HELP ENZIAN BRING REEL-TO-REEL 35MM & 70MM FILM TO CENTRAL FLORIDA.
Every gift made now through Sunday, November 2 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000! Be a Part of the Picture and Click Here to Give!
Thanks to the support of our incredible community, Enzian is excited to announce that we have raised $100,000 towards our $150,000 campaign goal for 35mm/70mm theater upgrades! In a twist worthy of the big screen, a Reel Hero has stepped into the spotlight and offered to match every donation made now through November 2nd, up to $20,000! Every donation now packs double the punch, thanks to our anonymous star behind the scenes. But hurry, this match opportunity ends Sunday, November 2nd!
Every gift made now through Sunday, November 2 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000!
Enzian is launching a campaign to upgrade our film projection system and bring Central Florida the best in 35mm and 70mm film presentation!
Enzian’s cherished 35mm projector has served us for four decades. However, it operates on a platter system that studios rarely approve for screenings, meaning thousands of high-quality archival 35mm prints from major film archives and private collections are unavailable to screen. It’s also time to bring breathtaking 70mm film, embraced by current filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Ryan Coogler, Mona Fastvold, and Paul Thomas Anderson to Central Florida!
We’re raising $150,000 to improve our current system by Summer 2026 and we need your help!
This upgrade will include:
– the installation of dual reel-to-reel 35mm and 70mm projectors
– an upgrade to Enzian’s current sound system
– a cutting-edge projection screen in the theater
These enhancements will make Enzian the only theater in the region, and one of only a few in the Southeast, with both reel-to-reel 35mm and 70mm capabilities. They will also further unlock the full capabilities of Enzian’s existing 4K laser projector, elevating image clarity and brightness, and enhancing color vibrancy. These improvements are a bold step toward preserving the art of cinema and expanding Central Florida’s access to the world’s most iconic, rare, and historically significant films. See the below for our FAQ guide on platter vs reel-to-reel projection and more!
For questions, please email development@enzian.org
DONOR TIERS
Donations of all sizes are graciously appreciated. Want to make a larger gift? See the donation benefits below for gifts of $1,000 or more!
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For questions, please email development@enzian.org
Be a part of the picture: Click here to donate today!FAQ
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENZIAN’S CURRENT PLATTER PROJECTOR AND A REEL-TO-REEL PROJECTOR?
A reel-to-reel system consists of two separate projectors working together to project the film. Each reel holds about 20 minutes of footage, and at a designated moment (indicated by a ‘cue’ mark), the second projector switches on as the next reel unspools. This switching between projectors is why the setup is often called a “changeover” system in the industry. It keeps each reel of the film separate and therefore intact.
A platter system, on the other hand, can hold an entire film spliced together into a single giant roll. The film runs continuously through one projector, then rewinds onto another platter in real time. These systems were designed for multiplexes that did not want to employ dozens of trained projectionists to manage their equipment during showtimes. The challenge, however, lies in splicing reels together, which cuts out frames at the “tails” (the beginning and end of each reel). With 35mm and 70mm prints in short supply—and the high costs of creating new ones—studios generally do not allow the vast majority of their films to be altered in this way.
WHAT MAKES FILM PROJECTION SPECIAL?
When a movie is shot on film, each frame is a photo taken of the scene: a direct representation of what the camera, or the eye, would have seen. With digital recording, each frame is a computer’s interpretation: thousands of pixels coming together to create a replication of the image. Film offers greater depth of color, which is often noticeable in productions with dark or low-light cinematography. But, what separates film projection even more from digital is the tactile nature of the experience. Film is a format full of life and authenticity that cannot be simply replicated with a digital presentation. Watching movies on film allows you to a view a piece of history, where even the imperfections give you a glimpse into the print’s life.
HOW WILL THIS UPGRADE BENEFIT ENZIAN’S DIGITAL PROJECTION?
In addition to reel-to-reel 35mm & 70mm projectors, we are installing a cutting-edge screen to upgrade the theater, along with enhancements to the audio system. Enzian’s 4K laser projector is already the industry standard, but screen technology has advanced alongside it. To unlock the full potential and brightness of the 4K projector—and to showcase the incredible images of 70mm film—this new screen will be a tremendous benefit to our audiences.
WHEN WILL THIS PROJECT BE COMPLETED?
From the time the funds have been received, it takes approximately 6 months to manufacture and install the new projection system. This campaign has been designed with the goal of having the new system fully in place for Summer of 2026.
For questions, please email development@enzian.org
Be a part of the picture: Click here to donate today!AS A NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED ORGANIZATION, WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR TREMENDOUS SUPPORT.
Only 25% of Enzian’s operating income is derived from ticket sales. Although we work to generate revenue from other sources, know the bulk of our remaining income comes from the generous support of individuals just like you, as well as corporations and foundations. On behalf of Enzian and our community at large, we thank you in advance for your support.
Enzian Theater Inc is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services pursuant to the Florida Solicitation of Charitable Contributions Act. Our Registration Number is CH-5644. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) OR www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Enzian Circles
Enzian is pleased to announce the formation of the “Alpenrose Circle”. Named after a beautiful alpine flower, this group is the first of several donor circles that Enzian will introduce to thank our donors for their much-appreciated support. If you would like to learn more about the Alpenrose Circle, contact Jo Gilley at 407-629-1088 x0303.
