Vidiots 40th Anniversary: Comedy, Q&A, and Eagle Theatre

Vidiots, the esteemed non-profit film organization located in Los Angeles, is set to launch its 40th-anniversary celebrations this November. The festivities will commence with a special comedy show and Q&A screenings at the historic Eagle Theatre, marking the beginning of a year-long tribute to its four decades of fostering film culture. Vidiots, which operates both a cherished video rental store and the Eagle Theatre, has been a vital institution for cinephiles since its founding in 1985.

A Star-Studded 40th Birthday Bash and Benefit

The anniversary celebrations will officially kick off with a “40th Birthday Bash and Benefit” on November 13th. This 1985-themed event promises an evening filled with entertainment, featuring Vidiots’ resident DJs and a silent auction.

A highlight of the night will be “Salute to Vidiots,” a one-night-only comedy show hosted by Paul Scheer at the Eagle Theatre in East L.A. The lineup of comedic talent includes Ike Barinholtz, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Emily V. Gordon, Ify Nwadiwe, Kumail Nanjiani, Tai Leclaire, and Timothy Simons. The evening is slated to conclude with a lively dance party, with all proceeds directly supporting the future endeavors of the organization.

Celebrating 1985: Special Screenings and Q&As

Following the kickoff event, Vidiots will delve into a series of screenings dedicated to films from its inaugural year, 1985. These special presentations will often include unique Q&A sessions with cast and crew members, offering audiences an intimate look into these cinematic classics.

Iconic Films and Guest Appearances

• Jonathan Lynn’s cult classic “Clue” will be screened, with cast members Colleen Camp and Michael McKean scheduled to make appearances, providing insights into the beloved mystery-comedy.
• The following week, director Michael Schultz and cinematographer Ernest Dickerson are expected to attend screenings of their 1985 musical dramedy “Krush Groove” and Schultz’s musical martial arts picture “The Last Dragon” on November 21st.

Throughout November, the celebration of 1985 will continue with screenings of other notable films from that year. The lineup includes a diverse array of genres and styles, such as “Lifeforce” (presented in a new 4K restoration), “Tampopo,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Thief,” Akira Kurosawa’s “Ran” (also a new 4K restoration), “Return to Oz,” William Friedkin’s “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “Explorers,” “Police Story,” “Fast Forward,” “Back to the Future,” and “Sesame Street Presents Follow That Bird.” Many of these screenings are explicitly part of the 40th Anniversary programming.

Beyond the Anniversary: Additional November Programming

In addition to the 40th-anniversary events, Vidiots will maintain its regular schedule of diverse screenings and community programming throughout November.

Community and Thematic Events

• On November 2nd, Vidiots will host Día de los Muertos festivities. This event will feature arts and crafts, alongside Spanish language screenings of Disney Pixar’s “Coco” and Roberto Gavaldón’s 1960 film “Macario,” celebrating the rich traditions of the holiday.
• A “Remembering Diane Keaton” series is also scheduled for the month, showcasing a selection of her iconic films, including “Baby Boom,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” “The Godfather,” and “The Godfather: Part II.”
• Another special event for November includes a screening of “Amadeus” accompanied by a masquerade ball on November 12th.

Vidiots, known for its dedication to inspiring human interaction around film through its extensive collection and community-driven programs, continues to be a vibrant hub for film lovers and filmmakers alike. The forthcoming 40th-anniversary celebrations underscore its enduring commitment to cinematic artistry and community engagement within Los Angeles.