Matías Bombal, standing inside the Orinda Theatre, is seeking memories of the Orinda Theatre for a book he is working on.
As a syndicated radio movie critic and film programmer of the Orinda Theatre’s monthly classic movies, I’ve been tasked with writing a history of the Orinda Theatre.
The impetus was the forthcoming San Francisco Silent Film Festival in November, which will use the Orinda for several days for this year’s festival. As a result, hundreds of people will travel from all parts of the globe to attend the popular event in Orinda for the very first time.
The idea was presented that a book commemorating the theatre’s history should be produced and sold at the theatre during the festival and afterwards, the proceeds of which, in part, will go to the ever-increasing operational costs of the theater.
I began my research at the Orinda Historical Society and culling select memories from locals. I’m actively seeking your Orinda Theatre memories to include – to add personal glimpses to the theater’s 83-year history.
I’m also especially interested in any candid photo snapshots taken over the years of the theater inside and out, to possibly include in the book.
No memory or photo is insignificant – it may contain a key to unlocking an element of the theater’s past one may not be aware of, or provide an avenue of further research.
Through August of this year, I will have a portable scanner at each of the Orinda Theatre classic movies held the last Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. Those supplying photos or other paper ephemera to be scanned will be my guest at the classic movie, and the items will be scanned and returned while you wait. Alternately, I may be reached via email at mabhollywood@gmail.com or by phone in the afternoons at 916.670.8684.