Spielberg, Christopher Nolan and about twenty directors bought a cinema

What they have in common Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro and James Gunn? In addition to being successful directors, they purchased a movie theater in Los Angeles.

Another filmmaker, Jason Reitman, brought together more than two dozen filmmakers to help purchase the historic Village Theater in Westwood, which will program classic films and first-run films.

The group includes – in alphabetical order – JJ Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Chris Columbus, Ryan Coogler, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Jonathan Dayton, Guillermo del Toro, Valerie Faris, Hannah Fidell, Alejandro González Iñárritu, James Gunn, Sian Heder, Rian Johnson, Gil Kenan, Karyn Kusama, Justin Lin, Phil Lord, David Lowery, Christopher McQuarrie, Chris Miller, Christopher Nolan, Alexander Payne, Todd Phillips, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Jay Roach, Seth Rogen, Emma Seligman, Brad Silberling, Steven Spielberg, Emma Thomas, Denis Villeneuve, Lulu Wang and Chloé Zhao.

“I’ve been coming to Westwood as long as I can remember,” Reitman said. “When the Village Theater came on the market, I had visions of how quickly the National Theater would become a condominium. I immediately made an offer and hoped that my fellow directors would join me in this adventure. “We take this management very seriously and hope to offer a true community for anyone who loves movies.”

Christopher Nolan, director who will most likely win the Oscar on March 10, added: “Cinema has always been the place where directors and cinephiles meet, and I’m happy to collaborate with so many of my favorite directors in a space that it will show what the future of film exhibition can be.”

For his part, Steven Spielberg said: “I have many vivid memories of watching films at the Village Theater and I am thrilled to be part of this group that intends to restore Westwood to its glory years as a cinematic cultural institution.”

There will be a Directors’ Collection, featuring props, costumes and film prints from their personal collections, including Columbus’ extensive collection of 16mm film prints.

The cinema will continue to operate while plans are underway to add a restaurant, bar and gallery.

Guillermo del Toro stated that cinema is “a way to ensure perfect screening conditions, but also a place where filmmakers, cinephiles and future filmmakers can meet to collectively celebrate and discuss art and craft.”

Rian Johnson, an early supporter of Vidiots in Eagle Rock, said, “Across Los Angeles we are seeing neighborhoods embrace movie theaters that offer new programming and a sense of community. This is where the cinema experience is flourishing. “I’m so excited to be a part of this, with Jason and this amazing group of filmmaker friends.”

James Gunn, head of DC and director of Guardians of the Galaxy, added: “From the opening day viewing of The Terminator in 1984 to the premiere of my film The Suicide Squad in 2021, the Village has been part of my personal cinematic journey. “I’m elated and, honestly, a little overwhelmed by the idea of ​​being part of this group of filmmakers committed to making it a vibrant place to experience cinema.”

Alexander Payne (Those who remain) said, “As a filmmaker and UCLA film school graduate, I am thrilled to be part of the restoration of Westwood Village, one of the most historic movie palaces in the world. Like my partners, I will program and present the films in what will be the best venue in Los Angeles and the country.

Damien Chazelle (The The Earth) commented, “It’s an honor to be able to join so many of my favorite filmmakers to help breathe new life into a legendary theater. I remember when Jason first proposed the idea to me last year and I’m so excited to see it come to life. Long live cinema!”

Director Jason Reitman is working on a deal to take over Westwood’s historic Fox Village Theater in the coming weeks, he confirmed Variety. The approximately 1,375-seat theater was for sale last year.

Reitman, director of Juno AND Ghostbusters: The Legacyis currently working SNL 1975a fictionalization of the first broadcast of the iconic sketch show Saturday night live. He is also the producer of the upcoming film Ghostbusters: The Frozen Empire.

Fox Village, built in 1930, has hosted hundreds of premieres over the past 90 years, including Junoby Reitman himself, Licorice pizza and many others. Recently, streaming services including Apple, Disney+ and Netflix have also hosted series and film events.

The location also includes a row of retail stores, including a Starbucks, and a parking lot. The distinctive Spanish mission-style building is topped with a 210-foot-tall neon-lit tower, making it a beacon for moviegoers on the West Side of Los Angeles.

Although the large venue was enormously popular with the public during its first six decades, competition from modern multiplexes with adjacent parking and Westwood Village’s declining foot traffic make it a challenging venue, despite the large number of students at the ‘UCLA in the area.

Fox Village is across the street from the much smaller 1937 Bruin Theatre, also operated by the Regency, immortalized in Once upon a time… in Hollywoodby Quentin Tarantino.

The Fox Village real estate listing, which did not include a price, called it “a unique opportunity to acquire one of Westwood Village’s most iconic assets” and continued, “This is a multigenerational asset that has not been available before.” part of the property for sale, which increases the uniqueness and rarity of the offer.”

Historical cultural monument

The Regency has managed Fox Village since 2010. It was declared a historical-cultural monument in 1988.

The film business apparently runs in the family, as Jason Reitman’s late father, Ivan Reitman, contributed land and helped develop the building where the Toronto International Film Festival’s Bell Lightbox Theater now stands.

Thanks to streamers and filmmakers, other historic locations have recently been revitalized. Netflix has taken over the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, while Amazon operates the Culver Theater in Culver City. Quentin Tarantino, former owner of the New Beverly, purchased the Vista Theater in Los Feliz, which he reopened in November.