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Dear Laemmle Fans,

Six weeks in, and I’m hopeful again that theatres will be back by the end of summer. For now, here’s another fine batch of new films that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.

Incitement, last year’s Israeli Oscar entry for Best International Film, stars Yehuda Nahari Halevi as Yigal Amir, the assassin of Israeli Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner Yitzhak Rabin. A White, White Day also features a memorable lead performance, this time from Ingvar Sigurdsson, who was named Best Actor at Cannes Critic’s Week. An Engineer Imagines concerns Peter Rice, the visionary behind landmarks including the Sydney Opera House. Bit, an award winner from last year’s Outfest, is a modern take on our city, now complete with queer Feminist vampires. Lastly, If you’ve never seen Rififi (or even if you have), this is a great opportunity to catch up on one of the greatest heist films ever made.

Hang in there Los Angeles. There are better days coming. Until then, try to enjoy a movie, or learn more about Laemmle Virtual Cinema from the F.A.Q. page on our website.

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for APRIL 29 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

It’s been five weeks now of Laemmle Virtual Cinema. The pandemic timeline continues to be extended, so for better or worse, we hope you’ll get settled in with us to ride out this long, bumpy flight together.

Let’s start today’s new releases with Bull, a terrific example of regional American storytelling by Annie Silverstein that was originally scheduled to open on March 20. The documentary Pahokee tells another regional story, painting a detailed portrait of small town American life before the crisis. The Sound of the Wind, by debut fimmaker Jared Douglas, is an intimate and slow-burning psychological thriller, that challenges traditional media depictions of mental illness. And finally, we are pleased to bring back The Times of Bill Cunningham, featuring the iconic street photographer’s tales from his 50+ years as an observer of New York fashion, culture, and society.

This is also your last chance to watch new releases Once Were Brothers and The Whistlers, so don’t delay any further if you haven’t seen them. I’d also like to remind you of two popular titles from last week, The Booksellers and Beyond the Visible, both of which seem to have resonated with our audience.

Stay safe. Wash those hands. And pray for baseball.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for APRIL 24 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

Wednesday, April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day. Although much has been accomplished in the years since, it’s important to step back and remember all the serious environmental issues that we will still need to address after this pandemic passes. So to honor Earth Day, Laemmle Virtual Cinema is bringing you films from around the globe that remind us to show respect to our planet, and find ways to connect with the natural word.

Eating Up Easter examines the history of exploitation and social collapse on Easter Island, while offering hopeful lessons for the future. Away, crafted singlehandedly by 25 year old filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, is an animated feast for the eyes, and an awe-inspiring portrait of nature. The Women’s Adventure Film Tour is a compilation of short films celebrating women who connect with the outdoors in their pursuit of athletic mastery. And finally, we want to remind you that Fantastic Fungi is still available for viewing via the Laemmle Virtual Cinema program.

Even if you’re holed up indoors, find a way to celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday. Mother Earth (and Laemmle Theatres) will thank you.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for APRIL 20 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

One month since we shut down. Another month (at least) to go. We know you’re aching to come see a movie in our theatres again, and we hope one of these Laemmle Virtual Cinema offerings will keep your hopes alive for now.

The Booksellers and Beyond The Visible: Hilma af Klint are documentaries that were supposed to open theatrically, and should appeal to fans of our Culture Vulture series. Straight Up is a delightful and well-reviewed American indie that we were able to show just before the closure, and which deserves another opportunity to connect with audiences. And finally, we have a pair of documentaries on one of the great minds of the 20th century, Ram Dass: Dying to Know, and Becoming Nobody. He left us in December of last year but his teachings are eternal and can help guide us through these difficult times.

Please support us by buying a ticket to watch one of these movies, or any of the two dozen films we’ve previously added to the program. The revenue is meaningful, but the contribution to the community of arthouse cinema is equally important. And you’ll be helping to preserve one of the things you love most about Los Angeles.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for APRIL 17 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

I don’t know about you, but I’m loving these April showers. It’s a nice excuse to stay home and watch a movie (not that we need an excuse), and today we’ve got some more good films to help get you through the rainy weekend.

Sally Potter’s Orlando is one of my all-time favorites, and she returns here with The Roads Not Taken, starring Elle Fanning and the always fabulous Javier Bardem. Tarantino fans may enjoy Clover, an action packed crime story starring Mark Webber and Jon Abrahams, alongside Chazz Palminteri and Ron Perlman. We’re also proud to feature a trio of repertory films: Istvan Szabo’s monumental drama Mephisto, Bruno Barreto’s sexy and beguiling comedy Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands starring a breakout Sonia Braga, and Luchino Visconti’s sumptuous period piece L’Innocente (which played for a week in February before things got crazy).

All previously promoted films continue to be available for rental. And for those who still have questions about the program, click here to learn more. Thank you as always for the support.

All the best,

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for APRIL 10 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.

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Dear Laemmle Fans,

Every Passover, the Jewish community asks the question, “Why is this night different from all other nights.” This year, that’s a loaded question. We’re sharing virtual Seder dinner on Zoom, and ordering Gefilte fish on Amazon. So to embrace this new observance, we’ve partnered with our friends at Menemsha Films to offer up a few films worthy of Passover viewing.

Streits: Matzo and the American Dream is a terrific documentary about the challenges of running a multi-generational family business in response to the pressures of modernity, something I personally can relate to quite well. Set during a Passover seder in Mexico City, Nora’s Will is a perfect film for the holiday, and also happens to be the winner of the Ariel Award for the Best Mexican film of 2010. Romanian filmmaker Radu Mihaileanu is a favorite of the Laemmle family, and his drama Live and Become echoes biblical stories of exodus and redemption. And lastly, Matej Minac’s touching documentary Nicky’s Family. I dare you not to be touched by the story of Nicholas Winton, a hero who almost single handedly organized the rescue of over 600 children before the outbreak of WWII.

Four children. Four cups of wine. Four promises of redemption. And four terrific films to enjoy at home over the Passover holiday, each available to rent for just $1.99 via Laemmle Virtual Cinema. As always, your viewing of these films provides us with much needed financial support, as we negotiate this period of mandatory closure.

Next year, back at the movies!

Greg Laemmle

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Laemmle Virtual Cinema
New Releases for APRIL 7 • Click posters for “Watch Now” instructions.