Vidiots, the non-profit film organization that operates the historic Eagle Theatre and video rental store in Los Angeles, will commence 40th anniversary celebrations this November — beginning with screenings of a slew of movies from its flagship year, 1985, paired with special guests, additional programming and a one-night-only comedy show. The org intends to continue anniversary events throughout the coming year.
The 40th Birthday Bash and Benefit on Nov. 13. The 1985-themed event will feature Vidiots’ resident DJs, a silent auction and a comedy show Salute to Vidiots hosted by Paul Scheer at the Eagle in East L.A. Additional guests in the show will include Ike Barinholtz, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Emily V. Gordon, Ify Nwadiwe, Kumail Nanjiani, Tai Leclaire and Timothy Simons. The evening will conclude with a dance party. Proceeds will help support the future of the organization.
Vidiots will continue its 1985 programming the following night with two screenings of Jonathan Lynn’s cult classic “Clue.” Cast members Colleen Camp and Michael McKean will make appearances. The following week, director Michael Schultz and cinematographer Ernest Dickerson will be present for the screening of their 1985 musical dramedy “Krush Groove” and Schultz’s musical martial arts picture “The Last Dragon” on Nov. 21.
Other 1985 classics screening through the month include “Lifeforce,” “Tampopo,“ “The Breakfast Club,” “Thief,” “Ran,” “Return to Oz,” “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “Explorers,” “Police Story,” “Fast Forward,” “Back to the Future” and “Sesame Street Presents Follow That Bird.”
In addition to the birthday celebrations, Vidiots will also offer its regular line-up of diverse screenings and events throughout November. This includes Día de los Muertos festivities on Nov. 2, featuring arts, crafts and Spanish screenings of “Coco” and “Macario”; an “Amadeus” screening and masquerade ball on Nov. 12; a remembering Diane Keaton series featuring “Baby Boom,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” “The Godfather” and “The Godfather: Part II” throughout the month and more.
