The American Cinematheque is an independent, non-profit cultural organization in Los Angeles dedicated exclusively to the public presentation of the Moving Image in all its forms. It is considered among the premier organizations of its kind in America.
The Cinematheque was created in 1981 as an offshoot of the annual Filmex Los Angeles Film Festival which ran every year 1971-1983. After five years of fund-raising and planning, the Cinematheque launched its first series of screenings in 1987. It presents festivals and retrospectives that screen the best of worldwide cinema, video and television from the past and present - ranging from the classics to the outer frontiers of the art form. In addition to presenting and celebrating all aspects of the Moving Picture on the big screen - the Cinematheque also provides a forum where film-lovers and students can hear the world's leading filmmakers, actors, writers, editors, cinematographers and others discussing their work and craft.