Dear Friend of the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre,

Thank you for joining 4278 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 (Mitch O'Farrell, since defeated by Hugo Soto-Martinez), and to the California Attorney General, who was already investigating the American Cinematheque before it sought to sell the theater. 

On October 24, after three hours of tedious unrelated land use hearings by the Los Angeles Central Area Planning Commission, and just before the commission was to hear about Netflix’ request to install a non-conforming LED billboard on the roof of the landmarked Egyptian Theatre, the Zoom stream was suddenly ended in mid-sentence by the host, the City Planning Department. 

Out of view of the voting public, the commissioners then ignored the overwhelming public opposition to this inappropriate 21st Century sign atop the oldest motion picture palace in Hollywood and voted yes. 

You can listen to the hearing for yourself, with closed captions, and learn about how an appeal can still protect the landmark vista, and why these shenanigans with the theater’s sign might help end the SAG-AFTRA strike, in our latest Esotouric Substack newsletter.

As we count down the hours until the Egyptian Theatre reopens to the public on Thursday, we remain hopeful that the landmark’s future will be a positive one. We will continue to let you know when there are opportunities for the public to be heard.

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
https://esotouric.com/egyptiantheatre