Only in theaters:

This is a story about a family business and 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
Only in theaters movie

THEATRICAL RELEASE 2022/23

MONTGOMERY, AL

Capri Theatre

STARTING MARCH 10, 2023

Only in Theaters will show at the Capri Theatre in Montgomery, Alabama

DIRECTIONS: 1045 East Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106

St Louis, MO

Webster University Film Series

STARTING MARCH 17, 2023

Only in Theaters will show as part of the Webster University Film Series

DIRECTIONS:

Winifred Moore Auditorium
470 E. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119

Friday, March 17 at 7:00pm
Saturday, March 18 at 7:00pm
Sunday, March 19 at 7:00pm

Columbus, OH

Gateway Film Center

STARTING MARCH 17, 2023

Only in Theaters will show at Gateway Film Center in Columbus, Ohio

DIRECTIONS: 1550 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201

Friday, March 17th 6:30pm
Saturday, March 18th 1:30pm
Sunday, March 19th 1:30pm

Los Angeles, CA

Laemmle Royal & Town Center 5

STARTING MARCH 30, 2023

Only in Theaters will show at the Laemmle theaters, in los angeles

DIRECTIONS: 11523 Santa Monica Blvd 1st floor, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Only in Theaters returns to the Laemmle Royal on March 30th and Town Center 5 on April 2nd for an encore. 

There will be a Q&A afterwards with Greg Laemmle, Tish Laemmle and director Raphael Sbarge. Special guest, director Nicole Holofcener will join the Q&A on March 30th

Ava DuVernay

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

only in theaters cast
Only in theaters poster
Variety headline

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

"The best selection of a film in Preview Club! It puts a whole new perspective on the pandemic."

"This was a wonderful love story - of family, theater, life. I was rooting for Greg and the Laemmle theater with all my heart. Wonderfully informative and touching. A+++!"

"Loved the movie. It was fantastic!"

"Great family saga. Real world, real time struggles as the world changed."

"Heartwarming story of passion and perseverance. History of foreign and independent films was fascinating. Destruction, financial and emotional, due to Covid was difficult to watch since it is still an open wound for all of us. I love a happy ending, with triplets waiting in the wings."

"Heartfelt movie. Incredible enduring family. You could feel the stress from Greg. The filmmaking and editing was very good. I love this theater and I hope it stays around for a long time!"

"So well done, intimate, raw, truth. It touched me deeply."

"Wonderful meeting the Laemmle family! Greg is inspirational. I was really drawn into this movie. I am feeling so fortunate to have the cinema in my community to show movies like this one!"

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.

Only in Theaters crew

(From LEFT): Greg Laemmle, Tish Laemmle, Raphael Sbarge, Jenna DeAngeles