Submitted by Film is Truth
Back Row: Anna Wolff, President; Sam Kaas, Vice President; Karl Freske, Board Member.
When Emily Marston and Karl Freske opened Film is Truth in 1997, their goal was to provide access to film — as art, as education, and as entertainment.
That idea continues to guide them today.
From its humble beginnings of 2,000 film titles lining homemade shelves cut from PVC pipe, the collection has grown to more than 15,000 DVD, Blu?ray and VHS rentals, carefully selected with the Bellingham movie buff in mind.
After 18 years of working to increase access through the number of titles and formats available, Film is Truth is pursuing new opportunities to connect people through film.
“The video business has changed a lot over the years, and we’ve grown and weathered those changes in ways that allow us to remain true to our vision,” Marston said. “In order to keep bringing film and all its benefits to the community, we hope people will help us with our latest transition.”
Big changes
The store is moving from Holly Street to a new space in the Bellingham Public Market on Cornwall Avenue. At the same time, the business is becoming a nonprofit.
In its new space, the store will join a collection of established specialty businesses, have access to a meeting room for programs, and provide lots of free parking. (No more driving around the block looking for a parking spot, or fishing around in your car seats for meter money!)
Renovations are already underway to transform the space from what used to be the old Safeway butcher shop into Film is Truth’s new home.
Marston and Freske are donating their business’ entire collection of movies to the new nonprofit so the films can continue to be available for rent, and the staff will still be on hand to provide expert advice and friendly customer service.
As a nonprofit, Film is Truth plans to bring film programs to schools, and to offer community classes such as movie analysis, filmmaking and screenwriting in its new space.
Marston has also pledged to continue serving homemade cookies on the store’s anniversaries.
Big ask
The move and renovations will cost about $30,000, and the legal administrative fees needed to become a nonprofit will cost an additional $5,000. Film is Truth is asking for community support to raise a total of $18,000 through a combination of Kickstarter and direct donations. Stephen Trinkaus of The Bellingham Public Market has donated in the neighborhood of $12,000 through rent reduction.
In addition to the undying gratitude of the Film is Truth team, the organization has a generous array of thank-you gifts for different funding levels, from tailored movie rental lists, to the popular Film is Truth hoodie. The most generous donors can enjoy a lifetime of free movie rentals by becoming a Film Is Truth BFF.
How you can help enhance this community asset
- Donate to Film is Truth’s Kickstarter and help them raise $12,000
- Donate in store to help Film is Truth raise $6,000
- Volunteer to help Film is Truth move to its new location
Look for Film is Truth at the following community events. Representatives will be available to talk with you about the organization’s next phase, and give you a chance to donate on the spot. Film is Truth’s next event, its 18 year anniversary, takes place on October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at its new location at 1530 Cornwall.
