The actress and director Kristen Stewart bought the historic Highland Theatre in Los AngelesUnited States, to avoid its closure. The cinema palace, which dates back to 1925, closed its doors and turned off its marquee in 2024 after decades of activity in the neighborhood of Highland Park.
«I didn’t realize I was looking for a theater until I discovered this place. Then it was like a shot was fired and the race was on. I ran towards him with all my strength,» Stewart said in conversation with Architectural Digest.
The interpreter explained that she seeks to transform this space into a home for independent cinema and a community meeting point. «I am fascinated by ancient theaters in ruins. I always want to see what mysteries they hide«he noted.
The building has incalculable architectural value. It arose from the architect’s plans Lewis Arthur Smithwho also designed other emblematic venues in the area such as the Vista theater in Los Feliz and the Rialto in Pasadena.
«It is an opportunity to create a space to meet, plot and dream together. This project is about creating a new school and restructuring our processes, finding a better way forward. We want it to be a family affair, something for the community. «It’s not just for pretentious Hollywood moviegoers,» the actress said.
The director of The Chronology of Water He pointed out that he sees restoring the Highland Theater as «an antidote to all the corporate bullshit» and «a place that moves film culture away from just buying and selling.» «Filmmaking is a political act. You have to decide how you want to manage your presence and your voice,» he said.
As for the physical condition of the property, Stewart admitted that its restoration will require a great deal of effort. «There are so many beautiful details that need to be restored. «I think there is a way to bring the building back to life in a way that embraces its history but also brings something new to the neighborhood and the entire Los Angeles film community,» he said.
Kristen Stewart’s connection to Los Angeles
As a Los Angeles native, Stewart expressed a deep love for his city and its neighborhood structure. The actress grew up in the San Fernando Valley and moved to the east side at age 20.
For her, the city offers a «unified dissonance, because it is not really a city but a set of neighborhoods, but there is unity in that.» «I like the spaciousness. «You can decide how you want to fill it,» he added.
When comparing your home with New YorkStewart prefers the West Coast atmosphere for his personal well-being. He pointed out that in Los Angeles can breathe, while finding «something heavy» in East Coast life. «Los Angeles has a bad reputation for being unserious, but there is so much art and culture here,» he said.
Stewart’s concern for his community also encompasses the social crisis affecting the region. The actress laments that the city is «drowning in inadequacy» in its response to homelessness. Because of this, she actively collaborates with the Downtown Women’s Centeran organization that provides support and health to homeless women.
«There has to be a way to discover a tender, empathetic approach to getting people off the streets. «I wanted to align myself with an organization and with people who have been doing this work at the grassroots level for decades,» he said.
