2011 was a blast, and in 2012 I hope we continue to delight you with more laugh-out-loud comedies, eye-opening documentaries, nail-biting thrillers, and all the rest. The Greater Park Circle Film Society’s 2011 season has been one of great films, great friends, and steady growth. Highlights include:

• Screenings increased to 56, up from 49 screenings in 2010
• Memberships at the Red Carpet and Green Room level have doubled since last year
• Fundraising saw a 30% increase over 2010
• Increased current and developed new partnerships:
• Charleston County Library System partnered with us to distribute the monthly brochure to all of their branches.
• We launched a monthly educational series in partnership with the PBS Community Cinema program, combining a topical documentary with an excellent post-movie panel and community forum.
• Moviegoers continued to enjoy the quarterly Silver Screen Classics series, sponsored by the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department.
• Our Facebook page reached over 550 fans and continues to grow
• We welcomed Nancy Santos, Judy Wolk, and Paul Brown to the Board of Directors. Each brings their specific talents to our board. Nancy is a professional photographer, Judy is an attorney, and Paul is a movie producer who has been making award-winning feature films for over 15 years.
• The monthly FUNimation At The Movies series has had continued success since its inception in March
• The venue received a nice facelift, with the City of North Charleston tackling the outside, and a very well-attended community workday in October repainted and reorganized the inside
• Major updates included new seating, a new projector, expanded concessions
• Volunteerism has increased, not just for film nights but in many areas
• Two SC filmmakers received micro-grants to help complete their projects

So 2011 was a great year, right? But we want 2012 to be even better, so here are a few plans for next year. You spoke on our annual survey and we listened:

• Saturday screenings are moving to 8pm beginning in January. Now you can come to Park Circle, have dinner and enjoy a film afterward. This also leaves the possibility for a 5pm matinee screening, if that's something you want to see happen.
• Even more screenings of the newest indies, along with classics, regional film, and shorts
• More micro-grants to regional filmmakers
• New partnerships with businesses and other nonprofits. And if your business wants to get involved or your nonprofit wants to collaborate, give us a call at (843) 628-5534

Would you like to volunteer? Your time and skills are just what we need to ensure an awesome 2012.  Please contact us via email at connect@parkcirclefilms.org, via phone at (843) 628-5534, or on the website at parkcirclefilms.org. Speaking of websites, the new parkcirclefilms.org is now mobile- and tablet-friendly, so you can see the latest schedule anywhere!

I'd also like to make a small personal request. I want you to bring two new friends to the next film you attend. Don't just tell them about the show; drag them along, hand them a warm bag of fresh popcorn and a frosty ginger ale, and share the experience with them. Movies really are better with a friend!