We took a trip to Gardena Cinema, one of the last family-owned, independent movie theaters in Los Angeles, to try and answer a simple question: What’s it like to own and operate an indie movie theater today? Proximity’s Head of Audio Paola Mardo talks with owner Judy Kim about how her immigrant parents built their business after they bought the single-screen theater in 1976, why she had to pivot after the 2023 strikes, and the vital role her community plays in keeping the doors open. We also have a fun segment featuring our visit to a marathon of horror exploitation movies screened in 16mm film. Learn more and read the transcript of this conversation at ProximityMedia.com.
(03:57) Inside the Horror-Exploitation-Thon at Gardena Cinema
(10:49) All in the family: Gardena Cinema’s origin story
(15:41) How the 2023 strikes changed Gardena Cinema’s business model
(23:56) What it’s like to operate an indie theater today
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CREDITS:
In Proximity is a production of Proximity Media
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Paola Mardo
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Episode Producer: Celine Mendiola
Episode Editors: Celine Mendiola, Judybelle Camangyan, Paola Mardo
Producer: Caitlin Plummer
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Sound Designer, Mix Engineer, Additional Music: Ken Nana
Additional Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Editors: Cedric Wilson, Judybelle Camangyan
Production Assistant: Isabella Miller
Design and Social Media: Alexandria Santana