Mission and History
OUR MISSION
The Frida Cinema is dedicated enriching, connecting, and educating communities through the art of cinema.
We work to achieve our mission by providing provide a diverse, internally-curated lineup of films and film-related programming to foster appreciation of the cinematic arts, to cultivate expanded perspectives, to spark vibrant cultural dialogue, and to ensure that independent, classic, documentary, foreign, animated, and avant-garde films remain accessible to audiences in Orange County and beyond.
We believe in film as a powerful tool not only for entertainment, but for empathy, cultural enrichment, and community. By showcasing voices and perspectives from around the world, The Frida Cinema strives to preserve and expand the art of cinema as a shared cultural experience for generations to come, creating a welcoming space for discovery, dialogue, and valuable shared experience.
OUR HISTORY
The Frida Cinema opened its doors on February 21, 2014, and continues to serve as Orange County’s only nonprofit art house cinema. Founded and led by Executive Director Logan Crow, The Frida was born out of a passion to create a home for diverse and intentfully-curated cinema, offering a permanent home for film lovers, and a creative hub for the region’s vibrant arts community. In 2023 The Frida Cinema began producing DTSA First Saturday ArtWalk, one of the oldest and only ongoing arts events in Santa Ana where more than 50 artists and one dozen galleries and arts organizations have the opportunity to share their creations with the community.
Recognized nationally for its unique approach to film curation, programming collaboration, community outreach, and viral marketing, The Frida owes its success and sustainability to its loyal and ever-growing audiences who have found a home away from home at the cinema.