June 24, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Criterion Mobile Closet Arrives in L.A. for Two-Day Stop at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre

More Than 1,000 Classic Titles June 6–7 During American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week 

Following its successful appearances at SXSW and Vidiots Theater earlier this year, the Criterion Collection’s Mobile Closet is heading back to Los Angeles next month, bringing a curated cinematic experience to Southern California cinema fans.

The event, hosted in partnership with the American Cinematheque, will be held June 6–7 outside the Aero Theatre at 1328 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. The Mobile Closet will coincide with the Cinematheque’s Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair film festival and will operate from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on both days.

Described by Criterion as possibly “the most cinephilic square footage on the planet,” the Closet features more than 1,000 in-print titles from the Criterion Collection, including box sets and selections from its Eclipse and Janus Contemporaries lines.

First launched as an internal video series, where filmmakers and artists browse and discuss their favorite films, the Criterion Closet became a public attraction in 2023. Los Angeles marks the fourth stop on its nationwide tour.

The Mobile Closet will be open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations or tickets required. Attendees are encouraged to form groups of up to five for each three-minute session in the Closet.

Visitors will receive a Criterion tote bag and a printed guide to the Collection, while supplies last. The guide indexes the entire film lineup by spine number, mirroring the physical organization of the Closet.

Participants are invited to discuss their film selections on camera, though there’s no requirement to appear on video. Staff will be on hand to assist with selections, and a wall mount will be available for those who wish to record their experience using personal devices.

Guests may purchase up to three titles with a 40 percent discount, a special promotion celebrating Criterion’s 40th anniversary. Limited merchandise may also be available for sale. Purchases must be made with a credit card.

At the end of each session, visitors will receive a Polaroid photo as a keepsake, in addition to the tote and guide.

Ample metered parking is available on Montana Avenue, with less restricted street parking one block north on Alta Avenue. Attendees are advised to read parking signage carefully and arrive early to secure a spot.

Those interested in updates regarding line capacity and logistical notices may sign up for alerts via Criterion’s online form. However, signing up does not guarantee entry. You might be featured on our social feeds, so keep an eye out and be sure to follow us on social media: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. 

If you post your Criterion Mobile Closet experience on social, don’t forget to tag and use the hashtag #criterionmobilecloset

For more information about the Criterion Mobile Closet or Bleak Week, visit criterion.com or americancinematheque.com.

in FILM, NEWS
Related Posts

From Westwood to DTLA, Angelenos March Against Military Escalation in Iran

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

Protestors Rally at the Westwood Federal Building This Weekend Following President Donald Trump’s authorization of airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear-related...

(Video) Food Fight: Chefs Join Forces to Raise Money to Protect Immigrant Families in Venice

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

Estrano, Little Dynamite, Sunday Gravy, Kabob Senpai Answer the Call From Turk’s Pizza Party. Dave Turkel Put This Food Resistance...

Margaret Cho Says Ellen DeGeneres Was ‘Weird and Not Nice’ Throughout Their Careers

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

Comedian Recalls Strained Interactions Dating Back to the 1980s Margaret Cho is shedding light on her long-standing discomfort with fellow...

Squatter-Plagued Beverly Grove Buildings Could Be Razed After Hazard Cleanup

June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025

Demolition of Three Abandoned Apartments May Begin in Two Weeks Three abandoned apartment buildings in Beverly Grove may soon be...

JoJo Siwa Bows Out of Chicago Pride After Saying She Felt Pressured to Label Her Sexuality

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

Singer Cancels Pride Set After Revealing Struggles with Queer Label Expectations JoJo Siwa has withdrawn from a scheduled appearance at...

Del Rey Affordable Housing Project to Rise on Former Charter School Site

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

Community Corp., Local Faith Group Team Up to Build 122 New Apartments Plans are moving forward for a new residential...

Paris Hilton Buys Mark Wahlberg’s Beverly Park Mansion for $63.1M

June 22, 2025

June 22, 2025

The Heiress and Media Mogul Joins a Star-Studded Neighborhood Paris Hilton and husband Carter Reum have purchased a high-profile estate...

A.O.C. Brentwood to Close After 16 Years on San Vicente Boulevard

June 22, 2025

June 22, 2025

Chef Goin and Styne Cite Unsustainably High Rent in Decision to Close  A.O.C. Brentwood, the acclaimed Westside outpost from James...

Weekend Lane Closures on PCH in Malibu Could Snarl Summer Beach Traffic

June 21, 2025

June 21, 2025

Army Corps Work Triggers Weekend Closure on Pacific Coast Highway Motorists traveling along Pacific Coast Highway this weekend should prepare...

LA City Councilwomen Yaroslavsky and Jurado Call for Legal Action Against Federal Immigration Raids

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

City Motion Targets Alleged Unconstitutional Tactics, End Qualified Immunity for Fed Officers  City Councilmembers Katy Yaroslavsky and Ysabel Jurado introduced...

All Aboard to LAX: Metro Opens Game-Changing Transit Hub Ahead of Global Events

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

 New LAX/Metro Transit Center Comes Closer to Connecting Metro Directly to LAX The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)...

Princess Diana’s Largest Wardrobe Auction Set for Beverly Hills

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Over 200 Royal Garments to Hit the Auction Block for Charity More than 200 garments and royal artifacts, including the...

Queer Beauty Through the Ages: Getty Hosts Lecture on Greek Art’s Influence on LGBTQ Aesthetics

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Art Historian to Trace Homoerotic Imagery From Ancient Greece to Modern Queer Identity As part of its ongoing Pride Month...

Food Fight on the Venice Boardwalk: Chefs Stand Up for Immigrants with Food

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

Turk’s Pizza Party Rallies Top Local Eateries for an Immigrant Rights Fundraiser In a bold display of culinary activism, Turk’s...

Navy Vietnam Vet Finally Gets His UCLA Commencement Moment

June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025

John Fong, 80, Missed His Graduation in 1968 While in Vietnam  Nearly six decades after completing his studies, U.S. Navy...