Jason Reitman and a coalition of 35 other filmmakers have successfully acquired the historic Village Theater in Westwood.
Reitman made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that their mission is to “preserve the architectural gem and create a cultural landmark dedicated to the beloved experience of movie-going.”
Known for its soaring tower, neon marquee, and one of the largest screens in Los Angeles, the theater has been in operation since opening its doors in 1931.
Reitman added, “Many of my movies, including Juno, Up In The Air, and Ghostbusters Afterlife all premiered at the corner of Broxton and Weyburn. When the Village Theater went on the market, I had visions of how quickly the National Theater became a block of condos. I immediately made an offer and hoped my fellow directors would join me on this adventure. We take this stewardship very seriously and hope to offer a true community for anyone who loves the movies.”
The coalition of filmmakers includes JJ Abrams, Judd Apatow, Damien Chazelle, Ryan Coogler, Bradley Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Steven Spielberg, and many others. Reitman’s endeavor to acquire the theater first made headlines earlier this month, and the list of his collaborators only became public on Wednesday.
The group plans to showcase artifacts from their personal collections, such as props, wardrobe, and film prints, with Christopher Columbus sharing his extensive collection of 16mm film prints. The theater will remain open while plans for a restaurant, bar, and gallery are finalized, and it will also celebrate its hundred years in operation come 2031.
In statements, various filmmakers expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this venture.
The Village Theater project is represented by Scott Gordon, the project developer and head of investments at Blatteis & Schnur, with legal counsel provided by Glaser Weill.
These visionary filmmakers have certainly set the stage for an exciting new era for one of Westwood’s most beloved landmarks.
