Dear Friend of the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre,

Thank you for joining more than 2240 concerned citizens who have signed the petition urging the board of the American Cinematheque to hold a public meeting, explain the problems facing the troubled non-profit, halt any potential sale of the Egyptian Theatre and be transparent about its plans moving forward. The petition is directed to the board, to the local city councilmember's office, and to the California Attorney General, who was already investigating the American Cinematheque before it sought to sell the theatre.

Yesterday, concerned citizens spoke out at the Los Angeles City Council meeting, asking Councilman Mitch O’Farrell and his colleagues to do their due diligence to ensure the Egyptian Theatre is being properly stewarded by the American Cinematheque, in keeping with the spirit of the valuable civic gift. We also submitted the petition, with all of your names and passionate comments, into the public record, and asked that the City Attorney issue a formal opinion on the legality of the proposed sale.

Hearing that citizens were planning to speak at City Hall, the American Cinematheque’s consultant also came down and said a few words. More interesting perhaps than what was said is who the board chose to hire for the unpleasant task of non-transparently separating a member-based non-profit from its only asset.

You can read all about the consultant, catch up on some of the information that worried members of the Cinematheque community have reached out to share with us, and see video of the public comment section, here.

Please continue to share the petition with friends who love the American Cinematheque and want to see it thrive in the historic Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. And stay tuned for additional news as we have it.

Yours for Los Angeles,
Kim Cooper & Richard Schave
Friends of the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre