About Cinema Series
Southern California’s longest-running public program of new movie screenings for the past 30 years.
Movies have been a feature of public television in Southern California since KCET began broadcasting from Hollywood in the early 1960s. Today, we offer a variety of film programming on-air, online and in person. They include Must See Movies, Fine Cut, Variety Studio: Actors on Actors, Earth Focus, and the Cinema Series.
Since its inception in 1994, the Cinema Series welcomes movie fans to enjoy preview screenings of the best of Hollywood, independent and festival films prior to their release in theaters or streaming.
Each screening is followed by intimate conversations with the film's director, actors or other special guests. Both experiences below are hosted by nationally recognized film critic Pete Hammond.
The Cinema Series at Landmark Westwood
The Cinema Series is held at the Landmark Westwood, located near the UCLA campus. The 245-seat theater is an ADA-compliant facility with a single screen, state-of-the-art digital projection, Dolby ATMOS Sound, a concession and bar area, and more. Parking is available in nearby public lots and surrounding streets.
Virtual Cinema Series
At special times throughout the year, the virtual Cinema Series presents preview screenings and conversations with filmmakers for audiences anywhere.
Great New Films
The Cinema Series is recognized for offering award-winning and emerging filmmakers the opportunity to preview their new work outside of an industry or festival environment. This opportunity for Hollywood, independent and foreign filmmakers has also served to extend our commitment to arts & culture programming in the community.
Recent films and in-person special guests at the Cinema Series included:
- “Maria,” with Angelina Jolie
- “Conclave,” with director Edward Berger
- “Emilia Perez,” with Zoe Saldana
- “The Last Showgirl,” with Pamela Anderson, director Gia Coppola