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Beloved indie theater Gardena Cinema offers free movie tickets this weekend
Theatre owner Judy Kim manages the concession stand at the Gardena Cinema.
(
Zaydee Sanchez
/
LAist
)
Topline:
Gardena Cinema is offering free movie tickets this weekend thanks to streaming service Pluto TV. It’s part of a national effort to support indie theaters.
The director of Anora is a fan: Sean Baker, the Academy Award-winning director of Anora told owner Judy Kim that he used to work in a similar theater on the East Coast. Baker hand-picked Gardena Cinema to be part of Pluto TV’s “Free Movie Weekend.” Baker also did a Q&A after a packed showing of Anora last week.
The backstory: The single-screen Gardena Cinema has been a labor of love for the Kim family since 1976. The 800-seat theater now operates as a nonprofit with help from dozens of volunteers who find community at the time-capsule theater.
Sponsored message
Saturday's movies:
- Grease (1978): Sing-along version at 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- Saturday Night Fever (1977): 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Sunday's movie:
Go deeper: Gardena Cinema: A Story Of Love, Sweat And Repertory Films
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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