Our main programming objectives focus on celebrating and preserving the art of cinema while creating an inclusive and engaging cultural space for our community. As a historic single-screen movie theater, we present films of artistic, cultural, and historical significance, emphasizing diversity and representation through our selection process.
Our anchor programs include annual community events such as the Cambodia Town Film Festival, the Queer Film Festival, and for 2026, the inaugural Long Beach Film Festival. These events, along with our curated film series featuring panel discussions and guest speakers, offer audiences enriched viewing experiences and educational opportunities.
The Art Theatre’s special series “A Century of Cinema” is an ongoing celebration of the history of the movies. “Art After Dark” is a late-night series, screening rare, specially curated cult films. “Art 11” presents acclaimed documentary and international cinema on select Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am. “See It On 16mm” is an opportunity to see rare movies on a vintage 16mm film projector set up in the back of our theatre. Four times a year, we present a classic silent film accompanied by a live orchestra. Additionally, for 2026, we are creating a new weekly program called “Little Earth”, showing both live action and animated films aimed at the children in our community during their summer break from school. These films will be presented at a significantly reduced admission price for children and their families, many of whom have never been inside a movie theater.
Finally, the Art Theatre offers a Film and Speakers Series twice a month, showing relevant documentaries combined with a Q&A with filmmakers that allow an opportunity for community discussion, engagement, and learning. We also engage with local schools during the school year to host field trips and film screenings for students at no charge to the schools.