Oscar-nominated actor and filmmaker Kristen Stewart is stepping into a new role offscreen as the owner of one of Los Angeles’ historic neighborhood movie houses. Stewart has purchased the Highland Theatre in Highland Park, a nearly century-old cinema at 5604 N. Figueroa St. that closed in spring 2 024 after struggling to rebound from pandemic-era losses. The 1925 venue, designed by architect Lewis Arthur Smith, joins a growing list of locally rooted theaters being revived by filmmakers and industry creatives across the region. In a recent Instagram video interview with Architectural Digest, Stewart described the acquisition as an effort to create a space centered on community and local voices, particularly during a time when many Angelenos feel disconnected from traditional film spaces. “There’s no way to have this conversation without leaning fully into some of the darker aspects of it,” Stewart said. “There are people that make this place live and survive who don’t feel safe walking down the street… These are our people. We want and deserve more spaces that feel super local, places where you can say what you want to say. I’d like to set the stage for that to happen.” The Highland Theatre, which opened in 1925, was among several independent cinemas impacted by shifting moviegoing habits in recent years. Former owner Dan Akarakian confirmed the closure last year after attendance failed to return to pre-2020 levels. Before shutting its doors, the triplex screened films including “Madame Web,” “Bob Marley: One Love” and “Lisa Frankenstein.” Stewart, a Los Angeles native who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, has said she plans to restore the building while preserving its historic character. The project reflects a trend of filmmakers investing in local exhibition spaces: director Quentin Tarantino owns both the New Beverly Cinema and the Vista Theatre, while a coalition of filmmakers led by Jason Reitman purchased Westwood’s Village Theatre in 2024. While details about the Highland Theatre’s reopening timeline have not yet been announced, Stewart has framed the effort as an opportunity to reimagine how audiences gather around film, not only as consumers, but as participants in a shared creative community. Related Articles Noah Kahan is coming to the Rose Bowl Stadium L.A. County Fair 2026: The lineup of concerts coming to the Fairplex Kid Cudi is bringing The Rebel Ragers Tour to the Crypto.com Arena K-pop girl group Twice delivers on first of 4 concerts at Kia Forum VinylCon! returns to Los Angeles this Spring ...read more read less