Cameo Cinema Foundation, Cameo Cinema

Cameo Cinema Foundation

About the Foundation:

Cameo Cinema Foundation (formerly Friends of the Cameo) is a non-profit that raises money to help preserve the unique and magical experience that is the Cameo Cinema.  An alliance of patrons, donors, and local businesses, the non-profit FOC's mission is to safeguard this historic theater, and to ensure that it continues to entertain, educate and inspire the Napa Valley for generations to come.

The Cameo Cinema embraces the latest in innovative cinema technology, and thanks to our loyal donors is able to offer a world-class film experience, equal to any great movie house, anywhere in the world. You'd be hard-pressed to find another local business or organization that reaches so many people across all ages and economic demographics.

The key to the Cameo's continued success is enriched programming and philanthropic dollars. Not just an occasional capital campaign, but your generous annual support for community programming, special events, and fun new ideas.
“If you are lucky enough to visit this place, do it.  You feel like you are really part of something special. . . It’s a small town feel in this historic theater, right down to bring-your-own-bowl from home for popcorn.  Thanks to Cathy who seems to run this place with passion and love.”  Liz McCarthy, Facebook
Cameo owner and Creative Director Cathy Buck with Perry King .

Be part of the next cinematic adventure with a generous donation today!

Board of Directors
Paula J. Brooks, President

Founder, Cathy Buck
Alex Allen
Stacey Bressler
Piper Cole
Kevin Coleman
Paul Kass
Tom McBroom
Ann Nevero
Vanessa von Hessert

In the News:

2019 Student Short Film
Showcase Rocks the Cameo!

On Sunday, August 18th, the latest members of our Documentary Film Camp, shared the screen at the Cameo Cinema with students from the Napa Valley Film Festival’s Narrative Film Camp for an awesome hour of short films.   These films were created during a five-day intensive forum that was created for students to explore the art of film making and find their voices as young artists.  Both camps are held each June for local high school students and are staffed by members of the Pacific Union College Film Department.

Supporting young film makers with a donor-funded Documentary Film Camp:

Watch SAFARI WEST

Watch KEN MAXFIELD - Blacksmith

Friends of the Cameo Board members gathered Monday to below a “Star” on Janet Costner, center, for her winning tagline, Pictured are Cathy Buck, Cameo owner and Creative Diector, Paul Kass, Stacey Bressler, Costner, Ann Nevero, Kevin Coleman and Vanessa von Hessert.

Tagline Winner Announced


Piper Cole announced, on behalf of the Friends of the Cameo (FOC), that they have found their new tagline!   The winning entry: Sparking creativity, building community, celebrating our history was submitted by Janet Costner, a long time supporter of the Cameo and local resident. 

“Cameo Cinema fans submitted over 260 tag lines in search of their own ‘star’ on the theater’s much-loved Galaxy Wall.’ adds Piper.  "All of the entries were very creative and reflected the genuine affection that this community has for our Cameo Theater and the owner and Creative Director, Cathy Buck.  The last entry came in at 11:58 pm on the final day, just two minutes before the deadline.”  We want to thank everyone who created a tagline idea and entered the contest.  Your continued  support ensures that the Cameo Cinema will be stronger than ever in 2020. Thank you again for making this contest so brilliant.

Your Cameo Cinema donation creates these engaging series:

Arthouse and
Independant Films:

We are dedicated to not only preserving film culture, but enabling it to grow into something greater than before.  You can enjoy new and old films, silent films, cult classics, documentaries,  films you have never heard of.  We try to find the movies that fall between the cracks, as well as cinema fan favorites from rising stars to Indie legends.

Film Class with
Ian McIver

Film Class was created to provide a forum for nurturing a deeper understanding of film culture and to keep the tradition of the film-going experience alive here in the Napa Valley.  This series was created by Ian McIver,  who moderates each class.  David Garden hosts the summer sessions.  Tuesdays at 1:00 pm  Tickets $10 at the door.

Movies to Dine For
and CinemaBites

Who doesn't love dinner and a movie?  Movies to Dine For adds a community dinner to a favorite film, with bites that mirror the film's setting and atmosphere.  For CinemaBites we create four events that feature handcrafted 'bites' from noted Napa Valley Chefs.  Add films that explore the world of food and wine and legendary Napa Valley wines to compliment your meal. Proceeds benefit the St. Helena Farmers' Market and the Cameo's educational programs
"My children were in love their Mars rovers.  They added chains, beads, and other elements to see how their machines balanced and moved under the weight.  Great fun and very engaging for the kids."  Vanessa Van Hessert, St. Helena

Cinema Science

Cue the robots, pack your suitcase for Mars, summon some extra-terrestials, insert that social commentary and roll film!  Friends of the Cameo, in partner-ship with the City of St. Helena, creates interactive STEAM workshops for kids designed to help them connect what they see at Science on Screen programs with real science.   Our partners-in-science include the Charles M. Shultz Museum, the Chabot Space and Science Center, San Francisco's Exit Reality, Napa Valley College STEM scholars, and local artist, David Garden.

Science on Screen®

We just completed our third year as a Grant participant in the Coolidge Corner Theatre's Science on Screen® series, which was designed in partnership with the Alfred P Sloan Foundation to enhance film and scientific literacy. Throughout the academic year, our Grant allows us to work with wonderfest.org to creatively pair screenings of classic, cult, science fiction, and documentary films with lively presentations by experts from the world of science and technology. Each film is used as a jumping-off point for a speaker to introduce current research or technological advances. 

Family Film Festival of the Napa Valley

Launched in 2010, the Family Film Festival of the Napa Valley brings to film fans of all ages an opportunity to view a wide range of films - from family-friendly live-action and animated feature films to documentaries and student produced short films at our 'Red Carpet' event. With the support of the Trinchero Family Vineyards and Friends of the Cameo,  Cathy created her 10th family-friendly Memorial Day weekend for  exploring  ideas, themes, storytelling techniques, and much more.  


Friends of the Cameo  is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, tax id #46-1415228. 
Your donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.