Filmmaker Documented Independent Movie Theaters
Rustin Thompson captured the stories of 123 independent cinemas across the American West in a new documentary film.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Documentary
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Filmmaker Rustin Thompson traveled over 10,000 miles through 10 states to document the state of independent theaters. His new film, The Last Picture Shows, highlights the resilience of cinemas struggling to remain operational.
Why it matters
The project documents the cultural and economic challenges facing small, independent movie houses that attempt to survive despite operating hurdles. Thompson shifted the film's focus after witnessing these theaters persist through adversity.
The documentary features 123 distinct movie theaters visited during production. The project spanned 10 states and involved travel exceeding 10,000 miles over two years of summer filming.
The players
Rustin Thompson
He is the filmmaker who produced the documentary focused on independent cinemas.
David and Kim Lockhart
They are the owners of the Monte Rio Theater and Extravaganza featured in the documentary.
The details
Thompson used a low-budget production style relying on natural light to capture the theaters. Research for the project relied on the Cinema Treasures online archive and a Rand McNally map to locate the sites.
Timeline
Filming occurred during the summers of 2023 and 2024.
The film screened at the Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival in April 2026.
A screening is scheduled at the Balboa Theater in San Francisco on September 20, 2026.
A screening is scheduled at Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol on September 22, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The film joins a growing trend of preservation-focused media highlighting the vulnerability of physical cultural spaces. This project underscores the industry's shift toward documenting independent institutions as they navigate competition from streaming services and corporate multiplexes.
Viewers can attend screenings at participating venues to experience the film in a theatrical setting. Ticket prices for the Sebastopol screening are set at $16 for adults and $14 for children and seniors.
The takeaway
Small independent theaters remain vital cultural hubs that often struggle against modern economic pressures. Supporting these local businesses can help preserve the unique history of film exhibition in the American West.
What happens next
Additional screenings are slated for locations across California, including the Balboa Theater in San Francisco on September 20, 2026, and the Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol on September 22, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more films in the Documentary section for additional context on current cinema trends.
More information
To purchase tickets for upcoming showings, visit the theatrical screening ticket portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
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