Independent Rialto Cinemas Defies Closure Trends in the Bay Area

Independent theaters across the United States face increasing challenges from rising operational costs and competition from streaming services. In this evolving landscape, **Rialto Cinema**, with its three locations in the Bay Area, has managed to not only survive but thrive. The theater group, which includes the **Elmwood Theater** in Berkeley, the **Cerrito Theater** in El Cerrito, and **Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol**, has become a haven for cinephiles and those seeking unique cinematic experiences.

**Ky J. Boyd**, the director of Rialto Cinema, attributes the success of the independent theater to its carefully curated film selections. “You open your doors and hope people come and like what you have to show,” Boyd explained. He believes that despite the changing landscape of film consumption, there remains a significant value in experiencing cinema in a communal setting.

Boyd’s passion for film began in his childhood, sparked by the Disney classic **“The Aristocats.”** Over the years, his love for cinema evolved to emphasize independent films, documentaries, and foreign language cinema. In 2000, Boyd opened **Rialto Cinemas Lakeside** in Santa Rosa, which operated successfully for more than a decade until its closure due to lease expiration. The success of the Lakeside led to the acquisition of Elmwood Theater in **2007** and Cerrito Theater in **2009**, culminating in the opening of the Sebastopol location in **2012**.

The charm of Rialto Cinema’s venues lies in their historic architecture and unique offerings. The Elmwood Theater often showcases independent films and documentaries, while the Cerrito Theater features popular titles such as the recent hit **“Barbie.”** One notable screening included the documentary **“The Last Class,”** which sold out multiple showings, highlighting the theater’s ability to attract audiences through engaging content.

The theaters are not just about the films; they also provide a unique viewing experience. At the Cerrito location, patrons can enjoy a range of food options delivered directly to their seats. Boyd emphasizes the importance of creating enjoyable spaces for viewers, stating, “Creating and maintaining enjoyable spaces where viewers can watch a variety of films is vital.”

Staff members, many of whom are passionate about film, contribute to the theater’s welcoming atmosphere. **Victoria Carton**, a concession clerk at Elmwood, shared, “Even if it’s not a sold-out showing, people showing up matters. We have to make art. That’s how you get your cult classics.”

Despite the success of Rialto Cinema, the broader context for independent theaters in the region is concerning. In **2023**, the closure of the **Albany Twin** left the city without a theater, joining a series of closures by **Landmark Theatres**, which shuttered two other locations in Berkeley. The last downtown movie house in Berkeley, the **United Artists Theater**, also closed permanently, raising worries about the future of independent cinema in the area.

Boyd acknowledges the need for housing in the community but expresses concern over the impact on small businesses. “The more valuable the land gets, the more likely it is that landlords will hike up rents,” he stated. He highlighted the importance of preserving the unique character of neighborhoods such as the Elmwood District, where walkability and community identity are paramount.

Rialto Cinema has managed to weather various challenges, including a fire in the 1980s and a flood in the 1990s. More recently, the theaters navigated the global pandemic, which disrupted film production and forced many establishments to close. Through it all, community support has played a crucial role in Rialto’s resilience.

As Boyd puts it, “It’s always a gamble. Believe me, there are parts I don’t love, but at the end of the day the positives outweigh the negatives.” The dedication of Boyd and his team ensures that Rialto Cinema will remain a cherished destination for movie lovers in the Bay Area.