February 24, 2020
A San Diego destination for indie films for more than 70 years, the Ken Cinema is scheduled to shutter next month in Kensington.
A San Diego mecca for art house, avant-garde, and indie films, the Ken Cinema first opened its doors in 1946 and was the only theater to bring foreign films to San Diego at the time. The single-screen, 300-seat movie house has been operated by Los Angeles-based specialized movie company Landmark Theatres since 1975. The Ken was scheduled to close back in 2014 due an inability to negotiate a new lease, but Landmark eventually came to terms with building owner the Berkun Family Trust. Designed by architect S. Charles Lee in Art Moderne style, the Ken is the oldest movie house in the city and also the last single-screen theater in all of San Diego."After long consideration and much effort, we regret that we are unable to continue operating the Ken Cinema," send Landmark Theatres in an email announcing the closure of Ken Cinema. "The company recognizes what a cherished asset the Ken has been to the neighboring community. The changing theatrical landscape and challenges to independent exhibition are the major contributing factors. Landmark will continue to program many of the independent, specialized and foreign films that play the Ken at the Hillcrest Cinemas in San Diego. Landmark is appreciative of the years of our customer’s support and we look forward to continuing serving our audience at the Hillcrest Cinemas."
