Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Weekly What To: What Thing Are You Gonna Put Popcorn In?

 
APOCALYPSE IN THE TROPICS and ALL THE EMPTY ROOMS
January 14, 2026, 2:00 P.M.
The Michelle and Kevin Douglas IMAX Theatre, RZC 119, Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts, 3131 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Free, Must RSVP

When does a democracy end, and a theocracy begin? In Apocalypse in the Tropics, director Petra Costa takes us on a decade-long journey through the spiritual and political upheaval of Brazil. What begins as a search for signs of life in a fragile democracy transforms into a deeper inquiry into the seductions of power, prophecy and belief. Costa gains extraordinary access to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former President Jair Bolsonaro and the nation’s magnetic televangelist Silas Malafaia.
 
Fri, Jan 16, 2026 7 pm - 9 pm PT
LACMA
$10; Members: $8
 
On January 16, 2026, Darren Walker and Los Angeles artist Mark Bradford will share insights on the museum as a vibrant community hub, exploring how spaces can spark dialogue, creativity, and connection.

(Dis)placement: Fluctuations of Home, Part II
A Nice Place / Parasite
Sat Jan 17, 7:30 p.m.
Billy Wilder Theater
Free 

Sociologist and filmmaker Cho Uhn documents four generations of a family repeatedly displaced from Seoul’s hillside slum, tracing their struggle for stability. Next, Bong Joon-ho’s masterpiece follows the working-class Kim family as they infiltrate a wealthy household, peeling back layers of class, envy and survival with surgical precision.
 
Sun Jan 18, 7 p.m.
Billy Wilder Theater
Free 

Both 35mm! In this Hong Kong ghost film, a vengeful woman returns from the dead to haunt her unfaithful actor-husband on the set of his film. He and his crew enlist a stagehand skilled in Taoist magic for help. Followed by a legendary samurai film, an English-dubbed, recut version of the first two Japanese Lone Wolf and Cub films (1972).

In person: Introduction by guest programmer Janet Louie, Ph.D. candidate, Harvard University.
 
Sat, Jan 17 @ 9:45 pm
Eagle Theatre - Vidiots
$13 
 
Vidiots wants to add a little spice to your January as we welcome back Vidiots Hornyfest. Join us for a month of movies that will keep you smoldering all winter long. Is it an extra hot winter, or is it just Vidiots Hornyfest?

Get kinky with Vidiots as we submit to the twisted laughs and thrills of this indie cult classic that explores the complexities of sexuality – with a wink and a kink. Maggie Gyllenhaal is remarkable as Lee, a woman who goes from a stint in a mental institution, to the office, to the bedroom, and still manages to command the screen and the off-kilter material. 
 
 
Buffy’s Birthday Bash
Saturday, January 17, 2026
IATSE Local 80
2520 West Olive Ave
Burbank, CA 91505
Tickets
($35.56 including taxes and fees)
 
Buffy's Turning 45 and We're Throwing one HELL of a Party! Join us in Burbank, California for a Slayer-level celebration filled with trivia, cosplay contests, karaoke, vendors, prizes, and birthday cake. A perfect night out for Buffy fans across Los Angeles and Southern California.
 

In person: Guillermo Del Toro, George Stevens Jr.
Sat, Jan 17, 2026 | 2pm PT
David Geffen Theater
$5
 
The George Stevens Lecture on Directing presents the premiere screening of the beautiful 4K restoration of The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) with special guest filmmaker Guillermo del Toro speaking about Stevens's career; the restoration of the film on its 60th anniversary; and the lasting impact of the film. The penultimate feature from the two-time Best Directing winner (A Place in the Sun, Giant) is a lavishly produced and unusually thoughtful look at the life and teachings of Jesus, with Max von Sydow making his US film debut in a subtly powerful lead performance. The film received five Oscar nominations, including for William Mellor and Loyal Griggs for Cinematography in 65mm Ultra Panavision Technicolor.
 
ANIME Impulse Los Angeles 2026
Sat, Jan 17, 2026 - Sun, Jan 18, 2026 
Fairplex - Park at Gate 9
2118 N White Ave, Pomona, CA, 91768
$tarts at $50 for a 2 day pass, but you do get access to K-PLAY! FEST & Collectors Expo
 
The second anime convention of the year is already here. If you missed Anime LA, you've got another anime convention to attend.
 
"Prepare for the ultimate weekend of anime and pop culture magic—a one-of-a-kind celebration that every fan absolutely must experience! ANIME Impulse™ (アニメ インパルス) is where fandom comes to life, combining the thrill of anime, manga, video games, and pop culture into an unforgettable adventure.

Lose yourself in our massive Vendor Hall and Artist Alley, overflowing with exclusive merch and jaw-dropping fan art. Get up close and personal with iconic voice actors, cosplayers, influencers, and streamers. Feel the energy of nonstop live entertainment lighting up the main stage, and indulge in a feast of flavors from an endless selection of delicious food vendors."
 
Crash Landings: Three From Sam Raimi
Series | A SIMPLE PLAN, ARMY OF DARKNESS, SEND HELP
January 17 - January 23, 2026
Aero Theatre
Los Feliz Theatre
 
The American Cinematheque in partnership with Beyond Fest is delighted to welcome filmmaker Sam Raimi for a series of the works that established him as a visionary director and ultimately propelled him into the spotlight as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished franchise filmmakers. Our series will culminate with a screening and in-person Q&A for Raimi’s newest film SEND HELP. 
 
"Bring Your Own Bucket

Ready to celebrate National Popcorn Day? We got you. BYOBucket into theatres 1/18 and 1/19 and we’ll fill it up with regular popcorn or kettle corn (available in select locations) for just $5! 🍿

Get creative with it— any container can be a bucket, including a Lowe’s 5-gallon blue bucket. And just for bringing in your Lowe’s bucket, you’ll get a FREE medium popcorn when you buy any medium fountain drink.*"
 
 
 
 Even More To Do:
 
Oct 5, 2025 – Mar 1, 2026
HAMMER MUSEUM
10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
90024
Free for good

Made in L.A. 2025 is the seventh iteration of the Hammer’s signature biennial exhibition that showcases artists practicing throughout the greater Los Angeles area. The 28 participants in the exhibition present work not only made in the city but also grounded in its complex and unfolding terrain. Neither myth nor monolith, Los Angeles is many things to many people, and its dissonance is perhaps its most distinguishing feature. The works presented in this year’s biennial include film, painting, theater, choreography, photography, sculpture, sound, and video. Attitude draws them together: Each engages with this city in ways alternately literal, formal, material, and metaphoric. Conceived or made in Los Angeles, they are of this city and nowhere else.
 
  
Free Hours at the Autry
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m.
Update: During this Wildfire season, The Autry closes off, please check day of event

Let the Autry cover your next visit with Free Hours at the Autry. Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. will be free to all Autry visitors. Enjoy access to all the Autry's exhibitions including Imagined Wests, Reclaiming El Camino and more by reserving your spot today!
 

Thanks to the generous support of the Autry Foundation, Free Hours at the Autry* are every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m.
 
UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.



 
Little Tokyo Farmers' Market Saturdays
9:00 am - 2:00 pm every Sat
Isamu Noguchi Plaza
244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free
 
"Join us at the Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market, a vibrant new Saturday tradition in the heart of Little Tokyo. Presented in partnership by JACCC and Food Access LA, this weekly market brings together fresh, affordable produce, rich cultural experiences, and meaningful community connection."
 

 

American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.
 


Check out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level. Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán. & Rooftop Cinema Club

 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style
 
Brain Dead Studios-manages to fill its schedule almost every night
611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
 
Vidiots -A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema. A small theater is more than made-up for with the constant content and special screenings.
4884 Eagle Rock Blvd