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Dear Laemmle Fans,

As you may have seen on the news, movie theaters in New York City will be allowed to reopen again beginning March 5. While we still don’t have any clear sense of when Laemmle Theatres may follow suit, the update from across the country is still an encouraging one. Moviegoing has now been deemed safe in our nation’s largest city – it’s only a matter of time before the same is true of Los Angeles.

Until then, you can satisfy your arthouse cravings with our virtual offerings, including today’s top-billed new release Night of the Kings. The immersive film, which follows a young Ivorian prisoner who must rely on his storytelling skills in order to survive the night, is a strong contender in this year’s Oscar race for Best International Feature. Also contending for an Oscar this year is the documentary The Painter and the Thief, a title from last summer that Laemmle Theatres is proud to re-introduce.

Other new documentary releases include the intimate labor-relations study My Darling Supermarket, the experimental French school-project Un Film Dramatique, and the timely analysis ’Til Kingdom Come, focusing on the link between Israel and American Evangelism. There’s also the short-film collection Eremita (Anthologies), featuring work from a variety of up-and-coming young cinematographers.

On the fictional side, there’s the lighthearted meta-comedy Alberto and the Concrete Jungle, alongside the thoughtful indie effort The Independents, starring the real-life rock band The Sweet Remains. Next up is the tender Xinjiang-based coming-of-age story A First Farewell, followed lastly by two re-releases: the 1986 Brazilian epic Quilombo, and the 2002 neo-noir thriller Demonlover, from noted French director Olivier Assayas.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

I’m eagerly awaiting my father’s second Covid vaccination shot, which he’s set to receive later this week. It’s oddly thrilling that I might actually be able to see one of my parents again – a simple goal, yet one that’s been all but unobtainable for many of us during this past year. That should change soon, so long as case rates and vaccinations stay headed in the right direction.

Another trend in the right direction is that the news seems to be getting less dramatic. The second impeachment trial is over, and there’s only so much we can say about the stark weather before it too passes in a few days. I hope that you’ll take the window of opportunity to turn off the news, and instead enjoy some of the great films we’re offering on Laemmle Virtual Cinema.

Leading off is the critically-acclaimed film Twilight’s Kiss, a “uniquely profound” drama about two aging gay men in Hong Kong (LA Times). After that is the intimate documentary 17 Blocks, a title you may recognize from its featured placement in our Black History Month collection. Other newly released films from our BHM collection include the African comedy Two Weeks in Lagos and the relationship-based drama Test Pattern.

Fans of quirky comedies shouldn’t miss Days of the Bagnold Summer, which we’re opening alongside another offbeat British film, All at Sea, a newly released title from 2010 featuring Laemmle favorite Brian Cox. There’s also the Belgian adult-fantasy film Jumbo, the George Bernard Shaw re-interpretation The Billionaire, the Michelangelo-themed historical epic Sin, and the French-Canadian crime thriller Mafia Inc (from director Podz).

Our sole new offering in the documentary category is Truth to Power, about a heavy metal vocalist’s efforts to raise awareness for the Armenian democracy movement. Also note a new collection we’re offering on our platform: Awards Season. Make sure to check that category often over the next few months as more nominations and awards come in.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

Almost exactly one year ago, I celebrated the historic moment when Parasite became the first foreign-language film to win the Oscar for Best Picture. There was change in the air, and a shared understanding that the industry was headed in a positive direction. We were aware of the bad news coming out of Wuhan, but we had no reason to believe the virus would be any more impactful than previous scares (so much for wishful thinking).

Here we stand a year later, with the Academy once again preparing to hand out its hallowed awards. While the nomination of mostly non-theatrical films serves as a painful reminder of how long Laemmle Theatres has been closed, I’m nevertheless astonished by the quality of the selection. These Oscars are best understood not as a “substitute” for a missed year, but rather, as an affirmation of the film industry’s collective artistry, determination, and capability, even during a pandemic.

Speaking of artistry… we’ve got an excellent new round of virtual releases for you this week, beginning with the finely-crafted Danish comedy Food Club. The film concerns three retired women searching for the opportunity to redefine themselves, while on a culinary tour of Italy. Other foreign-language features include Leona, about a young Jewish woman who falls in love with a man in Mexico City, and the animated Croatian film The Accidental Luxuriance of the Translucent Watery Rebus.

Anglophone audiences should check out Lapsis, a thrilling sci-fi comedy set in an alternate present, or Young Hearts, a high-school coming-of-age drama made for these modern times. There’s also the Sia-directed Music, starring Kate Hudson as an adoptive mother to her autistic half-sister, alongside the experimental hip-hop-themed fantasy Crestone. Next up, we have two indie dramedies: the black-and-white Show Me What You Got, and Weekenders, from director Erik Bloomquist.

On the documentary side, we’re excited to be opening Everything – The Real Thing Story, about the 1970’s band dubbed the “Black Beatles” by British music reviewers. Other new documentaries include Ruth – Justice Ginsburg in Her Own Words, analyzing the judge’s historic career, and Our Right to Gaze, a collection of shorts from leading African American filmmakers.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

The vaccination rollout is gaining momentum, and local case numbers are dropping. If we continue to follow safety guidelines and exercise best practices, we may even be able to resume moviegoing before the Academy Awards are given out this Spring (wouldn’t that be nice).

Speaking of the Oscars… nominations have been announced for the Golden Globes and Spirit Awards, two early indicators of voter preferences and awards season attitudes. Nominated films you can catch on Laemmle Virtual Cinema include Another Round, Bacurau, and Miss Juneteenth, among others.

Also nominated for a Golden Globe is today’s top-billed new release, Two of Us, starring Barbara Sukowa and Martine Chevallier as two retired women who have been secretly in love for decades. You can even watch the special filmmaker discussion on our Youtube channel.

Next up is A Glitch in the Matrix, a documentary about the nature of reality which has already proven popular since debuting at Sundance last week (virtually, of course). Another new documentary that should prove equally mind-bending is M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity, which analyzes the artist’s life and work.

Other new releases include the historical coming-of-age drama Son of the South, the “steamy” erotic thriller PVT Chat, and the New Zealander horror film Reunion. There’s also the expansive and well-reviewed sci-fi drama The Wanting Mare, as well as the British-Reggae-themed documentary The Story of Lover’s Rock.

On the repertory side, we’re re-opening the 1976 country blues documentary Heartworn Highways, alongside a restoration of Tarkovsky’s famed Mirror, from the year after. Lastly, our Frederick Wiseman documentary collection grows larger still, with the addition of his 2018 film Monrovia, Indiana.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

Looking back, it will be hard to associate last year with anything other than the pandemic. But I hope we also remember 2020 as the moment when the Black Lives Matter movement entered the public discourse, spurning meaningful discussions about how best to address and root out the persistent racism that has plagued American society since its foundation.

The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Morland chose February to coincide with the births of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas. Exactly 50 years later, when President Ford officially recognized the observance, he called on the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

I hope that you’ll take President Ford’s words to heart, and dedicate some time this month to learning more about the strength of the Black community, and the diversity of the African American experience. The stories are all around you – but if you need a place to start, look no further than the films in our special Black History Month collection.

We begin with some Laemmle Virtual Cinema throwbacks, including your favorite film from last year: John Lewis, Good Trouble. Other currently available documentaries we’ve added to the collection include Mr. Soul and Softie, as well as the dramas Mandabi and Miss Juneteenth (featuring an award-winning performances from Nicole Beharie).

For those interested in fresh new releases, keep an eye out for the upcoming historical film Son of the South (2/5) and the relationship-based drama Test Pattern (2/19). On the documentary side, we’re opening the intimate 17 Blocks (2/19), a stunning achievement that uses two decades of home video footage to analyze the challenges faced by a Black family in our nation’s capitol.

We’re also offering a variety of new films about life in Africa, from the indie comedy Two Weeks in Lagos (2/19), to the Ivorian Oscar submission Night of the Kings (2/26). Next up are two films about the African diaspora – The Story of Lover’s Rock (2/5), examining reggae in the United Kingdom, and a re-release of the 1984 drama Quilombo (2/26), which details a 17th century slave revolt in Brazil.

Lastly, but certainly not least-ly, we’re proud to open the curated compilation program Our Right to Gaze (2/14), a series of timely short films ranging in tone from gripping drama to heart-warming comedy, all with one shared theme in mind – exposing the perspective of Black filmmakers.

As America overcomes the pandemic, let’s also commit ourselves to the eradication of racism – whether by direct action, or maintaining pressure on our institutions and elected representatives. I acknowledge that in and of itself, watching a movie on Laemmle Virtual Cinema will not advance that cause. But if a film inspires you to take further action, than it has served a great and glorious purpose.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone who participated in last weekend’s free online screening of 76 Days, courtesy of MTV Documentary Films. You got to experience an interesting movie, and Laemmle Theatres received some additional revenue support… I’d call that a win-win situation. Stay tuned for next week’s free screening of Two of Us (we’ll be sending out an invitation early next week).

For those who can’t wait until then, we’ve got an excellent new batch of films to announce today as well. We begin with Our Friend, starring Casey Affleck, Dakota Johnson, and Jason Segel in a dramatic (yet still very funny) turn. Other dramas include the Japanese film True Mothers, which competed virtually at Cannes last year, alongside Atlantis, the Ukranian submission for this year’s upcoming Oscars.

There’s also Dear Comrades, another upcoming Oscar entry from Russia, which envisions the Novocherkaskk Massacre of 1962 from the perspective of party leaders. It’s a thoughtfully nuanced and starkly poignant work, that manages to conjure classic cinema while reaffirming the ways in which history continues to repeat itself to this day.

Next up is The Reunited States, a documentary outlining the political divisions our country faces, and The Rabbi Goes West, about a Brooklyn Jew looking to make his mark on Montana. Other docs include the intimate and critically-appraised French video-essay Just Don’t Think I’ll Scream, as well as another Fredrick Wiseman title to add to our growing collection – State Legislature (we’re holding City Hall and re-opening Monrovia, Indiana next week).

I’d also like to call attention to The Human Solution, which opened earlier in the week, as well as Softie, an excellent documentary we’ve brought back from September. Lastly, we’re offering a remastered version of Tom Noonan’s 1994 directorial debut, What Happened Was. Like any good throwback, it’s a film that feels remarkably alive and fresh, even as it whisks you back in time.

Again, make sure to stay tuned for another email early next week, with more details on how you can RSVP to our upcoming free virtual screening of Two of Us. And if you want to keep reading (who wouldn’t) – you can check out my other recent blog post about The Donut King by clicking here.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

You may be surprised to learn that I don’t watch every movie we play. There are simply too many films and not enough time to watch them all, so I often approve bookings based solely on the trailer, the critical reviews, or the reputation of the filmmaker or distributor. I mention this because I just recently had time to finish The Donut King, a bio-doc which explores the rags-to-riches story of LA’s own Ted Ngoy. As a multi-generational small business owner who has driven by the DK Donuts on Santa Monica Boulevard countless times, it was fascinating to learn the history of the company, and witness how each successive generation has adjusted to keep the business relevant and fresh (pun intended). The film’s examination of Ted’s personal backstory is both thoroughly entertaining and deeply informative.

So why does The Donut King deserve this blog post? In particular, I was struck by the film’s recount of the USA’s response to the Cambodian refugee crisis, following the rise of the Khmer Rouge. In a bipartisan fashion, our government acknowledged our responsibility towards those whose lives had been destabilized by prior actions in the region, and we admitted a large number of refugees. Military and civilian resources were mobilized to address the humanitarian concerns. Houses of worship and generous individuals provided sanctuary, and assisted with integration efforts. And as with prior waves of immigration, the vast majority of these new American citizens, through hard work and ingenuity, have contributed to the financial and socio-cultural betterment of our country.

Although Laemmle Theatres has been a local fixture for nearly a century, you may again be surprised to learn that I’m the first owner to be born in this country. Our company founders, my grandfather Max and his brother Kurt, immigrated after fleeing religious persecution in Germany (they followed Carl Laemmle, who had immigrated in 1884 and pioneered the early film industry by founding Universal Studios). My father, born in France, was only a small child when he arrived. Their history, and by extension the history of Laemmle Theatres, is not unique – Hollywood is filled with such immigrant stories, and when you look closely enough, so is the whole country.

Our new president has established comprehensive immigration reform as a major priority within his agenda. I am not endorsing the specifics of any particular bill, and I’m sure valid arguments will be made on both sides of the aisle. But for anyone who questions the inherent value of immigration, and wonders whether we should continue to expend all efforts to welcome new people to our shores, I encourage you to watch The Donut King, and to consider the film’s sentiment with an open mind. Whether it’s a distinctively opulent gourmet donut, or a “warp speed” vaccine, America has always gained more from the contributions of immigrants than it has lost by allowing them to settle.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

Regardless of who you supported in the November election, I sincerely hope that we can all feel thankful and honored to be Americans today. Though tumultuous, recent weeks have proven the stability and resilience of our union, even under great stress. Our nation’s sacred streak of peaceful transfers of power remains unbroken – a remarkable fact which many Americans take for granted, but nevertheless leaves me proud. I’m also thankful (albeit less confidently so) about the apparent drop in local Covid-19 case rates, and hopeful that the accelerating vaccine rollout will help to maintain those diminished numbers. Perhaps the light on the horizon really is the sunrise this time… in any case, with less drama on TV, you should have plenty of time to catch up on new Laemmle Virtual Cinema releases.

We begin today’s new offerings with the documentary Notturno, from Oscar nominated maestro del cinema Gianfranco Rosi (Fire at Sea). Notturno seeks to capture the everyday realities of those struggling to survive the violent civil wars, dictatorships, and foreign occupations that besiege the Middle East. Regardless of your opinion on the subject, the film’s painful beauty renders it essential viewing. Another terrific documentary is Coming Clean, an investigation into the personal impact of the ongoing heroin epidemic, from Sundance Grand Jury Winner Ondi Timoner. And for art aficionados, there’s My Rembrandt, which explores the widespread fascination with the work of its namesake painter.

Next up is the drama Cowboys, an empathetic and heartfelt neo-western addressing nature, transgenderism, and childhood in the United States (starring an outstanding and complex Steve Zahn). Other coming-of-age titles include the historical Lebanese film 1982, the French romance The Salt of Tears, and the contemplative Sudanese drama You Will Die at Twenty.  There’s also the subtly thrilling Mexican indie Identifying Features, as well as the striking and Kaufman-esque melodrama Preparations to be Together for an Unknown Period of Time, from Hungarian filmmaker Lili Horvat. On the classic side, we’re re-opening the seminal 1968 work Mandabi (the first film ever made in the Wolof language).

And for those who might have missed a recent email, other popular titles from previous weeks include Some Kind of Heaven, which analyzes the inhabitants of American’s largest retirement community, and Acasa, My Home, a thoughtful Romanian documentary tracing a family’s adjustment to life in the city. Lastly, if you are a member of AMPAS, or any other major industry guild, you may be eligible to watch certain Laemmle Virtual Cinema releases free of charge (click here to sign up or learn more about our guild accreditation process). And if you aren’t a guild member, don’t worry… you can still catch a free screening of 76 Days tomorrow – just sign in, and head to the film’s virtual cinema listing at any time on January 3.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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