In a bid to preserve a piece of Hollywood history, a group of renowned filmmakers, led by Jason Reitman, Christopher Nolan, and Steven Spielberg, have taken over the iconic Village Theater in Westwood. The move comes after the theater, which was prominently featured in Quentin Tarantino's film "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood," went up for sale last year.

Upon hearing the news, Jason Reitman quickly rallied fellow filmmakers to join forces and prevent the venue from being converted into a retail shop or any other non-cinematic business catering to the UCLA community nearby. The ambitious plans for the Village Theater include refurbishments, such as an upgraded sound system and a 70mm-capable screen, along with the cavernous auditorium capable of seating over 1,300 people. The new owners aim to feature a mix of first-run films and repertory programming.

"We have an exciting vision that includes dining, drinking, moviegoing, gallery viewing, and programming of new and old films, and we cannot wait to share that with everybody," Reitman expressed in an interview with The Times back in February.

This endeavor to save the historic Village Theater comes at a time when movie theaters in Los Angeles and across the country are grappling to stay afloat due to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strikes by Hollywood writers and actors last year. The film industry's slow recovery has significantly hindered the efforts of theater operators to bounce back.

The Village Theater's acquisition by this group of esteemed filmmakers not only safeguards a beloved landmark but also breathes new life into Westwood Village. With their ambitious plans for entertainment, dining, and artistic experiences, the new owners seek to create an immersive and diverse cinematic environment that will captivate audiences for years to come.

As the film industry gradually regains momentum, the preservation of iconic theaters like the Village Theater serves as a testament to the resilience and enduring appeal of the silver screen.