Richard & Ethel Herzfeld Foundation Donates $500,000 to Milwaukee Film in Support of the Downer Theatre Capital Campaign
Milwaukee Film launches summer match campaign in conjunction with Herzfeld Foundation’s donation
MILWAUKEE – Thursday, June 18 – Milwaukee Film is honored to receive a generous donation of $500,000 from the Richard & Ethel Herzfeld Foundation. This charitable contribution is to be dedicated to a challenge match towards the Downer Theatre Capital Campaign. Bill and Carmen Haberman helped found Milwaukee Film in 2008, and this marks another step together in a storied relationship between Milwaukee Film and the Herzfeld Foundation.
A representative from the Herzfeld Foundation said, “As one of the founding philanthropic supporters of Milwaukee Film and one of its largest contributors since its inception, we are thrilled that the organization has completed its purchase of the Downer Theatre and proud to provide a $500,000 grant to help pay off the loan secured for the purchase.” They continued, “This move will not only enhance Milwaukee Film’s financial sustainability and allow it to better serve its audience, but it also will preserve an important landmark in one of Milwaukee’s historic east side neighborhoods. We hope this grant will encourage other supporters of Milwaukee Film to join us in contributing to this important milestone.”
On February 27, 2026, Milwaukee Film purchased the Downer Theatre with the help of generous anchor donors and a low interest loan from The Helmerich Trust. Opened in 1915, the Downer Theatre is the oldest operating cinema in Wisconsin. Given the economic realities of modern cinema exhibition—where profitability requires more than two screens—had the Downer Theatre closed, it likely would never have operated as a movie theater again. This fact alone makes saving it worth the effort.
Milwaukee Film’s Executive Director Susan Kerns expressed, “We are deeply grateful for the Herzfeld Foundation’s generous gift in support of the Downer Theatre capital campaign. Bill and Carmen Haberman helped lay the initial groundwork for the Downer Theatre project years ago, and Milwaukee Film is eager to honor their legacy by updating and restoring Wisconsin’s oldest operating cinema, preserving it for future generations to enjoy.”
Purchasing the Downer Theatre is critical to the continued success of Milwaukee Film’s flagship programs, the Milwaukee Film Festival and the Dialogues Documentary Festival. Without the Downer, Milwaukee Film would permanently lose a key festival venue.
Kerns continued, “We are also excited that the Herzfeld Foundation is challenging us to match their $500,000 with new giving. Their leadership has energized our efforts, and we believe this summer challenge will help Milwaukee Film raise enough funds to retire our purchase loan debt quickly and start saving for renovations.”
Milwaukee Film will be hosting four “Downer Theatre Info Sessions” in the months of July and August. Folks are invited to learn more about exciting updates, future renovation plans, and Milwaukee Film’s commitment for preserving this treasured neighborhood arthouse cinema for years to come. Those who wish to attend should RSVP for one of the four sessions here.
Downer Theatre Info Session Dates:
• Friday, July 17 at 9:00 AM
• Monday, July 20 at 4:00 PM
• Wednesday, August 12 at 4:00 PM
• Friday, August 21 at 9:00 AM
Find out more information online at mkefilm.org/savethedowner.
Find more press releases HERE.