“There are still Laemmles in the movie business, and any Los Angeles cinephile will avow that the family is doing God’s work....the narrative about the theaters’ present-day fight for survival is undeniably compelling.”
— Glenn Kenny,
“An intimate portrait of a man burdened by legacy, navigating uncharted waters, not even sure that he wants to.”
— Katie Walsh,
“Only in Theaters isn't just a celebration of the Laemmles and their love of sharing cinema but the American Dream. At a time with much uncertainty in the film business, this film couldn't be more important”
— Peter Larsen,
“With appearances from Cameron Crowe, Ava DuVernay, Nicole Holofcener and Alison Anders, Only in Theaters works as both a state-of-industry insight for those with a professional interest, and an irresistible story of an American dynasty and love letter to cinema for a general audience.”
— Program Director,
"Such an American story." - Larry Mantle
"More than just a movie to us...it's a celebration of people to whom I think we owe an enormous debt locally. There just would not be arthouse cinema in Los Angeles without the Laemmles." - Wade Major
"It's great...a fascinating and poignant look at the Laemmle family." - Claudia Puig
— Larry Mantle, Wade Major, Claudia Puig,
“Above all it’s an appreciation of the things we take for granted: local book stores, coffee shops, family farms, local theaters and more, and a reminder that they exist because of the ingenuity, guts, and industry of individuals who pour more into their life’s work and legacy than they likely ever get out of it. Director Raphael Sbarge captures a moment in time…”
— Keith Simanton,
“Only in Theaters takes a look inside the beloved chain known for championing independent cinema—and the Laemmle family, who have been pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into making sure it has stayed in business all these years.”
— Margeaux Sippell,
“Only in Theaters is passionate but never sentimental. The battle of art versus commerce is fought out in the open with DoP Matt Kubas’ handheld camera being a witness to this war for the ‘soul of cinema’. A informative piece of living film history.”
— Meredith Taylor,
ABOUT THE FILM
LONG SYNOPSIS
In 1938, two European Jewish immigrant brothers (who happened to be the cousins of famed movie mogul Carl Laemmle, founder of Universal Pictures) escaped fascist Germany right before World War II. They came to America and opened a movie theater. By the 1960’s, the dynamic Laemmle family owned and operated 6 theaters in the Los Angeles developing an outsized influence on cinema.
Over four generations, the Laemmles—a close-knit Jewish family—have dedicated themselves to supporting, innovating, and elevating the art of filmmaking. Responsible for bringing foreign film to Los Angeles, popularizing independent films, documentary films, and their makers, the Laemmle Theatres’ impact on Hollywood and world cinema cannot be overstated.
Today, in a world of conglomeration and streaming, as well as a pandemic, the Laemmle circuit of beloved theaters has faced unprecedented challenges.
Filmed over two years, director Raphael Sbarge was given complete access, and editorial control, over this family’s most turbulent time in 85 years of doing business. With appearances from Cameron Crowe, Ava DuVernay, James Ivory, Nicole Holofcener, and Alison Anders, ONLY IN THEATERS is both a state-of-industry film for insiders, a love letter to cinema for a general audience, as well as an irresistible story of a multi-generational American family. The film is further enhanced with appearances from critics, writers, and filmmakers Edward Goldman, Kevin Thomas, Kenneth Turan, Bruce Joel Rubin plus Leonard Maltin, Ross Melnick, Michael Renov, and Mark Ulano.
Laemmle Theatres, the beloved 84-year-old arthouse cinema chain in Los Angeles, is facing seismic change and downward pressure. Yet the family behind this multigenerational business—whose sole mission has been to support the art of film—is determined to see it survive.
“The best selection of a film in Preview Club! It puts a whole new perspective on the pandemic.”
“This was a wonderful love story—of family, theater, life. I was rooting for Greg and the Laemmle theater with all my heart. Wonderfully informative and touching. A+++!”
“Heartwarming story of passion and perseverance. History of foreign and independent films was fascinating. Destruction, financial and emotional, due to Covid was difficult to watch since it is still an open wound for all of us. I love a happy ending, with triplets waiting in the wings.”
“Heartfelt movie. Incredible enduring family. You could feel the stress from Greg. The filmmaking and editing were very good. I love this theater and I hope it stays around for a long time!”
“Wonderful meeting the Laemmle family! Greg is inspirational. I was really drawn into this movie. I am feeling so fortunate to have the cinema in my community to show movies like this one!”
“Loved the movie. It was fantastic!”
“So well done, intimate, raw, truth. It touched me deeply.”
Director Raphael Sbarge
Producers Raphael Sbarge, Rick Pratt, Thomas Cassetta, Freida Orange, Matt Kubas
Executive Producers Gary Rubin, Mark Myers, Heather Kenyon, Neil Friedman, Carole Schandler, Michael M. Thomas, Jenna DeAngeles, Carole Shandler
Editor Rick Pratt
Cinematographer Matthew Kubas
Sound Thomas Cassetta
featuring Ava DuVernay, Cameron Crowe, Leonard Maltin, Nicole Holofcener, James Ivory, Alison Anders, Keneth Turan, Mark Ulano, Bruce Joel Rubin, Michael Renov, and four generations of the Laemmle family.
FESTIVALS
2022: Santa Barbara International (World Premiere)
AVAILABLE TERRITORIES
The World
EXHIBITION FORMATS
DCP, Digital Download
PRESS KIT
Download Press Kit
AVAILABLE PRESS IMAGES (click to preview)
