Kristen Stewart Leads Ambitious Restoration of Historic Highland Theatre
Kristen Stewart, the 35-year-old acclaimed actress and burgeoning director, is making a significant stride in preserving the soul of cinema, far beyond the glitz of Hollywood studios. In a move that blends historical reverence with a forward-thinking vision, Stewart has officially acquired and begun the meticulous restoration of the Highland Theatre in Los Angeles’s vibrant Highland Park neighborhood. Her ambitious project, detailed in a recent Architectural Digest profile, signals a deep commitment to fostering a genuine moviegoing culture rooted in community and artistic integrity.
A Personal Mission to Revive Cinematic History
Stewart’s fascination with “broken-down old theaters” culminated in what she describes as an almost visceral response to the Highland Theatre’s availability. “I didn’t realize I was looking for a theater until this place came to my attention,” she recounted to Architectural Digest. “Then it was like a gunshot went off and the race was on. I ran toward it with everything I had.” This candid reflection underscores her dedication to the endeavor, framing it not merely as an investment but as a personal mission.
The Highland Theatre: A Century of Stories
The Highland Theatre, a true relic of Hollywood’s golden age, closed its doors on February 29, 2024, just shy of its momentous 100th anniversary. Designed by the notable architect Lewis Arthur Smith, whose work defined many of Los Angeles’s 1920s cinemas, the theatre first welcomed audiences on March 2, 1925, with a screening of the silent drama “Lady of the Night.” For nearly a century, it stood as a cultural cornerstone, witnessing countless stories unfold both on and off its screen before its recent dormancy. Its stately facade and intricate interiors now await Stewart’s revitalizing touch.
Vision for a Community-Centric Cinema
Stewart’s vision extends far beyond a simple refurbishment. She envisions the revived Highland Theatre as “a place that takes movie culture away from just buying and selling,” a direct antidote to the prevailing corporate influence in the entertainment industry. “We want to make it a family affair, something for the community. It’s not just for pretentious Hollywood cinephiles,” she stated, emphasizing inclusivity. She sees the space as “an opportunity to make a space to gather and scheme and dream together,” acknowledging a “huge desire and craving for what this kind of space can offer.” This commitment reflects a growing sentiment among film enthusiasts and creators to reclaim the communal magic of cinema.
Balancing History and Modernity in Restoration
The restoration process itself is a delicate balance of honoring the past while embracing the future. Stewart noted the theatre contains “so many beautiful details that need to be restored.” Her approach aims to “bring the building back to life in a way that embraces its history but also brings something new to the neighborhood and something new to the whole LA film community.” This thoughtful strategy suggests a curated experience that will respect the theatre’s legacy while offering fresh programming and a contemporary atmosphere.
A Broader Movement for Cinematic Preservation
Stewart is not alone in her quest to revitalize Los Angeles’s historic cinemas. Her efforts join a distinguished list of filmmakers actively investing in the preservation of cinematic landmarks. Quentin Tarantino famously owns and operates the iconic New Beverly Cinema and the Vista Theatre, upholding their grindhouse and repertory programming traditions. Similarly, a collective of industry heavyweights, including Jason Reitman, Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and Bradley Cooper, recently pooled resources to acquire the historic Fox Village Theatre in Westwood, underscoring a shared belief in the enduring value of the theatrical experience. This collective action highlights a broader industry movement to safeguard the physical spaces of film appreciation.
A Love Letter to Los Angeles
For Stewart, this project is also a testament to her profound connection to her hometown. “I absolutely f—ing love this city,” she declared. She appreciates Los Angeles’ “unified dissonance,” describing it not as a single city but “as much as a cluster of neighborhoods,” where one “can decide how you want to fill it.” This sentiment clearly informs her desire to contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of one of its distinct communities.
The Future of Film, On Screen and Off
As the Highland Theatre embarks on its second act under Stewart’s stewardship, it promises to become more than just a cinema; it aims to be a vibrant cultural beacon. With her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water (starring Imogen Poots), currently in theaters, and upcoming projects like The Wrong Girls (co-written with and directed by her wife, Dylan Meyer, in which she also stars), Stewart continues to shape the future of film both on screen and in the very spaces where stories come alive. Her restoration project stands as a powerful statement for the enduring relevance of communal cinema in an increasingly digital world.
