SPECIAL EPISODE: How to Run a Movie Theater in 2024

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

CONNECT WITH PROXIMITY MEDIA:

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. We’re also on YouTube.

Learn more at ProximityMedia.com.

Text PROX to 510-998-3176 or head to subtext.to/prox for updates on new episodes and latest projects from Proximity Media.

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