I have a Black Card. It may not get me expensive jewelry or allow me into the most exclusive lounges, but it does make me a member of one of the coolest independent cinemas around. That's right, I'm talking about The Cinefamily in Los Angeles. The only thing that would make this non-profit group of movie-lovers better is if they operated out of Orange County so I could go to more screenings.
You don't have to be a member to enjoy their showings though, and most events are a mere $12 — the same price as going to your local AMC. But if you can spare the scratch, it's definitely worth getting a Black Card (annual membership). It comes with some nifty perks, such as priority entry, free popcorn, neat swag and guest passes, plus you get the extra satisfaction of knowing you're donating to a worthy endeavor. And if you go often enough, you get to know the regulars and the programmers alike. It really is a welcoming, family dynamic. I'm a bit shy, myself, but this is the kind of place where you can strike up a conversation with the person next to you in line (true, said conversation usually begins with, “Is this the Black Card line?” but it hardly need stop there).
One of the great things about The Cinefamily is that they care about making their screenings fun. It's an experience, not just your typical theater outing. Part of the fun appears in the form of food (doesn't it always?). It's such a nice surprise to show up for a film and find that there are complimentary tie-in refreshments. For the midnight screening of Alien, for instance, they made their own "Android's Blood" to drink. My personal favorite snack provided so far was the Green (hardboiled) Eggs and Ham (bacon bits) to munch on while watching prints of Dr. Seuss' cartoons and the only version of The Lorax I choose to acknowledge.
The venue itself is also welcoming. It's a small space, being the historic Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax, but you can't say it isn't cozy. The first few rows are couches! Though make sure you have a Black Card and show up early if you want to get a chance to sit in one on a busy night. Plus there is an oft-used patio area in the back that is perfect for grillin' and chillin'. In fact, this theater is on the (very) short list of venues Colin and I are considering for our wedding next year! On the website they have a slideshow of photos from past weddings they've hosted, which are all adorbs, natch. Who wouldn't want to put their names on a marquee for all of Fairfax to see?
Off-site events are always welcome, too; they feel like field trips for members! The event I was most disappointed to miss out on was the special screening of Werner Herzog's cave-painting documentary Cave of Forgotten Dreams in 2011, which was sponsored by Cinefamily in conjunction with Cinespia. Herzog himself was there for a Q&A afterwards followed by a party until the wee hours of the morning, complete with deejays, food trucks, and drinks! Oh. Yeah! And it all went down after hours in LA's Natural History Museum! Yeah! The halls were open for wandering around and having your very own, real life Night at the Museum. The NHM is another dream venue for our wedding, and if I remember right, it was Cinefamily's Cave of Forgotten Dreams screening that gave me the idea in the first place. Or it might have been fiancé Colin's undying love for dinosaurs. Regardless, props to Cinefamily for programming incredible events all over Los Angeles.
But really, the best thing about Cinefamily is their dedication to programming. They put on an eclectic round of screenings on a weekly (and very often daily) basis, and sometimes it's dizzying to see the magnificence and range of what they have to offer. Next week, for example, I will have a chance to see a newly restored 35mm print of The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, and the very next day I can witness face-melting WTF?!ery in Miami Connection!
So get out there, support your local independent theater, and watch something you've never heard of before. You might just find your new favorite film.
-Rachel
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