Kristen Stewart has embarked on a surprising new venture, acquiring the historic Highland Theatre in Los Angeles' Highland Park neighbourhood. This move comes shortly after the actress voiced intentions to potentially leave the United States, citing growing apprehensions about the film industry's future under Donald Trump.
A Cinematic Sanctuary in Los Angeles
The Oscar-nominated actress and filmmaker stepped in to rescue the nearly century-old cinema, which closed its doors last year after failing to recover from pandemic-era challenges. Former owner Dan Akarakian confirmed to the Los Angeles Times in March 2024 that the triplex cinema could not sustain operations as business levels remained below pre-2020 figures.
Stewart described her unexpected connection to the project in Architectural Digest this month, stating: 'I didn't realize I was looking for a theater until this place came to my attention. Then it was like a gunshot went off and the race was on. I ran toward it with everything I had.' She expressed particular fascination with 'broken-down old theaters' and the mysteries they contain.
Architectural Heritage and Community Vision
Originally opening in 1925 and designed by architect Lewis Arthur Smith, the Highland Theatre represents one of many casualties in Los Angeles' struggling theatrical landscape. Stewart's acquisition transcends mere real estate investment, with the star envisioning the renovated space as a communal hub for filmmakers and audiences alike.
'This project is about creating a new school and restructuring our processes, finding a better way forward,' Stewart explained. 'We want to make it a family affair, something for the community. It's not just for pretentious Hollywood cinephiles.'
The actress, who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, emphasised her commitment to restoring the theatre's historic details while injecting new life into the building. 'There are so many beautiful details that need to be restored,' she noted. 'There's a way to bring the building back to life in a way that embraces its history but also brings something new to the neighborhood and something new to the whole LA film community.'
Industry Concerns and Political Tensions
Stewart's theatre purchase arrives amidst her vocal concerns about working within the American film industry. In a recent Sunday Times interview, the Twilight star revealed she could not envision remaining in the United States, specifically referencing Trump's rhetoric and proposed policies targeting Hollywood.
Last year, Trump announced intentions to impose a 100 percent tariff on movies produced outside the United States, labelling them a 'National Security threat,' despite the industry's frequent international filming practices. Stewart branded this proposal 'terrifying' and suggested it might compel her to relocate abroad to continue filmmaking.
When questioned about her plans to stay in the United States, Stewart responded: 'Probably not. I can't work freely there.' However, she clarified she has no intention of completely abandoning American audiences, adding: 'But I don't want to give up completely. I'd like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people.'
Historical Context and Industry Alignment
Stewart now joins a select group of filmmakers investing in preserving Los Angeles' cinema culture, including Quentin Tarantino, who owns both the New Beverly Cinema and the Vista Theatre. Her passion for reimagining Hollywood's future has been a consistent theme during promotion for her feature directorial debut, The Chronology of Water.
'The narrow path that's been forged has to be broadened, not by tokenized diversity but by doing things really differently,' Stewart told Architectural Digest. 'We can't keep making the same movie over and over again. And we can't turn our backs on the people who are most in need.'
The actress also reflected on her unusual history with Trump, dating back to 2012 when he publicly criticised her during her highly publicised breakup with Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson. At the time, Trump fired off multiple social media posts targeting Stewart's personal life, including one stating: 'Robert Pattinson should not take Kristen Stewart back. She cheated on him like a dog & will do it again–just watch. He can do much better!'
Years later, Stewart described the episode as surreal while speaking to Variety on the day of Trump's inauguration. 'He was mad at me a couple years ago, really obsessed with me a couple years ago, which is f***ing crazy. What?' she said. 'I can't even understand it… It's insane.' She later humorously addressed the bizarre chapter while hosting Saturday Night Live in February 2017.
