As summer heats up in Los Angeles, the city finds itself at the crossroads of intense political unrest and the lingering aftermath of this year’s devastating wildfires. But amidst the chaos, Cinespia’s summer film screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery offer a unique space of respite and transformation for thousands of Angelenos.
Now celebrating his 10th year as creative director at Cinespia, Navid Sinaki described the screenings as a “transformative experience.” He emphasized how the events provide more than escapism—offering warmth, community, and an electric energy that unites people regardless of the surrounding tension.
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“Even to me, having worked there for 10 years, it’s strange when I tell people that the cemetery is my happy place,” Sinaki said. “But truly, it’s more than escapism. It’s about shared experience.”
The programming is far from random. Ahead of the sold-out 30th anniversary screening of Showgirls, Sinaki explained the emotional responsibility of curating films for a live audience of 4,000. He described the balancing act of deciding whether a film should end with reflection or celebration.
“We think about how the movie ends and what kind of energy will remain,” he noted. “Sometimes you want a contemplative night, and sometimes you just need a party.”
Saturday’s Showgirls screening will feature a lavish Caesars-themed photo booth—though Sinaki joked that a stripper pole idea was abandoned due to safety concerns.
The full summer lineup includes:
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Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (June 21)
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Casablanca (June 28)
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Top Gun (July 4)
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La La Land (July 5)
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It (July 12)
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Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion (July 19)
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The Addams Family (July 26)
These events come at a volatile time. LA Mayor Karen Bass recently issued dusk-to-dawn curfews in downtown LA following President Trump’s deployment of nearly 5,000 troops to the area during protests against ICE raids. These actions were widely criticized by Governor Gavin Newsom, who condemned the President’s overreach and called for the return of state control over the National Guard.
On June 11, the situation escalated as ICE raids led to multiple detentions, sparking further demonstrations. While a federal judge initially sided with Newsom in returning control to the state, an appeals court overturned the ruling, setting up a critical June 17 hearing.
In this context, Cinespia’s events feel all the more vital—not only as entertainment but as a space for Angelenos to gather safely, process collective emotions, and celebrate their resilience.
