Full Breakdown
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ to Open 70mm Run at Westwood’s Historic Village Theatre
6/4/2026, 1:06:37 AM
The Odyssey’s 70mm Run at Westwood’s Village Theatre
Christopher Nolan’s epic “The Odyssey,” produced by Emma Thomas, will be shown in 70 mm at Westwood’s Village Theatre starting July 17, 2026. The three-week run includes daily screenings and serves as a fundraiser before renovation.
Historical Context and Preservation Effort
The Village Theatre was purchased in 2024 by the Village Directors Circle, a filmmakers’ collective led by Jason Reitman. In partnership with the nonprofit American Cinematheque, they plan a 12-month renovation starting fall 2026, with reopening in 2027.
Key Participants
Christopher Nolan (director), Emma Thomas (producer), Jason Reitman (Village Directors Circle head), Grant Moninger (American Cinematheque artistic director), Universal Pictures (distributor) and Dolby (projection-booth refurbisher).
Timeline & Logistics
Tickets on sale June 4, 2026 at 9 a.m. PT. The 70 mm run runs July 17-31, 2026, with daily screenings in a 1,000-seat auditorium. The theater will close in fall 2026 for a 12-month renovation, reopening in 2027 with 70 mm projectors.
Why It Matters
The event pairs a high-profile release with a fundraising campaign to preserve 70mm film presentation at a historic venue. It shows how filmmaker-led nonprofit partnerships can sustain traditional movie palaces amid a shift toward digital distribution.
Official Statements
American Cinematheque called the 70 mm presentation an “honor” and noted its fundraising purpose. The Village Directors Circle said the renovated theater will be a hub for screenings, conversations, awards-season events, retrospectives and festivals, including Beyond Fest and Ultra Cinematheque 70. Universal Pictures promoted “The Odyssey” as a mythic action epic shot on IMAX film. Dolby highlighted its projection-booth upgrade.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Presenting Christopher Nolan’s latest epic in glorious 70mm on the largest traditional theatre screen in Los Angeles is an honor for the American Cinematheque,” — Grant Moninger, Artistic Director, American Cinematheque
- “The Village booth will be fitted with restored dual 70mm projectors to ensure a world-class presentation throughout the entire run.” — Grant Moninger, Artistic Director, American Cinematheque
- “There are many reasons to go to the movies, but few better than a three-week run of The Odyssey in 70mm at one of the most beautiful movie palaces in the country. This American Cinematheque series is a preview of what we hope the restored Village Theatre will become. A home for great filmmakers, great audiences, and the kind of theatrical experiences that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else. Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas were among the very first filmmakers to step in when the Village Theatre needed help. Their commitment to keeping the spirit of moviegoing alive continues to inspire us all.” — Jason Reitman, Director, Village Directors Circle
- “A home for great filmmakers, great audiences, and the kind of theatrical experiences that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else. Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas were among the very first filmmakers to step in when the Village Theatre needed help. Their commitment to keeping the spirit of moviegoing alive continues to inspire us all.” — Jason Reitman, Director, Village Directors Circle
Looking Ahead
Renovation is slated for completion in 2027, after which the Village Theatre will host screenings, festivals and industry events. The “The Odyssey” 70 mm run may serve as a model for historic cinemas seeking sustainable, community-focused programming.
