Kristen Stewart—best known for the Twilight franchise and a wide range of independent films—has confirmed that she has purchased the historic Highland Theatre, located in the vibrant Highland Park area of Los Angeles.

The news, revealed in the March issue of Architectural Digest, quickly sparked excitement within the American film community—especially at a time when independent cinemas are struggling to survive amid mounting pressure from major entertainment conglomerates.

Opened in 1925, the Highland Theatre was once a beloved local gathering place before closing its doors in 2024. Years of neglect have left the building in need of extensive restoration if it is to reopen.

Preserving a Piece of America’s Cinematic Heritage
Speaking to Architectural Digest, Stewart said she had never planned on buying a movie theater—until she encountered Highland Theatre.
“I didn’t realize I was looking for a cinema until this one appeared in front of me,” she said. “Everything happened like a gunshot going off. I jumped in with everything I had.”

She explained that she has always been drawn to aging theaters—spaces layered with history and “mysteries that only reveal themselves when you really look closely.”

Stewart emphasized that her goal goes beyond restoring a historic building. She wants to transform the theater into a shared community space—a hub for meeting, creating, and exchanging ideas.
“I want it to be a gathering point, a place where people can dream together and connect,” she said. “This isn’t a venue reserved for elite cinephiles. I see it as an antidote to the commercialization that’s swallowing film culture.”

According to Stewart, moviegoing in the U.S. has become heavily dictated by commerce—from operating models to audience access. Her vision is to reclaim cinema’s spiritual and communal value.
“The demand for a place like this is huge,” she added. “People are craving a sense of community, a space that isn’t driven by the market. My goal is to create something new—something that contributes differently to the filmmaking community across Los Angeles. That’s the point of reviving this theater: to give birth to new ideas.”

A Commitment to Los Angeles’ Indie Film Scene
The decision also underscores Stewart’s continued connection to Los Angeles, despite her frequent comments about wanting to work more in Europe. Just last week, she joked about making films in Europe and then “shoving them down the throats of American audiences.” Buying the Highland Theatre, however, signals her tangible support for the city’s independent film ecosystem.

Notably, Highland Park currently has no other movie theaters, despite being a lively neighborhood filled with bars, cafés, and restaurants. Nearby areas such as Eagle Rock are home to Vidiots, while Silver Lake hosts the Vista Theatre, operated by Quentin Tarantino. Glendale and Pasadena are served by arthouse chains like Laemmle and Landmark—but the distance makes Highland Theatre a crucial cultural space for local residents.

For many film lovers, Kristen Stewart’s move is more than a real estate purchase—it’s a statement of faith in communal cinema, artistic risk, and the enduring power of shared moviegoing experiences.