The renowned American Cinematheque is venturing into the podcast realm with a new weekly series. This innovative podcast will delve into the cinematic journeys of prominent filmmakers and celebrities, offering a unique blend of insightful interviews and an engaging game-show style segment. Listeners can anticipate hearing about the pivotal moviegoing moments that shaped these guests' passion for cinema, from their cherished theaters to unforgettable screenings and profound film experiences.
American Cinematheque Unveils Star-Studded Weekly Podcast Series
On , the Los Angeles-based arts organization, American Cinematheque, announced the launch of its new weekly interview podcast series, "The American Cinematheque Podcast," set to premiere on . Grant Moninger, the artistic director of the organization, will serve as both host and executive producer. This series distinguishes itself by combining in-depth interviews with a playful game-show element, where guests share the theaters, screenings, and cinematic events that ignited their love for movies.
The inaugural episodes will feature esteemed director Edgar Wright and filmmaker Mary Bronstein. The star-studded lineup for future episodes includes notable figures such as Franklin Leonard, Larry Karaszewski, Karyn Kusama, Walter Murch, Samy Burch, Noah Segan, BenDavid Grabinski, comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, legendary actor Danny DeVito, Tatiana Maslany, and Sean Fennessey. Moninger articulated the podcast's vision, stating, "This show celebrates the ‘going’ in ‘going to the movies.’ The theatrical experience creates deep personal memories that are forever tied to the films we saw and who we were and who we were with at the time we watched them. It might have been a wild adventure with friends, a first date, a tender moment with family, or a solo trip to a matinee to see an unknown film that left a lasting impression long after you left the seats.”
The podcast will be accessible in both video and audio formats, with new episodes released every Thursday on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Additionally, an interactive version will be available on the show's website, acpodcast.com, allowing audiences to curate their own virtual film festivals. The production team includes Victoria Alejandro as producer and Mike Cuenca as video producer. Stephanie Cervantes is leading the marketing efforts, with Seth Meisterman handling production design, Jack Rossi managing animation and graphics, and original music composed by Gelberg. Established in , the American Cinematheque has been showcasing films in theaters since , currently hosting over 1,600 screenings annually, alongside panels and special events at its iconic venues: the Aero Theatre, Los Feliz 3, Egyptian Theatre, and soon, the Directors Village in Westwood.
The launch of "The American Cinematheque Podcast" offers a refreshing perspective on the profound impact of cinema. In an increasingly digital world, this initiative serves as a poignant reminder of the communal magic of moviegoing and the personal connections we forge with films. It encourages us to reflect on our own cinematic journeys and appreciate the unique allure of the theatrical experience, fostering a deeper understanding and love for the art of filmmaking.