This year marks the 50th anniversary of Film at Lincoln Center. As we reflect on our organization’s legendary past and vibrant present, we know that this historic moment would not have been possible without the support, passion, and commitment of our incredible members and patrons.

This landmark anniversary marks not only a celebration of our history but also a look ahead at the exciting things in store. To commemorate this special occasion, we want to hear directly from all of you. Each month we will celebrate and showcase our unparalleled community of film lovers, including a Member Spotlight column in the member and patron newsletter that will reflect information collected from you in this form. Thank you for the vital role you have played in the organization’s first 50 years. We look forward to the next 50!

Submit your stories here.

For this month’s Member Spotlight, we are pleased to introduce Benette Chen. Benette has been involved with Film at Lincoln Center for over 15 years and currently resides in the Washington, D.C. metro area. In addition to her love of cinema, she enjoys travel and dances ballet. She is a member of the FLC Legends, a group of devoted film lovers who have thoughtfully included Film at Lincoln Center in their estate plans.

Why is cinema so important to you?   
It brings me joy and is an immersive experience.

Do you recall the first movie you ever saw in a movie theater? If so, can you tell us what it was and your experience seeing it?  
I remember seeing Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. It was a new experience for me to see a film with an opening crawl accompanied by a rousing score (by John Williams) immediately followed by good versus evil action scenes with fantastic special effects and doses of humor. I did not realize at the time that the film created a new genre in filmmaking.

Do you recall the first movie or event you saw here at FLC or NYFF? 
In the Mood for Love (2000 NYFF) was one of the first films that I saw. It is a gorgeous movie that conveys powerful emotions with subtlety.

What is your fondest memory at FLC? 
When I went to the screening of Tell No One at the 2007 Rendez-Vous with French Cinema, I was impressed that Guillaume Canet (director and screenwriter) and Harlan Coben participated in the Q&A, with Harlan Coben’s family in attendance. I recall Guillaume Canet’s delightful response about why can’t there be two films: a French version and an American one when someone asked about an American film based on the same Harlan Coben novel.

Why did you become a member or patron? 
Since cinema brings me great pleasure, I want to support an organization that offers high caliber films especially ones that are not mass marketed. I always look forward with anticipation to attending the film festivals (offered by FLC) with excellent Q&As.

What are your top three (or more!) favorite films? Did you see any of them here at FLC or NYFF?
In the Mood for Love (2000 NYFF), Tell No One (2007 Rendez-Vous with French Cinema), No Country for Old Men (2007 NYFF), and The Connection (2015 Rendez-Vous with French Cinema)

Interested in becoming a Member of Film at Lincoln Center? Learn more about our Member, Patron, and New Wave programs and join anytime!