Historic Westwood Village Theater Restoration Led by Hollywood Directors

A coalition of top filmmakers has secured the future of a Los Angeles landmark. The group, led by Jason Reitman, has purchased the historic Westwood Village Theater. They have now partnered with American Cinematheque to operate it.

This move ensures the century-old movie palace will be preserved and restored. The goal is to reopen the iconic venue to the public by 2027. According to reports, this partnership aims to create a major cultural hub.

Ambitious Plans for a Cinematic Landmark

The Village Directors Circle bought the theater in early 2024. Their plan involves a complete renovation of the more-than-1,000-seat venue. American Cinematheque will handle programming and daily management.

The restored theater will host premieres, retrospectives, and live conversations. It will also be home to established festivals like Beyond Fest. The lobby will feature exhibits from the filmmakers’ personal collections.

The partner organizations have a bold vision. They want the theater to become as iconic as the Hollywood Bowl. They see it as a vital destination for film lovers worldwide.

A New Chapter for Community and Cinema

This partnership blends artistic vision with operational expertise. American Cinematheque successfully runs other historic venues like The Egyptian Theatre. Their experience is crucial for long-term sustainability.

The restoration is a direct response to the decline of classic movie palaces. It represents a significant investment in Los Angeles’s cultural infrastructure. The project will benefit the local Westwood community economically.

For the directors involved, it is a passion project. The collective includes giants like Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and Chloé Zhao. Their involvement guarantees high-profile attention and unique programming.

This historic Westwood Village Theater restoration symbolizes a powerful commitment to cinematic heritage. The collaboration between artists and a trusted institution sets a new standard. It promises to return a beloved landmark to its former glory for future generations.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: When will the Westwood Village Theater reopen?

The partnership aims to complete the restoration and reopen the theater by 2027. Extensive remodeling is required to modernize the facility while preserving its historic character. The timeline is ambitious but backed by significant resources.

Q2: What kind of events will be held there?

Programming will include new film premieres, director retrospectives, and film festivals. Live conversations with filmmakers after screenings will be a core feature. The venue will also host American Cinematheque’s popular annual events.

Q3: Which famous directors are involved in saving it?

The Village Directors Circle includes over 35 major filmmakers. Notable names are Guillermo del Toro, Ryan Coogler, Denis Villeneuve, and Lulu Wang. Director Jason Reitman is the public leader of the collective.

Q4: Who is operating the theater day-to-day?

American Cinematheque will manage all daily operations and programming. They are the non-profit group that also runs The Egyptian and Aero Theatres. The director’s circle will provide creative input for special events.

Q5: Why is this theater so important to save?

The theater is a century-old architectural and cultural landmark in Westwood. It has a long history of hosting major Hollywood premieres. Its preservation prevents the loss of a key piece of film history.