BYLAWS OF THE SILICON VALLEY FILM INSTITUTE

ARTICLE I – NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1. Name

The name of the organization shall be “The Silicon Valley Film Institute”, hereafter referred to as the “SVFI.”

Section 2. Purpose

This organization is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The specific purposes of the SVFI are:

  • Screenings: 

    • Operating year-round, the Silicon Valley Film Institute will feature two distinct theaters: a large, state-of-the-art one-screen theater and a smaller, more intimate digital theater. The large theater will serve as the heart of the institute, offering a continuous "Film School" experience through an eclectic and ever-changing lineup of classic films, soon-to-be classics, and occasional first-run features. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and traditional 35mm, 16mm, and 70mm projectors, this space will celebrate the art and craft of filmmaking in all its forms. The smaller digital-only theater will provide a more communal and interactive experience. It will serve as a platform for a rotating group of student curators, offering hands-on programming opportunities currently unavailable in the region. This theater's curated screening series will often align with themes explored in the institute’s exhibitions, programs, and ongoing events, fostering a deeper connection between film and audience.



  • Museum:

    • A museum is vital to our mission, offering diverse experiences while bolstering the local economy through the creation of new job opportunities. It will showcase exhibitions on film history, celebrate local filmmakers, and provide interactive experiences that immerse visitors in the cinematic world. The museum aims to stand apart from previous film museums by featuring a permanent installation dedicated to the San Francisco Bay Area's significant yet often underappreciated contributions to global film culture. In addition, the museum is committed to leveraging digital technologies in innovative and accessible ways, creating a distinctive and engaging presence within the museum landscape. Rotating exhibitions will further enrich the visitor experience, exploring a wide range of cinematic concepts through modern museological practices.

  • Production:

    • With the distinct goal of equipping the next generation of filmmakers with unparalleled hands-on experience, the production department at SVFI offers a wide range of courses, research, and development opportunities that cover all aspects of production. From the creative process to distribution, legal matters, and advertising, production at SVFI is all-encompassing. Through competitions, feedback, and scholarship opportunities, SVFI invests in the future generation, preparing them for a bright future in the film industry and beyond.


Section 3. Mission Statement

Born from a pressing need for greater film opportunities in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Silicon Valley Film Institute (SVFI) is an ambitious proposal poised to establish itself as the leading film institute in Northern California. Envisioned as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SVFI will provide vital film services to the broader Bay Area community. The institute plans to develop a dedicated campus designed to deliver diverse experiences tailored to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Central to its mission, SVFI will educate and inspire.


ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Voting Members

The Organization shall have voting members.

Section 2. Eligibility

Membership is by invitation only. While there is no formal application process, prospective members must first receive an invitation from the Board of Directors to be eligible for membership. There is no set minimum number of members who must be invited in a given year. However, the total number of new invitations extended annually shall not exceed 150 members, excluding the founding year. During the year of establishment, the maximum number of members that may be invited is 550.

Section 3. Responsibilities

Members are responsible for:

  • Paying dues in a timely manner

  • Abiding by the rules of conduct as set forth by the Organization (SVFI), which can be found on the SVFI website and will be maintained and updated annually by the board.
    Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in suspension or revocation of membership by a majority vote of the Board, with or without refund of dues.

While members are not required to vote in elections, they are expected to stay informed of election dates and prospective electees.

Section 4. Dues

As of 2026, membership dues shall consist of:

  • A one-time initiation fee of $1,000

  • An annual fee of $550, due on the anniversary of the member’s acceptance. The Board of Directors reserves the right to adjust dues as necessary with a majority vote.

Section 5. Voting

When elections occur, all members in good standing shall be notified via email and mail. Voting shall be conducted via a secure online platform that includes proper identity verification to ensure integrity and confidentiality.

ARTICLE III – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Role and Authority

The Board of Directors shall manage the overall policy and direction of the SVFI but delegate day-to-day operations to staff and committees.

Section 2. Composition

The Board shall consist of no fewer than five and no more than seventeen voting directors.

Section 3. Terms

Directors shall serve two-year terms and are eligible for re-election for a maximum of four consecutive terms.

Section 4. Meetings

The Board shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings may be called by the President or any two directors. Meetings must be attended in person or via video conference. 

Section 5. Quorum

A majority of the Board constitutes a quorum.

Section 6. Voting

Decisions are made by majority vote unless otherwise stated.

Section 7. Removal and Vacancies

Any director may be removed with or without cause by a two-thirds vote of the Board. Vacancies shall be filled by vote of the remaining directors.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers

The officers shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers must be members of the Board.

Section 2. Duties

  • President – Leads the Board, presides over meetings, acts as official representative.

  • Vice President – Performs duties of the President in their absence.

  • Secretary – Keeps records of all meetings, maintains organizational records.

  • Treasurer – Manages finances, presents financial reports.

Section 3. Election and Term

Officers are elected annually by the Board and serve for one year.

ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES

The Board may create standing or ad hoc committees as needed. Committee chairs are appointed by the President.

ARTICLE VI – FINANCIALS

  • The fiscal year shall be January 1 – December 31.

  • No part of the net earnings shall benefit private individuals.

  • In case of dissolution, assets shall be distributed for charitable purposes in line with IRS 501(c)(3) regulations.


ARTICLE VII – CONFLICT OF INTEREST

All Board members and staff must avoid conflicts of interest and disclose potential conflicts as outlined in the Conflict of Interest Policy.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended when necessary by a two-thirds vote of the Board. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Secretary and distributed to directors at least 14 days in advance.

ARTICLE IX – NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Organization shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin in its policies or operations.