documentary, and special-interest films

  • Post-film discussions and guest speaker events

  • Community trivia nights and themed film series

  • Private theater rentals for schools, nonprofits, and local organizations

  • Partnerships with filmmakers, educators, and arts advocates

In an era of streaming and corporate multiplexes, the Milford Independent Cinema preserves the communal moviegoing experience—where stories are shared collectively and conversations continue long after the credits roll.

3% Cover the Fee

Corporate Partners

Our corporate partnerships are vital to keeping this gem alive in our community. Corporate sponsors and major donors have a unique opportunity to:

  • Preserve a rare independent cinema in Southeast Michigan

  • Demonstrate commitment to arts, culture, and community vitality

  • Gain visibility and recognition through sponsorship acknowledgments, on-site signage, event partnerships, and media mentions

  • Support a nonprofit with measurable community impact and deep local roots

Every major contribution directly supports operational sustainability—keeping doors open, screens lit, and culture thriving.

A Call to Action

The Milford Independent Cinema is at a crossroads. With corporate partnership and philanthropic leadership, this historic venue can continue to serve the community for generations to come.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities, major gifts, or media inquiries are encouraged to contact:

Julie Hill-Lin
Board Member, Milford Independent Cinema
📧 elevenjulie@yahoo.com
📞 248-880-6479

Work With Us

Community Partners:

Startup Donor Recognition

The Huron Valley Film Organization launched our fundraiser in September of 2020 with the goal of raising $150,000 to cover our construction and startup costs, as well as provide funds for our first year of operations. With the help of our generous community members, families, and businesses, we were able to meet this fundraising goal and celebrated our grand opening on May 12, 2021.

Cinematographer Level Donors

Chelsea Bathurst, the Stempien Family, Duane Karr, Donna Pesci, Daniel Denton, Thomas Smith, Gregory Brainer, John Kozicki, John's Cement, Tamara Zoner - A Life You Love Now, LLC., Chris Elliott, Ann Barnette, Ronald Fowkes, Dennis and Hazel Dust, Connor McNeely, Nancy Czech, Jenna Szpara, Monique Knowles, Red Dog Saloon, Sherri Masson, Mark Schuster, Judith L. Waara, Denise Bondy, Karol LaHaie, Tamara Mastro, David Elliott, Michelle Sauls, Ryan Gillen, The Garris Family, Maid 'N Family, The Schils Family, Russel Douglass, Christine Hoppe, Carol Margiotta, James Shoemaker, Ernie and Linda Maki, Susan Rankert, Diane Hendra, Beth Markell, Jeanne Geraci, Kathie Schwartz, Melissa Schrader, Jon & Doris (Landry) Kruse, Susan Gollon, Mike and Mandy York, Victoria Burrows, Cindy Landry, Taurean Davis, Jeannie Autry, Patricia Janette, Deidre McCarthy, Kristin Blanchard, Martha Kilroy, Gayle and Harry Caswell, Ruste and Rob Wilke, Dee King, Milford Pilates Club, Karin Boughey, Deborah Struble, Judy Darby, Karen Nave

Director Level Donors

Harold and Suzanne Haskew, Kathleen Jackson, CASE Holding Group, Thomas North & Dana DeBenham, M.J. Whelan Construction, Tara Agen, The Kuhn Family, The Goan Family, Main Street Art

Star Level Donors

The Wuerth Family, Kelsey Shufflebarger, Carrie Faust, The Cleasby Family, The Cullen Family, The Getzen Family, The Satovsky Family, Spectrum Construction , Jerry Thomas, Gina's Bridal Boutique, Barb Stafford, Music Time of Milford, Todd and Anita VanAcker, Christopher Biggers, Denise Forrest, Nancy and Megan Weeks, Jennifer & Rob Roesler and Andrew Potter, The Caren-Schmeling Family, The Albulov Family, Melinda Oaks, Milford Caramel Company LLC, Custom Plus, The McGlew Family, Freedom Treasures Resale Store/Freedom Work Opportunities and Resale Stores, Fire & Clay Pottery, Muriel and Bob Herrick Century Oak Farm, Blake & MacKaela Zschering, RAM Insurance & Financial Consulting, Rochelle Woychowski, in memory of Dylan Joy Machnak "A little Joy", Village Fine Arts Association/The Suzanne Haskew Arts Center, The SHAC, David Vigna

Oscar Winner Donors - Sponsored a Row of Seats

Regina Goodwin, Laura Kowalski, Milford Spice Company, Bryan Watson and Joanne Rusch, Lyle and Denise Tyler, Jerry and Karol Breen, Huron Valley Furniture, Huron Valley State Bank, Heavner Canoe Rental, 2 Moms & A Mop

Executive Producer Level Donors

Christin Bracken and Real Estate One - Milford, Marie Kelly, Downtown Garage Milford, The Dodd Family, Deals with Dayna, Dr. Jim and Melissa Botsford, The Pikus Family, Red Maple Retreat Milford Michigan, Core 4 Complete Fitness Milford, Dana Frellick, Suzanne McFarlane Hefke & Family, Erin Welsh, Antoinette Beagle, Pam & Jeff Micallef, Cheryl Mueller, Julia & John Bejnarowicz King, Beyond Juicery + Eatery, Charlie and Diane Perry, James Donahue, Finum Plus - Lisa & Chet Holowicki