Alternative Cinema: LA's Indie Film Festivals and Theaters

Written by: Erin Barnes

Contributing author: Sam Watanuki

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Los Angeles, often hailed as the world’s epicenter of blockbusters and glitzy premieres, has a rich history of underground and independent cinema just under the surface. The city’s indie film scene is a cinephile’s fever dream, offering up the gamut of cinematic experiences: intimate film festivals, revival film screenings, historic movie palaces, fun outdoor theaters, quirky video stores, and film buff resources that celebrate the art of filmmaking beyond the mainstream. From the history of independent film that blossomed from avant garde to exploitation, arthouse to grindhouse, B movies to Z movies.he variety of genres to sample is as plentiful as the interesting ways to see an unusual flick in Tinseltown: streaming classics in your own home, pop-up screenings with food trucks, or watching a movie under the stars in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. 

Independent film has emerged despite obstacles like the original Edison Trust, then the major film studio system. Today, the rise of AI has made the film industry question what the future holds. With strikes and many productions coming to a halt, it’s a hard time in Hollywood. That’s why it’s more important than ever to treasure the people and organizations that are working hard to keep the art of cinema alive. Put on your sunglasses, because we’re checking out the L.A. movie scene in 70mm, and it’s blindingly spectacular.

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Outdoor Screenings & Pop-Ups

There’s something magical about getting lost in the big screen with the stars overhead. We’ve all known the nostalgia of drive-in movies, but Los Angeles’ perfect weather means that you can appreciate cinematic splendor poolside, on rooftops, or in other unexpected places.

• Cinespia: Imagine watching your favorite movie under the stars at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, or one of downtown Los Angeles’ historic movie palaces not commonly open to the public. Cinespia parties typically include DJs, concessions, bars and a photo booth. Yeah, sign us up immediately.
• Rooftop Cinema Club: “The ultimate open-air cinema experience,” according to their website, shows in several cities. In Los Angeles, they screen movies on the 4th floor terrace of the Level Hotel in DTLA.
• Secret Movie Club: Founder Craig Hammill is beloved for surprise events, thematic screenings, and dedication to film as an art form. Along with  their indoor theaters, they program drive-in movies with Electric Dusk Drive-In such as the Glendale Sears Parking Lot.
• Street Food Cinema: Combines outdoor movies with food trucks, live music, and games every Saturday night at various locations such as LA Historic Park and the Autry Museum. Some of their events are dog friendly, have free parking and bars on site (as well as the food trucks and the movies!). Check out their schedule and grab a season pass.‍
• Tropicana Movie Nights: The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel offers poolside screenings, sometimes of movies that have been filmed there. Rent a bed, sip cocktails, take a dip, and take in the views.
• The EPFC Collective: Formerly the Echo Park Film Center, the physical location moved to Canada but the collective remains a hub for cinema, programming workshops and events around L.A. This nonprofit organization and collective is dedicated to supporting local filmmakers and promoting media arts education.

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Independent Theaters & Historic Movie Palaces

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It should come as no surprise that Los Angeles is the home of world-renowned theaters that are dedicated to preserving creativity and innovation in cinema. We would be remiss not to mention the Cinerama Dome theater, an icon of modern architecture and considered by the LA Times to be “one of the finest theaters in America.” When the dome and the greater ArcLight Theater chain closed during COVID, it devastated Los Angeles moviegoers. But there’s good news: the dome hopes to reopen in 2025. Thankfully, there are plenty of historic and beautiful theaters to visit where you can see first-run movies as well as repertory cinemas to see revival films. Pro tip: Get an American Cinematheque membership because their programming is stellar. 

• Academy Museum: The Academy Museum offers you to explore the past, present, and future of cinema. Whether or not you check out the museum, they also screen movies at their two impressive theaters. The sound and quality is impressive, and the price is low– just know that you won’t have concessions since it’s in a museum.
• The Aero Theatre: Programmed by the American Cinematheque, the Aero’s Streamline Moderne style was inspired by the aerospace industry. 
• Alamo Drafthouse: With locations across the country, they’re hardly indie, but they have clever programming (including their Time Capsules and singles nights) and really good cookies… And beer.
• Brain Dead Studios: this fashion brand turned into a retail space, cafe, and community chill space that shows silent films in a historic building.
• The Egyptian: The Egyptian Theater hosted the world’s first film premiere, Douglas Fairbanks in Robin Hood. Showman Sid Grauman loved building fantastical theaters reminiscent of far-flung locales (also see: El Capitan and Chinese).
• Laemmle Theatres: Laemmle Theatres is a family-owned chain that has been a champion of independent cinema in LA for over 80 years. With multiple locations across the city, Laemmle Theatres offers a diverse lineup of indie films, documentaries, and foreign films. They also host film festivals and special screenings, making them a vital part of LA’s indie film community.
• The Los Feliz 3: A gem of Hollywood history with LA hipness, The Los Feliz is programmed by American Cinematheque.
• New Beverly Cinema: As well as the Vista, the New Bev is also owned by Quentin Tarantino; this theater is notorious for its horror marathons and revival screenings, as well as only screening films in 35mm.
• Nuart Theatre: Regularly hosts the Rocky Horror Picture Show and frequently features midnight screenings, in-person appearances and Q&As with actors and directors. This single-screen theater has been showcasing independent, foreign, and cult films for decades.
• Old Town Music Hall: This cultural landmark is home to a Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ; you can see silent films accompanied by a pipe organ.
• TCL Chinese Theatre: The most iconic place to hold a Hollywood premiere, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was designed like a Chinese Pagoda. Today, people love it for its large, state-of-the-art screen.‍
• Vista Theater: The Vista has experienced a fascinating and controversial history. Now owned by Quentin Tarantino, the Vista was restored beautifully to provide excellent curation, great sound, ample leg room, and some of the best movie popcorn, hot dogs, and sodas in town. He even added a coffee shop dedicated to Pam Grier called Pam’s Coffy.

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Nostalgic Video Rentals, Archival + Revival Streaming Services

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For those who want to experience the obscure side of L.A. film in the comfort of their own homes:

• Cathode Cinema: Los Angeles + New York based curatorial screening showcasing contemporary and archival experimental film/animation.
• Cinefile: Buy/rent/sell DVD, Blu-ray, VHS, Laserdisc and vinyl
• Mubi: A global streaming devoted to transformative films from all over the world. Also sponsors Los Angeles Festival of Movies
• Museum of Home Video: “Pirate TV for the Soul!” Offers a unique collection of rare and obscure video content. The website directly states a perfect description: “90 minutes of found footage for stoners, seekers, archivists and drinkers.”
• ‍Videotheque: Indie video and record store
• Vidiots: Vidiots was a woman-owned alternative video rental store founded in 1985 that accumulated up to 50,000 titles and was known as a “beloved cultural institution” by L.A. Times. In 2023, they reopened in a new 11,000 square foot space that had been everything from an adult theater to a church. Vidiots is now a nonprofit community hub, social club, educational space, and home to screenings and special events. Plus, beer, wine, concessions, and a video store with DVD and BlueRay rentals.

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Film Festivals in Los Angeles

Ever since the Los Angeles Film Festival ended in 2018, Angelinos have been mourning it and desperately seeking its replacement. Still, there are a variety of festivals based on what you’re looking for, from Asian filmmakers to horror to women in film. Underground film festivals play a major role in fostering a sense of community among filmmakers and audiences. These events provide a space for creative exchange, collaboration, and support. For emerging filmmakers, festivals offer a valuable opportunity to gain exposure, receive feedback, and build networks. For audiences, they are a chance to engage with thought-provoking films and support the indie film scene. Check out some of the offerings below:

• AFI Fest: A glitzy and glamorous celebration of international film that shows major studio releases as well as indie favorites.
• The American French Film Festival: Formerly COLCOA, this festival is devoted to showcasing French films in Hollywood. C’est chouette!
• Dances with Films: “Defiantly independent since 1998”, according to their website. Celebrated for being "by indie filmmakers, for indie filmmakers," this festival is a must-visit for true film enthusiasts.
• LA Film Festivals: A creative hub featuring a variety of festivals such as LA Comedy Film Festival, LA Indie Film Festival, LA Queer Film Festival, LA Women in Film Festival, LA Black Film Festival, and many more. Each year, the festival highlights groundbreaking films that might otherwise fly under the radar. Whether you're into gripping dramas or quirky comedies, the LA Indie Film Festival offers something for every taste.
• Screamfest: Known as the "Sundance of Horror," this festival is a haven for horror film aficionados.
• Slamdance: Hailed for its good vibes and dedication to independent filmmaking.

PRO TIP: Are you a filmmaker who’s looking for their big break? Film Freeway connect filmmakers with festivals and makes it easy to submit.

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Links ‘n Resources for Cinephiles

Can’t get enough? More links for your viewing pleasure:

• American Cinematheque Membership: A great way to support local theaters and get access to exclusive screenings. 
• Atlas Obscura’s ‘Film in Los Angeles’ list of attractions: If you’re just looking to nerd out on unusual Los Angeles film ephemera, the best curators of unusual destinations, Atlas Obscura, has a list of places to nerd out on LA cinematic weirdness from Marilyn Monroe’s crypt to a dive bar featuring Snow White murals.
• Curbed: 17 of LA’s most glorious movie palaces (map)
• Discover Hollywood: Offers information on film screenings, festivals, and more.
• Film Independent: This nonprofit offers artist support for independent filmmakers and hosts various courses, mixers, and events.
• LA Country Library Card: If you sign up for a library card, you can get a one-time free admission to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures or other participating cultural institutions. (Residents only) 
• Revival Houses: Los Angeles’s revival and repertory movie theaters, updated daily. Since 2017.
• Revival Hub Los Angeles: Lists every repertory film screening happening in the city, ensuring you never miss a great film.

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The Connection to Meow Wolf Los Angeles

Meow Wolf’s journey began as an art collective in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a mission to create immersive, interactive art experiences. The collective quickly gained recognition for its innovative installations that blend art, technology, and storytelling. Meow Wolf Los Angeles aims to continue this tradition, offering visitors a chance to explore fantastical worlds and lose themselves in imaginative narratives from local artists.

The location of Meow Wolf Los Angeles is tied to L.A. film history, having been a former cinema. This legacy will be honored through installations that pay homage to film and visual storytelling. Meow Wolf exhibitions often feel like stepping inside of a movie, with cosmic worlds, ambient sound, and bridges between portals. Meow Wolf Los Angeles, slated to open in 2026, will take this feeling to maximalist levels.

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Future of Underground Film Festivals in LA

The landscape of underground film festivals in LA is continually evolving. With the rise of digital platforms and social media, filmmakers have new ways to share their work and connect with audiences. Virtual film festivals and online screenings are becoming more common, allowing indie films to reach a global audience. However, as any cinephile will tell you, the in-person experience of attending a film festival or screening just can't be beaten.

Los Angeles is a city where alternative cinema thrives, offering countless opportunities to explore indie film festivals and independent movie theaters. From the historic Egyptian to the innovative NewFilmmakers LA, there’s no shortage of venues where you can immerse yourself in the world of indie cinema. The connection to Meow Wolf LA adds a unique dimension, blending the city’s cinematic past with its creative future.

So, there you have it, film nerds, movie buffs, screen junkies, and cinephiles: an exhilarating-but-not-exhaustive entry into the cinematic wonderland of Los Angeles, California.