Only in theaters
This is a story about a family business, but also the future of cinema
“..undeniably compelling” – the New York Times
A film by Raphael Sbarge
Featuring:
Allison Anders, Cameron Crowe, Ava DuVernay, Nicole Holofcener, James Ivory, Kenneth Turan, Bruce Joel Rubin, Leaonard Maltin, Michael Renov, Mark Ulano and more.
ONLY IN THEATERS, a film by actor/director Raphael Sbarge, is an intimate and moving journey taken with the Laemmle family, spanning nearly three years of challenges, losses, and personal triumphs.
“Only in Theaters isn’t just a celebration of the Laemmles and their love of sharing cinema but the American Dream. At a time with much uncertainty in the film business, this film couldn’t be more important”
– LA Daily News
“Essential viewing for every filmgoer.”
– Film Threat
Laemmle Theatres, the beloved 84-year-old arthouse cinema chain in Los Angeles, is facing seismic change and financial pressure. Yet the family behind this multigenerational business – whose sole mission has been to support the art of film – is determined to survive.
“The Story here is beautiful and complicated, one in which the twin weights of legacy and calling bear down on the need to survive in changing times”
– LA TIMES
“…2022’S MOST EMOTIONAL THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE”
-VARIETY MAGAZINE

THEATRICAL RELEASE 2022/23
New york, NY
IFC Center
STARTING JANUARY 18, 2023
Only in Theaters will show at the IFC Center in New York
DIRECTIONS: 323 6th avenue, New York, NY 10014
New york, NY
New Plaza Cinema
STARTING JANUARY 20, 2023
Only in Theaters will show at the New Plaza Cinema in New York
DIRECTIONS: 35 W 67th St, New York, NY 10023
INTERVIEWS WITH…
DIRECTORS & AWARD WINNERS
Ava DuVernay, Allison Anders, Cameron Crowe, Nicole Holofcener, James Ivory, and more.
CRITICS AND WRITERS
Edward Goldman, Kevin Thomas, Kenneth Turan and Bruce Joel Rubin to name a few.
FILM HISTORIANS AND EXPERTS
Leonard Maltin, Ross Melnick, Michael Renov and Mark Ulano.
“IT’S A BEAUTIFUL FILM, AND A TIMELY ONE.”
-CLAUDIA PUIG, PRESIDENT, LA FILM CRITIC’S ASSOC.
“ONLY IN THEATERS, a compelling documentary about cinema & the legendary Los Angeles Laemmle Theater chain, family owned & operated, now principally by Greg Laemmle, the heir to the business & its CEO. It’s both a mournful, cautionary tale about the possible end of an epoch, yet also a hopeful reminder that movies have incorrectly been declared dead many times before. It recalls the history & vicissitudes of the movie-showing business, in which the Laemmles played an important role in L.A.. Above all it’s an appreciation of the things we take for granted: local book stores, coffee shops, family farms, local theaters & more, & a reminder that they exist because of the ingenuity, guts, & industry of individuals who pour more into their life’s work & legacy than they likely ever get out of it. Director Raphael Sbarge captures a moment in time.” –
Keith Simanton, IMDB REVIEWER
“ONLY IN THEATERS” IS THE STORY OF A FAMILY TRYING TO SURVIVE A SERIES OF SEISMIC SHIFTS IN THEIR INDUSTRY. AUDIENCES WILL FEEL LIKE THEY’RE GOING INTO BATTLE WITH THE LIKEABLE CLAN. – NBC NEWS
“More than just a movie to us…it’s a celebration of people to whom I think we owe an enormous debt locally. There just would not be arthouse cinema in Los Angeles without the Laemmles.” – KPCC’s FilmWeek
AGAINST ALL ODDS…
Four generations of the Laemmle family have dedicated themselves to supporting, encouraging, innovating and elevating the art of filmmaking. Responsible for bringing foreign film to Los Angeles and popularizing countless foreign independent films and their filmmakers, the Laemmle Theatres’ impact on Hollywood and world cinema cannot be overstated.
In a world of growing conglomeration, the Laemmle circuit of theatres has become even more of an anomaly: a family-owned and operated art house theatre chain.
“With appearances from Cameron Crowe, Ava DuVernay, Nicole Holofcener, and Alison Anders, Only in Theatres works as both a state-of-industry insight for those with a professional interest, and an irresistible story of an American dynasty and love letter to cinema for a general audience.” — WF, Galway Film Festival
What the Audience is saying
DIRECTOR
Actor/Director Raphael Sbarge
FILM EDITOR, SOUND DESIGNER
Rick Pratt, Editor, Thomas Cassetta, Sound Designer
APPEARANCES FROM:
Cameron Crowe, Ava DuVernay, James Ivory, Nicole Holofcener, Alison Anders, Roberta Grossman, and more.
(From LEFT): Greg Laemmle, Tish Laemmle, Raphael Sbarge, Jenna DeAngeles