A Vision Reimagined: Reviving the Highland Theatre for a New Era of Film and Community
The Acclaimed Actor's Latest Artistic Endeavor: Breathing New Life into a Historic Cinematic Landmark
Kristen Stewart, renowned for her impactful work as both an actor and director, views filmmaking as a inherently political act, believing in the power of one's presence and voice. Her latest venture exemplifies this philosophy as she takes ownership of the Highland Theatre, a distinguished movie palace and former vaudeville stage in Highland Park, originally designed by the esteemed architect Lewis Arthur Smith in 1925. This grand, though currently dilapidated, structure, which ceased operations in 2024, has now become the focus of Stewart's ambitious revitalization plans.
The Genesis of a Grand Project: A Fated Encounter with a Storied Venue
Stewart recounted that her quest for a theater was an unconscious one until the Highland Theatre unexpectedly captivated her attention. The moment she discovered it, she felt an immediate, overwhelming urge to pursue its acquisition, describing the experience as a sudden, decisive call to action. She expressed a deep fascination with aging, decaying theaters, drawn to the enigmatic narratives they embody.
Beyond Restoration: Crafting a Modern Hub for Creative Collaboration and Community Engagement
Stewart's aspirations for the Highland Theatre extend far beyond a mere facelift. She envisions creating a vibrant space for collective gathering, collaboration, and innovation. This initiative, she emphasizes, is about establishing a new paradigm—a progressive model that redefines processes and fosters community-centric engagement. She aims to cultivate an inclusive environment, accessible to all, distancing it from the elitist connotations often associated with Hollywood. For Stewart, this project serves as a counter-narrative to commercialism, aspiring to reclaim film culture from purely transactional motivations, addressing a prevalent yearning for authentic, shared experiences.
Preserving Heritage, Embracing Innovation: The Dual Challenge of Restoration and Modernization
While the theater's original architectural elements, such as its impressive mezzanine and stage, are partially preserved, their full restoration demands considerable effort. Stewart is resolute in her commitment to restoring the Golden Age glamour of Hollywood while simultaneously pioneering a contemporary, socially conscious cinematic experience. She highlights the intricate details awaiting revival, believing that the theater's renewal can honor its rich past while introducing fresh perspectives to both the local neighborhood and the broader Los Angeles film community. This fusion of historical reverence and forward-thinking innovation is central to her vision.
A Deep-Rooted Connection to the City of Angels: Personal Reflections and Philanthropic Commitments
As a native Angeleno who grew up in the San Fernando Valley and later moved to the Eastside, Stewart harbors a profound affection for Los Angeles. She celebrates the city's unique blend of diverse neighborhoods, appreciating the sense of unity found within its varied landscape and the freedom it offers for individual expression. When questioned about relocating to New York City, she firmly stated her preference for LA, refuting its perception as unserious. She points to the city's rich artistic and cultural tapestry, finding the East Coast's atmosphere somewhat oppressive, whereas Los Angeles allows her to breathe freely.
Confronting Urban Realities: Advocating for Empathy and Action on Homelessness
Despite her optimism, Stewart remains acutely aware of the systemic challenges facing Los Angeles, particularly the issue of homelessness, a problem shared by many major U.S. cities. She is a tireless champion of the Downtown Women’s Center, an organization established in 1978 as the nation's first to offer permanent supportive housing for homeless women. The center continues its vital work, providing a health clinic exclusively for women in Skid Row and a day center offering meals, showers, and essential services. Stewart laments the city's inadequate response to homelessness, advocating for a more compassionate and empathetic approach. She is dedicated to supporting grassroots efforts and individuals like Amy Turk, the DWC's CEO, who tirelessly work to alleviate this crisis.
A Future Forged in Purpose: Broadening Horizons and Embracing Genuine Transformation
Reflecting on the future of the Highland Theatre, the broader film industry, and Los Angeles, Stewart maintains a hopeful yet assertive stance. She believes that the existing narrow paradigms must be expanded, not through superficial diversity, but through fundamentally different approaches. She stresses the imperative to move beyond repetitive narratives in filmmaking and, crucially, to remain steadfast in supporting the most vulnerable members of society.