Story perspectives

Doc “Last Picture Shows” Wins Jury Award, Spotlights Small-Town Theaters

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Filmmaker Rustin Thompson released “The Last Picture Shows,” a documentary on small-town theaters.
He visited 123 theaters, found half closed, and filmed the Desert theater in Burns, Oregon (1948) and Winthrop’s Barnyard Cinema.
The film won a jury award at the Arizona International Film Festival and booked runs in New York and Los Angeles.
Owner Tiny Pedersen reported a 19-person turnout and, with Rachel Price, arranged free fundraising screenings.

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Story summary

Filmmaker Rustin Thompson released “The Last Picture Shows,” a documentary on small-town theaters.
He visited 123 theaters, found half closed, and filmed the Desert theater in Burns, Oregon (1948) and Winthrop’s Barnyard Cinema.
The film won a jury award at the Arizona International Film Festival and booked runs in New York and Los Angeles.
Owner Tiny Pedersen reported a 19-person turnout and, with Rachel Price, arranged free fundraising screenings.