I was in LA in 2015-2016, in my 20s, looking for some experience in cinema, and I had the privilege to volunteer for the American Cinematheque. What a blast. I will never forget their generosity. Both the Egyptian and the Aero theaters are historical gems worth fighting for. Thank you!!!
I have been volunteering for the American Cinematheque since 1999. For my volunteer efforts, I get a free popcorn, a free drink, and I get to see free movies. This is my entertainment on a budget! I've met so many film makers by volunteering and working many events at both the Aero and Egyptian Theatres. The organization itself is very well-organized; the volunteer coordinator gives us plenty of notice to sign-up for events each month. I think very highly of this organization and am thrilled to recommend it to others as a way to network by vounteering and/or just making new friends.
Love the American Cinematheque!!! Preservation and one-of-a-kind promotion of film history, independent and alternative films and events. Film, art, creative interesting people, education...Couldn't find this anywhere else!
Great programming and guests, infectious energy. They're driven by enthusiasm and dedication to film, not just what will fill seats.
An LA cinema gem. Staff and volunteers bust their booties to bring rarely screened films, often in 35 or 70mm prints, to the big screens of the Egyptian and Aero Theatres. And that for a lower ticket price than most first-run movie houses. What other screen has films with/by George Pal, Clint Eastwood, Lillian Gish, Dolph Lundgren, Takashi Miike, Omar Sharif, and David Lynch projected upon it all within one month? Go! --Andie C.
Amazing movies at a totally acceptable price, and sometimes they're double features, too!
I got the chance to see some great films that otherwise I would have never seen on big screen.
Volunteering for them is a real pleasure, and is you're a film buff you'd be satisfied with the perks!
These people really work hard to offer film series and events that are always interesting and varied for any kind of audience.
This group does great work. They give the public the opportunity to see vintage films on the big screen in a restored art deco theater setting. The volunteers are helpful and freindly. Kudos
Volunteering with this organization has brought an immense amount of joy to my life. When I am not there, I think about being there. The American cinematheque has helped to restore the Egyptian theater to a beautiful and wonderful place. Furthering film for cinema-lovers everywhere.
The American Cinematheque is a great organization that makes sure that movies are preserved, and shown as they should be seen; on the big screen. I have been to many events over the years, and I have always had a wonderful time. The first time I saw "Citizen Cane" was there. The staff is wonderful and they all really care about movies.
I have been a member/volunteer at the American Cinematheque for six years. During this time I have seen many satisfied clients attend a movie and events. It is exciting to be able to see people enjoy movies on the big screen. Events, such as the Tiki event are very exciting. I don't think there is anywhere else in Southern California where you are able to attend such an event at such a reasonable price. There are also free events, especially around Oscar season, where you can see and have q & a's with directors, etc. It is truly a great experience.
Very energetic and enthusiastic team stands behind the American Cinematheque. They are truly devoted to the world of cinematography and do their best to promote cinematic art and help movies find their audience.
American Cinematheque is one of Hollywood's hidden treasures, a place that once discovered becomes an integral part of life in L.A., an important piece of Hollywood entertainment history preserved for all to experience firsthand through the many wonderful in-house schedule of films, or the many film festivals and film premieres that are held at their Hollywood Boulevard location. It's one of my favorite places to be – so much so that I volunteer for pretty much every movie and event held at the Egyptian Theatre, built by Sid Grauman and home of the very first Hollywood red carpet premier. They still hold these gala events decades later and they do so with the help of all those who love Cinema, Hollywood history, and supporting the arts and architectural gems such as the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. It's my home away from home, come and give it a try and perhaps you'll feel the same. Conserve energy by turning off your a/c at home and coming to one of American Cinematheque's cool and wonderful theatres for a double feature and perhaps some guest speakers between films. See you at the movies!
I absolutely love the two theatres that are part of the American Cinematheque. Both the Egyptian and the Aero Theatre are exceptional. They offer unique events as well as play phenomenal films. Most of the events, screenings, and panel speakers offer a great wealth of information. The staff are corteous, professional, and love being a part of this company. If you are interested in the film industry or just love to frequent movie theaters this is an organization you have to check out.
I've been a volunteer for several years now. The focus is on saving and restoring movies. While that may not sound as important as somethings, it is the window to our past. Movies are our history, our social review. It's amazing how much a movie can influence us, inform us and educate us.
It's been an enjoyable and educational experience. The focus is always on saving and restoring the movies of our past. There is no waste, hundreds of volunteers give of their time and efforts to stimulate others interest in this important portrait of life, now and then.
I love being apart of the American Cinematheque! It is a very inclusive institution that is devoted to presenting the best of world cinema to LA audiences. My love of the Cinematheque began even before I starting volunteering there; their monthly programming is the best of any art house movie theater I've ever been to (including great theaters in Boston and NYC) and the staff and fellow volunteers are helpful and enthusiastic. It really is the best place for people who love film and want to be apart of sharing that love with everybody.
American Cinematheque is a uniquely L.A. institution, two historic spots to see and appreciate films with audiences who know the art and science of film.
The Aero and the Egyptian stand with one foot in the best of entertainment's past and one foot in what's emerging. Their programmers are smart, eclectic and connected. And because it's beloved by filmmakers and producers, they get access to amazing member screenings and premieres, usually with a director/actor/writer QA.
And, yeah, it DOES take a nonprofit with an unwavering mission and dedicated staff to defy L.A.'s tendency to erase its own past.
The restoration and re-use of the Aero Theater as a 'neighborhood art house theater' has been fantastic.
Upon moving to LA many years ago I was soon invited to The Egyptian Theater for an experience that changed my life. Access to film icons and novices alike, The American Cinematheque is the hands down heart of Hollywood forever. Through my experiences, screenings, events and networking, at the theater on the street were it all begun, so did my career.. starting out as a volunteer, then assistant and then as an industry professional, development executive, talent agent and now 3-D IMAX & Transmedia Executive Producer. I can directly point out and direct my successes timelined with the American Cinematheque as The door that turned my Texas dreams into my Hollywood, and now Global production reality. No competition....THE AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE RULES! I love you...."See you at the movies!"
These guys rock. They keep coming up with amazing programs with amazing guests. And how they dig up these amazing PRINTS and DCP versions, I don't know. In a town of film geeks, American Cinematheque consistently delivers. Thank you!
Love the events at the Cinematheque with a bunch of opportunities to view great films and hear from the filmmakers who contributed to them. Thank you to the people at American Cinematheque! It is a blessing to have you.
I LOVE having the chance to see classic movies (old and new) on the big screen, especially when there is an opportunity to hear from someone who was involved in the film. American Cinematheque shows such a wide variety of films that there is something for everyone in the community, of all ages, to enjoy. Los Angeles has lost so many "retro" theatres, and American Cinematheque is one of the few places to see a good copy of an interesting film. I love both venues and each has it's own personality. I often take friends and newcomers and always excited to find these gems in their own hometown.
As for constructive criticism, please make real butter available for the popcorn at both locations. Thank you!
The mission of the American Cinematheque is to preserve, appreciate and exhibit the finest cinema in the world, and having enjoyed their programming for well over a dozen years now, I can attest to their success. To be able to watch a classic film projected in its proper format on a big screen, with a lively and attentive audience is one of things I love most about Los Angeles.
The in-person talks with notables from the history of cinema that frequently buttress the screenings are icing on the cake. In the past few years, I've had the opportunity to hear firsthand stories shared by Mickey Rooney, Eva Marie Saint, Patty McCormick and Patricia Neal, (who passed away only weeks after her appearance at a screening of A Face in the Crowd at the Egyptian Theatre.)
I could probably fill the rest of this page with paens to other memorable programs and films I've experienced at the Cinematheque. Instead, I'll end here by noting that the Cinematheque is one of the liveliest and most democratic arts organizations around, and well worthy of your support.
This is a wonderful place that shows a wide range of films, and the staff working there are attitude-free. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is that they have also started giving "seminars" which I found to be a somewhat useless expenditure. But the films and filmmaker discussions are fabulous.
I am a big fan of the American Cinematheque. I have found that oftentimes I will casually bring it up in conversation, letting people know how easy it is to be a member and how affordable/accessible the screenings are. When I find kindred spirits (which is often in the Greater Los Angeles area), we wax poetic about how awesome it is to have this organization screening films (past and present) for us on a regular basis. LA would not be the same without the American Cinematheque. I am a grateful and an enthusiastic member. Thank you!
This organization is dedicated to screening unusual yet noteworthy films. Often these films are brilliant gems that have been unavailable for years. Sometimes they are little know parts of some influential director or actors career. Sometimes unknown masterpieces from another culture. Sometimes they are just really good but no one knows it. The film literacy, intelligence and planning that go into Cinematheque screenings are not to be found anywhere else. For the Hollywood inteligencia, life would be unimaginable without the American Cinematheque.
The selection, presentation, educational content, variety, sense of history and expertise evident in the programs and materials AC offers is brilliant! They not only highlight the contributions of every craft and art involved in filmmaking but also cleverly reach out to a general mainstream audience to broaden their appreciation. If you saw the famous blockbuster this actor made, come hear him talk about his career and see one of his less appreciated but equally delicious roles as well as a cult classic. If you like neonoir, sample some fascinating examples of noir. Familiar with this director's mainstream classics? Here's an amazing brave early work pioneering a then-taboo topic.
My personal experience has been of a very bare-bones, dedicated, hands on quick response, caring & dedicated staff giving courteous, swift and intellgent personal attention to every detail, almost as if they are "personal assistants" to interested potential members & members rather than volunteers & overworked doing it by hand staff. I'm sure they could use higher tech as well as infrastructure funding for the Aero, which looks well-loved but not superspiffy outside or in.
What a thrill to be able to view both classic and quality new releases surrounded by film lovers. The frequent question and answer events with actors, directors, and authors always enhance the viewing experience. How lucky Los Angeles is to have two locations to view film gems. I especially enjoy the foreign film selections.
As a member and volunteer, the American Cinematheque is one of the best reasons to live in LA. A wide range of classic films on the big screen with an audience that respects the theatrical experience. Quality prints, excellent sound quality. Friendly staff & volunteer team. Insightful Q & A's. I can't recommend this non-profit enough.
When I first moved to LA 10 years ago one of the first movie theaters I stumbled upon was the Egyptian. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I became a member that first day. Then I found out they had another theatre in Santa Monica, more great movies and events to chose from. The history, the events, the programs, it doesn't get any better than American Cinematheque. I've seen Sofia Coppola do a Q&A for Lost in Translation with surprise guest Bill Murray. I hope you guys caught that gem on film. More recently a Q&A for the King's Speech with every award winner, the Black Swan Q&A. Not to be outdone by the trifecta of Phantasm movies one night with cast, crew and The Tall Man! 3D, Film Noir and all the unique double feature combos, a state treasure, I feel sorry for the rest of the World that doesn't have access to this is a gem. Thank you for being there AC!
The American Cinematheque is a virtually unique institution dedicated to showing the greatest motion pictures in world cinema history the way they were intended to be shown: in theatres and on a big screen. Sadly such an institution as this is rare even in Los Angeles the world capital of film production, education and history.
The programs and series that are routinely scheduled here are extraordinary and often involve the live participation of many of the greatest movie makers in Hollywood.
All in all the Cinematheque is an extraordinary institution and should be supported in every way possible.
Going to the Aero feels like family. I don't know what I'd do without the American Cinematheque! In a city that ought to know its movie heritage, the Cinemathequers are the only ones truly keeping it alive! From all us citizens, thank you!
A long time resident of Hollywood, American Cinemateque has been a consistently stalwart film destination for so many years on Hollywood Blvd., offering a vast rich array of films for the aficionado. The restoration of the Egyptian theatre is an invaluable architectural element of Hollywood's history...a mainstay on the world famous boulevard, and most worthy of inclusion on the "GreatNonProfit's Top-Rated Arts Nonprofits List."
I discovered the American Cinematheque relatively late (only two years ago). I am so glad I did as I can't think of another place in the city that offers such a fantastic variety of programming. They show a nice mixture of obscure films and crowd-pleasing blockbusters. The fact that the Egyptian and Aero are beautiful, historic theatres is just another draw.
Over the years, I've witnessed the programming schedule grow from "what might be expected" to "we are really getting into some new things here" - and I love what is going up on screen. AC continues to provide a most fascinating blend of the old and the new - without claiming avant garde as its premise, or pretending to be anything other than what it is.
The venues are pristine, the projectionists are absolutely top grade and really care about what the audience is seeing, and the people behind the scenes are really coming to appreciate the entirety of the industry after which their foundation has been so delightfully named.
I have been a volunteer for many years, and, started there in the 1990s before there were any fancy things like, "a theater" where you can now, view these wonderful classics and programs. As a filmmaker, myself, I am always eager to share great things that improve our daily lives, and, the Cinematheque is one of those things, that does that.
In 1981 I helped Gary Essert research where to hold the American Cinemateque. One of the places he liked was the Pan Pacific, but then it burned down. I wish that he & G. A. were here to enjoy the wonderful job that the current Cinemateque does! -Meryl, former Filmex Staff
(hi, Barbara!)
review of the '6th annual focus on female directors':
a chance visit to flavorpill.com saw me hopping in a taxi at the last minute headed to grauman’s egyptian theatre on hollywood boulevard (i later discovered this theatre was the site of the first ever hollywood premiere - robin hood in 1922). i didnt know what to expect or even if i would get there in time, but it ended up being a great night. the films were diverse and experimental, and not in a crappy low-budget way either. hurrah!
the first film was a silent black and white piece from 1916, directed by cleo madison. it was utterly hilarious, and so refreshing to receive a story in silence, to grasp for meaning as opposed to being plied with too many words. the featured short of the evening was 'b*stard' (apologies, this website censored that word!) directed by kirsten dunst, who also attended the screening. it was a tense, edgy piece that ended right when i wanted to know what was going to happen next. i believe it was a teaser for a feature she has planned.
'chloe @3a.m'. was amy ephrons homage to “trashy nights out in la”. it was a dance-based piece that drew me in as it unfolded - i didnt expect to like it but it really captured both the power and vulnerability of dance. it reminded me of the fragmented places my mind goes to when i dance, and gave me some exciting ideas for a new project ive been mulling over. 'born sweet' out of cambodia was excellent, it was a doco about a boy stricken with arsenic poisoning (which i had no idea has affected millions of cambodians).
following the screening was a q&a with some of the directors and drinks in the lobby. i got talking to some of the lovely crew who made 'sule and the case of the tiny sparks', a quirky african-american animated short sponsored by the Nelson Mandela Foundation. it was great catching a glimpse of the local filmmaking scene in la, and to meet like-minded people despite being so far away from home.
for the original review check out: http://claireabellexx.tumblr.com/post/2682384805/the-6th-annual-focus-on-female-directors
Non profits like American Cinematheque makes life in the big city the dream that it can be. This week alone I caught all the Golden Globe foreign film contenders. The quiet that descends over the audience as the theatre darkens and the film begins, is thrilling. You can't capture that in front of the TV. Keep up your discerning programming. Sharon T.
I don't even know where to stary... Crispin Glover's oddball and yet spectacular live theatrical accompaniment to his even more esoteric films, experiencing the Qatsi trilogy for the first time in full sensory barrage on the Egyptian's screen, the consistent outpouring of historic actors, directors and filmmakers in engaging question and answer sessions. Often the Egyptian or its partner in crime the Aero in Santa Monica are the only places to see Oscar and Golden Globe nominated films before the awards ceremonies. In many ways, the Egyptian is the ultimate revival house. (Plus they show new stuff to boot!)
I have never been disappointed by a program at American Cinematheque. The depth and range of talent that they are able to attract is always amazing to me. Being surrounded by people is who genuinely love film is a rare treat that I savor every time I attend one of their screenings. How they manage to do all that they do on the truly affordable and accessible price of admission is incredible. They deserve all the support they can get.
This is the single most important venue for film in Los Angeles. Although this is the center of the film industry, there is nothing to compare with the AC in its coverage and support of EVERY aspect of film and filmmakers from educational, entertainment and historical perspectives. Where to see foreign films? gay films? classic films? obscure films? And where to meet the people involved with making them? Here, in a historic Art Deco setting in the middle of Hollywood, and an old-time satellite theater (the Aero) on the west side of town.
I've been attending the American Cinematheque for years, and I'm also a proud member of it. The Cinematheque operates 2 theaters--the Egyptian in Hollywood, and the Aero in Santa Monica. Both are fantastic venues, particularly the Egyptian, which has been restored and renovated and features an incredible screen. (The building also houses the smaller Spielberg Theater inside of it, which is used for supplemental screenings.)
Both theaters present a mixture of cinema classics, rarities, and current selection of world cinema. I've seen everything from Wim Wender's legendary 4-hour cut of Until the End of the World, to Plan Nine From Outer Space--with live commentary! When possible, the filmmakers are present for Q&A's. Overall, the Cinematheque is a must for film buffs and cinema lovers everywhere!