Ken Cinema Update

It is now official. Landmark Theatres and the Berkun Family Trust have both confirmed that they have reached a new agreement and the venerable Ken Cinema will remain under Landmark Theatres' operation.

Here is the statement issued by Landmark Theatres:

Landmark Theatres, Property Owners, Barry Green and Randi Hock along with Torrey Pines Property Management President, Chip Crandall are happy to announce today that they have come to terms ensuring that the Ken Cinema will remain open for many years to come. According to Ted Mundorff, President and CEO, Landmark Theatres, “the community spoke and we listened. Because of the outrage to the closing of this beloved theatre, it caused Landmark and the Berkun family to sit down and get it done.” In addition, Landmark is looking to implement several upgrades to the theatre including a new digital system and luxurious seating. This weekend, the theatre has scheduled a special ‘thank you’ celebration of their patrons favorite films including screenings of Seven Samurai, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Lawrence of Arabia, The Big Lebowski and Singin’ in the Rain. “Now instead of a sad celebration, this weekend will be filled with smiles and gratitude”, added Mundorff.

The film program for the weekend that had looked like a wake will now be a full blown celebration. But if you stop by the theater on Monday and find its doors shut, don't panic.

"We will be down after the celebration, Monday through Thursday," Mundorff noted in an email. "Not sure we will get the projection done [the digital projection upgrade], but hoping. The other upgrades will be coming throughout the year. Hopefully not losing more than a night."

The news comes after Mundorff and Green, a member of the Berkun Trust that owns The Ken Cinema building, met Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the theater.

Hours later, Green told KPBS in an email that Landmark would be controlling the message but that they had "made some progress."

The weekend of films that had been planned as Ken's swan song include "The Seven Samurai" and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."

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Beth Accomando

Arts & Culture Reporter

I cover arts and culture, from Comic-Con to opera, from pop entertainment to fine art, from zombies to Shakespeare. I am interested in going behind the scenes to explore the creative process; seeing how pop culture reflects social issues; and providing a context for art and entertainment.

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