Stories and Interviews:
By KTOWN IFF...
Historic Gardena Cinema
Gardena Cinema is an 800-seat, single-screen movie palace that has operated as an independent cinema since the Kim family took ownership in 1976. Originally maintained by John Kim’s father, a first-generation Korean immigrant, the theater is now run by his daughter, Judy Kim, who has continued the family’s commitment to film culture and community service. Over nearly five decades, Gardena Cinema has become a landmark cultural space and a symbol of Korean diaspora history in Los Angeles.
KTOWN - LA
KTOWN IFF sits at the crossroads of Hollywood and academia. Just minutes from the entertainment capital, it attracts actors, musicians, and creatives drawn to its nightlife and cultural energy. Surrounded by major universities such as USC, UCLA, and LACC, Los Angeles thrives as a favorite hub for students seeking affordable dining, study cafés, and vibrant city life.
The Next Cut: How AI Is Reshaping the Art of Cinema
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept in cinema — it is already transforming how films are written, shot, edited, and even performed. From virtual production to synthetic imagery and voice replication, AI is reshaping storytelling. But how far have we truly come? What does AI improve — and what might it threaten?
In this exclusive interview, Robert Grasmere, a film historian and technology commentator with decades of insight into cinema’s evolution, shares his perspective on the promise, risks, and responsibilities filmmakers face as AI becomes an integral part of the industry.