Last updated on April 11, 2025.

Sinners

General Screening Information

WHAT IS A PREVIEW? Before movies open, local ad agencies generate publicity with advance screenings. Washington, DC Film Society members are a popular target audience for previews, since we create good "word of mouth" for a film. Sometimes we have an entire theater to ourselves, but most of the time we share a theater with an audience holding passes that the ad agencies have distributed through radio stations, newspapers, an local establishments. In the past, the Film Society has hosted numerous special events as well.

AM I GUARANTEED A SEAT? No! Seating for previews is always on a first-come, first-served basis. Why? First of all, sometimes more members than we have passes to give out will show up at a particular screening. Also, the ad agencies always give out more passes than there are seats in the theater. The theater is always overbooked because at least 20% of pass holders don't show up. If everyone shows up, the theater could be full before you get in. Even if we have an RSVP screening (see below), arrive early to ensure a seat.

WHAT ABOUT RSVP SCREENINGS? When we have very few passes, we still want to offer the screening to as many members as possible, yet want to avoid turning many people away. When this happens (30 passes for two or less), we will sometimes have an RSVP system set up. Please follow instructions in the e-mail for RSVP screenings.

WHEN YOU GET TO THE THEATER: Each member must bring a valid membership card to the screening and show it to the Film Society staff person at the theater to receive a free pass.