Three Dollar Bill Cinema

GiveBIG 2025 & support a local queer film institution 

Since 1996, Three Dollar Bill Cinema has been bringing queer stories to the big screen—bold, unapologetic, and made for us.

Thirty years later, we’re still here, still rolling film, and still as queer as a three-dollar bill.

To mark the occasion, we’re launching $30K for 30 Years—a campaign to raise $30,000 during GiveBIG to ensure the next generation of queer and trans film thrives in Seattle.

Your donation keeps our screens lit. Your voice keeps our community loud. Your support keeps our legacy alive.

Give now. Give loud. Give BIG.

About Us:

Three Dollar Bill Cinema provides access to films by, for, and about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people and their families, and a forum for LGBTQ+ filmmakers to share and discuss their work with audiences. We curate themed screenings throughout the year and produce programs in partnership with other arts, cultural, and service delivery organizations in the Greater Seattle area. 

Three Dollar Bill Cinema has a special place in Seattle's art scene. It is the only queer LGBTQ+ cinema organization run by and for LGBTQ+ artists, filmmakers, educators, activists, youth, and volunteers. We are supported by the larger LGBTQ+ community and our allies. Our goal in the next few years is to cultivate LGBTQ+ talent, expand creative ideas in programming, and broaden outreach to new audiences.

TDBC's Next 30 Years:

Like many arts organizations, TDBC is facing real challenges. Rising festival costs, decreased sponsorship funding, and shifting audience behavior in a post-pandemic world have forced us to make tough decisions. To stay afloat, we transitioned to an all-volunteer model, choosing to downsize rather than close our doors entirely.

This year, we made the strategic decision to combine the Seattle Queer Film Festival’s 30th anniversary with the 20th anniversary of TRANS|lations, producing a single, three-day festival to reduce costs while still celebrating with our community. It was a moment of reflection. An opportunity to gather, celebrate, and begin shaping what the next 30 years of TDBC can look like.

We’re actively rethinking and reimagining our role in the local film ecosystem: how we serve, how we lead, and how we adapt to the changing needs of our community. We’re also deeply aware that we’re not alone. Our fellow local film festivals are navigating similar challenges, and we believe collaboration is the path forward. By working together, we can amplify our impact, support one another, and collectively reach broader, more diverse audiences.

This moment isn’t just about survival. It’s about transformation. With your help, TDBC’s next chapter will be rooted in intentional growth, community connection, and cultural impact. We hope you'll join us on this adventure!