Still Rolling

For the past 25 years, the Tallahassee Film Society (TFS) has been a haven for independent cinema. John Fraser, the nonprofit’s president, embodies the scrappy, resourceful spirit of the filmmakers he so passionately supports. He’s made a mission of celebrating creatives who do more with less, and his own approach to running the organization mirrors that same tenacity.

Fraser has navigated a variety of hurdles, including shifting funding landscapes, multiple venue changes, and a global pandemic that made public theatergoing impossible. But the most recent challenge truly tested the organization’s mettle.

When tornadoes tore through Tallahassee last spring, they destroyed TFS’s home at All Saints Cinema, located in the historic Amtrak station. In the aftermath, it was clear TFS had lost its space, equipment, and any clear path forward. Relief came from Alan Hanstein, executive director of the Challenger Learning Center, who offered to temporarily host TFS screenings in their IMAX theater. Thanks to this generosity, TFS is back up and running for its silver anniversary.

Photo by Erich Martin

TFS continues to showcase a wide range of films, from thought-provoking documentaries to foreign titles that rarely reach mainstream theaters. “The odds of us booking Star Wars are probably slim,” jokes Fraser. “We’re not going to break into that, nor do we want to. Our goal is to bring small-budget films to town that wouldn’t be shown here otherwise.” That focus is a draw in itself, with one recent screening attracting film lovers from as far away as Memphis.

What’s more, TFS hosts post-screening events such as live musical performances and filmmaker meet and greets, creating opportunities for the audience to engage with the themes of the films and connect them to the local community. These enriching experiences are made possible thanks to the continued support of grants, ticket buyers, and TFS members.

“We’re like the little engine that could—we just keep chugging along up that mountain because we think it’s important to the community,” Fraser says. “There’s a lot of merit and value to smaller films. These are interesting subjects and slices of life that aren’t always captured in a mainstream film. We want to make sure it’s there for you, and we hope folks see something a little bit different.”