The Village Theater, a historic and iconic movie palace in Westwood, Los Angeles, has been acquired by a group of 35 filmmakers led by Jason Reitman. The group, which includes some of the most prominent and acclaimed directors in Hollywood, such as Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and Bradley Cooper, announced their purchase on Wednesday. The group plans to preserve the architectural gem and create a cultural landmark dedicated to the beloved experience of moviegoing.
The Village Theater, located at the corner of Broxton and Weyburn, is one of the oldest and most recognizable movie theaters in Los Angeles. It was opened in 1931, and has a distinctive tower, neon marquee, and a large screen. The theater has been hosting movie premieres since the 1930s, and has witnessed the evolution of cinema history. Some of the films that have premiered at the theater include Casablanca, The Godfather, Jurassic Park, The Matrix, and Avatar.
The theater has a capacity of 1,300 seats, and is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and projection systems. The theater also has a lobby gallery, where movie memorabilia and artworks are displayed. The theater is a popular destination for movie lovers, as well as celebrities and filmmakers, who often attend the premieres and events held at the theater.
The group of filmmakers: A coalition of cinema lovers
The group of filmmakers who have bought the Village Theater are some of the most successful and influential directors in the industry. They have collectively made hundreds of films, spanning various genres and styles, and have won numerous awards and accolades. They have also been involved in various causes and initiatives related to cinema, such as film preservation, education, and advocacy.
The group is led by Jason Reitman, who is the son of the legendary director Ivan Reitman, and who has directed films such as Juno, Up in the Air, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. The other members of the group are 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.
The group said that they are honored and thrilled to be the new owners and caretakers of the Village Theater, and that they will work together to preserve and enhance the theater’s legacy and charm. They also said that they will showcase their personal collections of film prints, props, costumes, and other memorabilia at the theater, and that they will influence the theater’s programming and events.
The future of the Village Theater: A celebration of cinema culture
The Village Theater, which will remain open while the group finalizes its plans for the theater, is set to become a hub of cinema culture in Los Angeles. The group said that they will upgrade the theater’s facilities and amenities, and that they will add a restaurant, a bar, and a gallery to the theater. They also said that they will show a variety of films, both new and old, and that they will host special screenings, festivals, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors.
The group also said that they are looking forward to the upcoming developments in Westwood, such as the Westside Purple Line extension, which will arrive in 2027, and the Olympic Village, which will be located in Westwood for the LA28 Olympic Games. They also said that they are excited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the theater in 2031.
The group’s purchase of the Village Theater has been welcomed and applauded by the film community, as well as the Westwood neighborhood. The group said that they hope to offer a true community for anyone who loves the movies, and that they invite everyone to join them at the theater.
