AN INTIMATE JOURNEY with ONE OF HOLlywood’s most influential families
Laemmle Theatres, the beloved 84-year-old arthouse cinema chain in Los Angeles, is facing seismic change and financial pressure. Yet the family behind this multigenerational business – whose sole mission has been to support the art of film – is determined to see it survive.
“…2022’s most emotional theatrical experience so far is watching Greg Laemmle struggle with the fate of his family’s eponymous arthouse business…”
-VARIETY MAGAZINE
ONLY IN THEATERS, a film by Raphael Sbarge, is an intimate and moving journey taken with the Laemmle family, spanning nearly three years of challenges, losses, and personal triumphs.
SEE the trailer
a film by raphael sbarge
only in theaters
featuring:
Allison Anders, Cameron Crowe, Ava DuVernay, Nicole Holofcener, James Ivory, Edward Goldman, Kevin Thomas, Kenneth Turan, Bruce Joel Rubin, Leonard Maltin, Leonard Maltin, Ross Melnick, Michael Renov and Mark Ulano.
“it’s a beautiful film, and a timely one.”
-claudia puig, president, LA film critic’s assoc.
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“ONLY IN THEATERS, a compelling documentary about cinema & the legendary Los Angeles Laemmle Theater chain, family owned & operated, now principally by Greg Laemmle, the heir to the business & its CEO. It’s both a mournful, cautionary tale about the possible end of an epoch, yet also a hopeful reminder that movies have incorrectly been declared dead many times before. It recalls the history & vicissitudes of the movie-showing business, in which the Laemmles played an important role in L.A.. Above all it’s an appreciation of the things we take for granted: local book stores, coffee shops, family farms, local theaters & more, & a reminder that they exist because of the ingenuity, guts, & industry of individuals who pour more into their life’s work & legacy than they likely ever get out of it. Director Raphael Sbarge captures a moment in time.” –
Keith Simanton, IMDB REVIEWER
“Only In Theaters” is the story of a family trying to survive a series of seismic shifts in their industry. Audiences will feel like they’re going into battle with the likeable clan. – NBC NEWS
a film by raphael sbarge
a film by raphael sbarge
Interviews with…
DIRECTORS & award winners
Allison Anders, Cameron Crowe, Ava DuVernay, Nicole Holofcener, James Ivory, and more.
CRITICS and writers
Edward Goldman, Kevin Thomas, Kenneth Turan and Bruce Joel Rubin to name a few.
FILM HISTORIANS and experts
Leonard Maltin, Ross Melnick, Michael Renov and Mark Ulano.
WATCH THE Only In Theaters TRAILER
Four generations of the Laemmle family have dedicated themselves to supporting, encouraging, innovating and elevating the art of filmmaking. Responsible for bringing foreign film to Los Angeles and popularizing countless foreign independent films and their filmmakers, the Laemmle Theatres’ impact on Hollywood and world cinema cannot be overstated.
In a world of growing conglomeration, the Laemmle circuit of theatres has become even more of an anomaly: a family-owned and operated art house theatre chain.
(From LEFT): Greg Laemmle, Tish Laemmle, Raphael Sbarge, Jenna DeAngeles
DIRECTOR
film editor, sound designer
Rick Pratt, Editor • Thomas Cassetta, Sound Designer
APPEARANCES FROM:
Cameron Crowe, Ava DuVernay, James Ivory, Nicole Holofcener, Alison Anders, Roberta Grossman, and more.
ABOUT LAEMMLE THEATRES
Four generations of the Laemmle family have dedicated themselves to supporting, innovating and elevating the art of filmmaking. Responsible for bringing foreign film to Los Angeles and popularizing countless foreign, independent and documentary films and their filmmakers, the Laemmle Theatres’ impact on Hollywood and world cinema cannot be overstated.
Established in 1938 by two European immigrants escaping World War II—cousins of Hollywood movie mogul Carl Laemmle, founder of Universal Studios – The Laemmle Theaters are an integral part of cinema.
In a world of growing conglomeration, the Laemmle circuit of theaters has become an anomaly: a family-owned and operated art house theatre chain.
Today, this remarkable family faces unprecedented downward pressure. Their resolve, however, is equally as resolute.