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Photo Andy Scheck
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Moraga's Rheem Theatre was recently voted Best Indie Cinema in the Bay Area for 2015 by Bay Area A-List (http://sf.cityvoter.com/best/indie-cinema/arts-and-entertainment/bay-area). Second and third place went to the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland and the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas in San Francisco.
"I am extremely honored to receive the 2015 Best Indie Cinema," said Derek Zemrak, president and founder of the California Independent Film Festival Association that operates the theater. "Lindsay Pirkle, general manager, and the entire Rheem Theatre staff get big kudos for their contributions toward this award. It is always a joy to see people from outside the Lamorinda area visit this community treasure."
Since reopening five years ago, the Rheem Theatre has become an entertainment hub for residents in Lamorinda and beyond. Originally built as a single movie palace in the 1950s by Donald Rheem, the theater was remodeled in the 1990s to become a four-screen multiplex, according to the Lamorinda Theatres website. Though the theatre has been consistently updated, it still retains its original art deco feel with Zodiac Style art in each house. It is now the home of the California Independent Film Festival and the Classic Film Hall of Fame and Museum, which features interactive displays to learn from the great pioneers in the entertainment industry. Many of the comments posted on the A-List website focus on the museum, as well as the lobby and staff. The Rheem Theatre screens first-run films, a monthly classic film series, B-movie nights twice a month, plus live jazz on the third Saturday each month.
"The Classic Film Hall of Fame and Museum has made the Rheem Theatre a true destination for movie fans from all over. At the recent Vincent Price Day, most of the attendees, many of whom had never been to the theatre before, came from Sacramento, San Francisco, Alameda, Walnut Creek and San Jose," said Zemrak. "The Hall of Fame and the museum, as well as the entire theatre, amazed them all and many voted for the Rheem Theatre in between movies and the other Vincent Price events. One couple from Sacramento stated, 'It was worth the day trip to see this hidden gem and all the cool exhibits.' They plan to return with friends. I see more people coming to the Rheem not only to see a movie but also the museum. Everyone connected to the Rheem should feel honored to receive this award and to remind ourselves what we achieved in five years!"
For information about upcoming films and events, visit lamorindatheatres.com. J. Wake
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA