Long before L.A. became obsessed with "outdoor experiences," Cinespia was already turning moviegoing into a cultural event. Thousands of guests dance beneath the stars as DJs spin records across the lawn of Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Picnic blankets stretch across the grass as guests dressed as cult classic characters take photos beneath the night sky, while crowds quote iconic lines from their favorite films in unison. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, what began as a single outdoor screening has evolved into one of the city's most beloved cinematic traditions, redefining what a watch party could look and feel like for an entire generation of Angelenos.
It all started with a nerve racking showing of Alfred Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train." Cinespia founder John Wyatt had already built a growing circle of filmophiles searching for a new way to experience classic cinema outside of the theater. Fittingly, the event took place at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, home to a cenotaph honoring the legendary filmmaker himself. Watching films inside a cemetery in the early 2000 was completely unheard of but Wyatt's vision came to life thanks to a mix of curiosity and community support.
"The first night I was busy working — spinning some records, passing the hat for donations and just getting feedback from friends as the night went on, " Wyatt recalls.
"But by the end of the film, something had clearly shifted. There was this enthusiastic, really cool audience energy. I didn't know for sure it would turn into something lasting decades, but I felt this energy from the crowd that said, 'We want this.'"
Photo: Courtesy of Cinespia / Kelly Lee Barrett Photo: Courtesy of Cinespia / Kelly Lee Barrett Photo: Courtesy of Cinespia / Kelly Lee Barrett Photo: Courtesy of Cinespia / Kelly Lee Barrett Photo: Courtesy of Cinespia / Kelly Lee Barrett Photo: Courtesy of Cinespia / Kelly Lee Barrett Photo: Courtesy of Cinespia / Kelly Lee Barrett Photo: Courtesy of Cinespia / Kelly Lee Barrett
That first outdoor experiment marked a turning point for the film club, as they spent the next two decades showcasing more than 500 flicks to nearly a million locals, visitors and cinephiles. While the cemetery remains its signature home, the venue lineup expanded over the years to include spaces like the Rose Bowl, L.A. Historic Park and multiple theaters in DTLA.
Over the past 25 years, Cinespia has evolved far beyond a traditional screening series by blending nightlife, music, fashion and entertainment. While the iconic lineup may draw guests in, the atmosphere surrounding each night has become just as legendary. From curated DJ sets by names like Cut Chemist and Peanut Butter Wolf that turn the lawn into a dance party, to surprise appearances from actors, directors, comedians and musicians that make every showing feel like its own red carpet premiere.
Cinespia has become a summertime staple woven into the fabric of the city itself. It's also snuck it's way into the spooky season! Even the Uncover Los Angeles team has experienced multiple memorable screenings over the years , from the beloved slumber party double feature celebrating Kirsten Dunst to "Top Gun" Fourth of July fireworks lighting up the sky and the tribute of the beloved classic, "The First Wives Club" honoring the late Diane Keaton. Attending has become something of a bucket-list experience for Angelenos and visitors alike, where everyone can gather not only to watch, but to collectively celebrate cinema, community and the city's deep connection to entertainment.
Ahead of the milestone anniversary, Wyatt sat down with Uncover Los Angeles to reflect on the legacy of Cinespia and the moments that transformed this one-off outdoor screening idea into one of L.A.'s most iconic cultural experiences.
Photo of John
Let's go back to Los Angeles in 2002. Cinespia is hosting its first-ever screening of Strangers on a Train at the historic Hollywood Forever Cemetery. What was running through your mind that night, and did you ever imagine it would become such an L.A. institution 25 years later?
JW: "I was worried about something going wrong. But, by the end of the movie, I felt like it was really special, there was this enthusiastic, really cool audience energy. It felt like something special, like this could really become something. I decided right then to do it as much as possible."
From the venues to the movie magic, Cinespia feels uniquely L.A. What makes the experience resonate so deeply with Angelenos?
JW: "I think it's our history. Hollywood Forever has so many people from the movie industry. The Rose Bowl is an iconic historic place for L.A., and L.A. Historic Park literally has 'historic' in the name. All of these places are connected to movie making and entertainment. The Broadway theaters aren't even used for movies anymore, so bringing people into these theaters that are over 100 years old is something people don't usually get to do, and they appreciate that. The cemetery also isn't open at night, so it's a special ticket into these historical places you normally don't access. Angelenos are smart, creative, movie-loving people. This town has a lot of people who appreciate the experience. We've been really happy to deliver so many movies over the years. It's something everyone kind of knows about, having a place where we can all get together."
Can you tell us about the early beginnings of Cinespia, from film club to phenomenon? When did you realize you were creating a movement, not just a screening series?
JW: "We started adding things, beginning with showing classic films and making it really fun, luring people in to watch movies that they might not have seen before. Then we started with adding experiences like DJs and music, offering a unique experience that combined film, picnics and guest DJs like Questlove and Prince Paul. The music program has always been a huge part of it."
What other experiences did you add to the series that made the screenings feel even more special?
JW: "About 15 years ago, we started adding photo booths and production elements to bring the films to life with professional lighting and backdrops, encouraging people to dress up and take free photos. We also highlighted the architecture of Hollywood Forever, which added to the experience. It takes movies out of the stuffy theater and creates a party environment."
Cinespia has become a rite of passage for so many Angelenos: first dates, birthdays, friend hangouts, even tourists visiting the city. What stories from guests have stayed with you over the years?
JW: "First dates — couples who met at Cinespia and now bring their kids. We hope we're creating little cinephiles. Every year we do Slumber Party night, we've been doing that for 12 years. One time an elderly women and middle-aged women came up to me at a Slumber Party event and told me that they use this event as a family reunion. They meet here every year, and that made me feel really proud."
After 25 years, what is your personal favorite Cinespia moment? Was it a special screening, surprise guest or favorite venue?
JW: "During last year's "Sinners" screening, Ryan Coogler once shared that he used to come to Cinespia as an aspiring filmmaker and dreamed of one day having his own films screened here. So that was pretty special seeing him fulfill that. Ben Stiller once showed up in character as Zoolander with a marching band, and the USC marching band performed. Everyone just went wild."
What's one dream screening or collaboration you still hope to make happen someday?
JW: "There's a lot of things we're still working on, so I can't reveal too much. We're always trying to keep surprises and not pull back the curtain too far. It's fun seeing people experience the unexpected and watching talent react in real time. That's something you don't get very often."
What can Angelenos expect from Cinespia over the next 25 years? Bigger screenings, new locations, surprise experiences, anything you can tease?
JW: "Let me think, we're doing a lot more of what we've been doing. We're going to continue doing interesting artist collaborations, working with L.A.-based creators and celebrating L.A. culture, the city, the creatives and iconic locations. We're also exploring collaborations with multimedia artists and brands, even things like custom projects with See's Candies. More L.A.-driven collaborations."
What is something that you would love to say to all of the Angelenos and guests who've been attending the Cinespia for over 25 years?
JW: "I just want to say thank you. They're the best audience in the world. Every screening is so fun. We wouldn't be out there without them. Whether it's your first time or your 25th year, we're always impressed by the costumes, the dancing, the laughter, and the emotion. It makes me really proud of our city."
