Special Guests

The experimental new music-driven documentary, This Is Buzz, is coming to The Frida Cinema! And stick around afterwards as we are joined for a special in-person Q&A with director Mark Pellington (The Mothman Prophecies, I Melt With You). The film illustrates the tale of the seismically influential, yet somehow forgotten, MTV slice of life docuseries BUZZ, which only ran for 13 episodes in 1990. The show took an experimental approach to uncovering often undiscussed corners of global life. With fast-paced edits giving the show an avant-garde feel, the series would tackle specific subjects with each entry. This dream-like almost subliminal feel pre-dated the media oversaturation we feel today as we are drawn to a constant conveyor belt of content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram which act to familiarize us with cultures around the world. And on top of it all, RuPaul was the show’s host!

Just added: legendary LA Times columnist Gustavo Arellano will be joining us in person to introduce the screening on Wednesday, September 16th @ 7:30PM! Mexico’s most iconic concert comes to U.S. theaters on September 15th and 16th, celebrating Mexican Independence Day and commemorating the 10th anniversary of Juan Gabriel’s passing. It's Juan Gabriel: Mi Primer Bellas Artes! Experience his legendary first performance at Mexico City’s “Palacio de Bellas Artes” in 1990—a landmark event that forever transformed Mexican music. More than three decades later, this historic concert returns in a special theatrical release with newly restored picture and sound, plus an exclusive new opening featuring never-before-seen rehearsal footage from Juan Gabriel’s personal archive that offers a unique glimpse into the making of this unforgettable night. Every song, every standing ovation, and every iconic moment has been revitalized, allowing longtime fans and new audiences to experience this extraordinary performance like never before. Celebrate the timeless legacy of Juan Gabriel on the big screen in this once-in-a-generation cinematic event.

We're presenting the brand new 4K restoration of Letty Lynton, starring the incomparable Joan Crawford, on September 19th! And joining us for a special pre-screening introduction for the film will be Kim Luperi, the co-author of the TCM/Running Press book Pre-Code Essentials: Must-See Cinema from Hollywood’s Untamed Era, 1930-1934!  Socialite Letty Lynton is returning to New York, abandoning one-time lover Emile Renaul in South America, when she strikes up a shipboard romance with Jerry Darrow. Renault is waiting for her in New York and will not leave her alone, so she poisons him. When detectives take her to the D.A.'s office, Jerry cooks up an alibi. After a 1936 copyright lawsuit found that MGM had plagiarized the play Dishonored Lady, the studio was barred from distributing the film. Unlike most "lost" films, Letty Lynton survived physically, but it was effectively unavailable legally for about 90 years. That long absence turned it into a holy grail for classic film fans. Join us in celebration!

Our fuzzy overlords return to the big screen with CatVideoFest 2026! What's CatVideoFest? Well...it's a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. Each year, across the country, local theaters partner with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare associations and shelters alike, donating a portion of ticket proceeds from every show goes directly to local cats in need.  This year, The Frida Cinema is partnering with local org Smitten With The Kittens, who will receive 20% of all tickets sold, plus will be taking additional donations in our lobby! 

Portal to Hell, the new indie horror gem, is coming to The Frida Cinema! And stick around the screening for a Q&A with writer/director Woody Bess and producer Lucas Ford! After a debt-collector finds a portal to hell in a washing machine at his local laundromat, he’s propositioned into feeding it sinners to save his neighbor’s soul, maybe even at the expense of his own. Check out the trailer below and come see it on the big screen!

From critically acclaimed filmmaker Andrew de Burgh (The Bestowal, The Twisted Doll) comes a love story inspired by Hollywood classics like Notting Hill, Casablanca, and La La Land! The Jazz Club tells the story of Jimmy, a jazz club owner, and Sarah, an advertising executive, who meet on the eve of their one year anniversary with opposing intentions. Starring Cayman Cardiff (National Lampoon's Alpha Academy) and Marie Elizabeth DeWitt (The Dreamer Cinderella), the film also features makeup design by Brittany Jamison-Lackey (Bridgerton) and sound design by Steve Campagna (Stranger Things).  This program is a venue rental engagement. The views and opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of The Frida Cinema or its staff. Frida Cinema member discounts and comp passes do not apply.

Get ready to relive one of the most iconic moments in dance and pop-culture history as Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo returns to the big screen for a special 42nd Anniversary Celebration at The Frida Cinema on Thursday, September 24! Join us for a celebration of the film, the culture, the music, and the legendary performers who helped bring breaking and street dance into the global spotlight. The evening will feature a rare and exciting live appearance by director Sam Firstenberg, alongside legendary co-star Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers, one of the most recognizable dancers to emerge from the golden era of breaking and street dance. The special event will be hosted by Vashawn Quinones, the son of the late co-star Alfonso “Shabadoo” Quinones, bringing together fans, dancers, filmmakers, and longtime supporters of the culture for an unforgettable night. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo exactly where it belongs: on the big screen, surrounded by people who understand its cultural impact. From its unforgettable dance sequences and larger-than-life characters to its infectious soundtrack and unmistakable 1980s energy, the film remains a beloved piece of dance-film history more than four decades after its original release. Following the screening, attendees will be treated to a live Q&A with Sam Firstenberg and Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers, offering a unique opportunity to hear firsthand stories from the people who were there when this landmark film was created. Event Schedule: 5:30 PM — Doors Open 6:00 PM — Showtime & Frida Cinema Staff Opening Message 7:35 PM — Live Q&A with Sam Firstenberg & Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers Whether you grew up watching Breakin’ 2, discovered it through the breaking community, or simply love the films that helped define an era, this 42nd Anniversary Celebration is an opportunity to experience the Electric Boogaloo phenomenon all over again, with two of the people who helped make it happen!

Join us for the Orange County premiere of Skweezy Jibbs Makes a Movie with the man himself, Skweezy Jibbs, live in person! Be among the first people to see the movie, and stay after for an exclusive Q&A with Skweezy himself as he keeps going on his US tour. One night only! Get your tickets before they're gone! Oddball internet legend Skweezy Jibbs is making the movie of his dreams. Unfortunately for him, he's got no money, no experience, no skill, and no filmmaking talent. When his controlling mother gets involved, Skweezy is forced to confront the very essence of who he is. GA Doors open at 7:00PM and the show starts at 7:30PM! Tickets are $20 to this event. Frida Cinema comp passes and member discounts do not apply.

Get ready for a Guillermo del Toro comic book double feature featuring Blade II and Hellboy II: The Golden Army, hosted by our buddy Jordan Morris!  First up, Wesley Snipes goes full vampire-hunting badass as Blade, forced to team up with his sworn enemies to battle a terrifying new breed of vampire. Then, after a ten minute intermission, Ron Perlman's beloved Hellboy returns alongside Liz and Abe Sapien to stop an ancient prince from unleashing an unstoppable army of supernatural creatures. Both films were directed by del Toro, showcasing the monster-loving imagination that would go on to define one of cinema's most distinctive auteurs. Two comic-book classics. Two armies of monsters. Two awesome movies. Don't miss these bad boys on the big screen!

Come one, come all to an evening of voodoo, vampires, revenge, and bloody burlesque as The Frida Cinema is teaming up with Peepshow Menagerie and Anastasia & Richard Elfman to present a ghoulish double feature extravaganza of 1990's Frankenhooker and 2024's Bloody Bridget!  Frankenhooker: A grief stricken med student builds the perfect woman from dead prostitutes...then discovers his resurrected bride has a killer mind of her own. Bloody Bridget: Richard Elflman’s wild, soon to be released, vampire burlesque horror/comedy. “Sucking blood only whets her appetite, she must eat their beating hearts!" Make sure to get there early for the first feature, as we have the Peepshow Menagerie pre-show, a burlesque performance from Pinky Petite as Frankenhooker, AND as an introduction for the film by Fangoria writer Pat Jankiewicz! And then, after Frankenhooker and a brief intermission, there will be live music by Richard Elfman and his band as well as a very special burlesque act by Anastasia Elfman! And finally, after both films, there will be a very special Q&A with Anastasia & Richard Elfman!

DancinDan Productions and Daryl Roth announce the premiere of Bea Arthur: The Documentary - "I've Done Everything Except Porn", a new documentary offering an intimate look at the life and career of Emmy and Tony Award-winning performer Bea Arthur. And stick around after the film for a Q&A with director/producer Dan Watt!   The film is built around a never‑before‑seen interview with Arthur, paired with new conversations from colleagues and friends who worked alongside her throughout her remarkable career. From her early days at The New School, to her groundbreaking work in off‑Broadway, Broadway, cabaret, and television, the documentary traces Arthur’s evolution into one of entertainment’s most distinctive voices.   Audiences will revisit her iconic roles as Maude and Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls, her Tony‑winning turn as Vera Charles in Mame, and her decades‑long advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. The film reveals the Bea Arthur few ever saw: sharp, compassionate, fiercely intelligent, and deeply committed to the causes she championed.   Produced by 2024 Emmy Award–winner Dan Watt and Tony & Pulitzer Prize-winner Daryl Roth, the documentary celebrates a woman whose career defied expectations and whose influence continues to resonate across generations.