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Santa Monica video store Vidiots is celebrating its 30th birthday like anyone else would after given a second chance at life.
The first-ever Vidiotsfest kicks off next week to celebrate the video store, which has long been a mainstay of L.A.'s cinephile community. Appropriately, the events scheduled for Vidiotsfest—including special screenings, discussions, a cartoon marathon, and even an acting workshop with Carl Weathers—are all '80s flavored.
The 15th of this month marks the store's 30th anniversary, but the cinephile hub was facing the possibility of not making that milestone. At the end of January, co-founders Cathy Tauber and Patty Polinger announced that the store would have to close its doors in April, as victims of the streaming age. With the help of Hollywood producer Megan Ellison and longtime customer Dr. Leonard M. Lipman, Vidiots will hopefully celebrate another 30 years to come.
Here's the slate of events that will make up Vidiotsfest:
Also on the 15th will be as-yet to be announced event to mark their anniversary.
Fans can make their picks for the best films and performances of 1985 in the Vidiots Rewind Awards, happening in conjunction with Vidiotsfest. The winners will be announced on the weekend of the 12th. Click here to vote.
Be kind, rewind, and celebrate the 30th anniversary of an L.A. institution! Check out their website for more information.