The Roxie Theater has been an integral part of San Francisco’s cultural fabric since it first opened its doors in 1913. Over the years, it has navigated a myriad of transformations, from a German-language cinema to a porn theater, finally settling into its role as the beloved art house cinema it is today.
Recently, some exciting news emerged for the Roxie, giving cinephiles and community members renewed hope. The nonprofit organization that operates the Roxie has reached an agreement to purchase the historic building from its current owners, launching a fundraising campaign with a goal of $7 million.
With only $1.4 million left to raise, excitement is high among the supporters of this community-focused cinema.
Lex Sloan, the executive director of the Roxie, recently provided insights into the theater’s storied history and its potential future during a conversation with Mission Local.
“We’ve always been a neighborhood cinema,” Sloan explained. “We were never like the Castro with a big, flashy movie-palace marquee. We always served this neighborhood by offering news, cartoons, and games. It is crucial to remember that our primary purpose is to serve our community.”
Sloan is on a personal mission to reclaim and preserve the Roxie’s fascinating history. He even shared that he frequently searches for memorabilia on eBay, like the 1977 Roxie membership card he proudly displayed.
The resilience of the Roxie has been notable, especially during its journey towards becoming a nonprofit in 2009, a pivotal change that helped ensure its survival amid the pressures of the cinematic landscape.
“The Roxie has lived numerous lifetimes,” Sloan noted, reflecting on its evolution over the decades. “We’ve stayed true to our roots as both a neighborhood cinema and a funky art house, showcasing both classic and contemporary films.”
At the heart of the Roxie’s charm are its vintage 35mm projectors, which date back to the early 1940s. Sloan shared a glimpse into the challenges of maintaining these machines, often considered a dying art form in the digital age. He emphasized the importance of preserving the quality of projection through carbon arc lights, which many purists argue deliver superior film viewing experiences compared to modern methods.
“Some cinema purists would say that carbon arc is the best way to watch a film because of the light quality,” Sloan elaborated. “But it’s hard to find parts for these projectors anymore; they’re becoming harder to keep alive.”
The projection booth itself has hosted numerous celebrities over the years, including renowned filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and David Cronenberg. Each corner of the theater holds stories, memories, and the essence of countless individuals who have walked through its doors.
When it comes to future developments, Sloan conveyed optimism about the potential changes that ownership could bring.
“One of the priorities will be ensuring structural retrofitting of the building, but we’re also thinking about solar energy and making the Roxie more environmentally friendly,” he shared.
Plans to expand the programming are already in motion, including ideas for increased show times and unique midnight screenings intended to make the Roxie more of a community hub.
As the Roxie faces the realities of operating under its own roof, Sloan recounted some of the most challenging moments in recent history, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theater was closed for over 400 days, a turbulent period during which many cinemas in San Francisco could not reopen.
Reopening came with uncertainty, and Sloan recalled the poignant moment when the theater welcomed back its dedicated members.
“Our members came back first, and I vividly remember it being an emotional day for many of us as we returned to the Roxie,” he said. “It felt like a reunion. It took some time, but our audience came back stronger than ever.”
Excitingly, the Roxie has witnessed a younger audience discovering the joy of film again, making the theater a vital part of the area’s cultural landscape.
The desire to secure the Roxie’s future took on an urgency, especially after the Castro Theater’s closure during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of preserving such cultural institutions.
“That was a catalyst for us to act while keeping in mind that not just the Roxie, but the entire cinematic landscape in San Francisco needed securing,” Sloan stated passionately.
The Roxie’s journey towards purchasing the building represents a broader story of hope in San Francisco’s arts scene. In light of the challenges many theaters face, this attempt to secure ownership is seen as integral in ensuring that the Roxie can continue making an impact for generations to come.
As plans move forward, the community supports the campaign with encouraging donations and grants, including a significant $1.2 million from the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, marking a huge vote of confidence in the Roxie’s significance.
Beyond just owning the building, the campaign symbolizes the desire to redefine the Roxie’s future, featuring upgrades to viewing experiences and special programming initiatives that highlight the importance of film in fostering empathy and social change.
“At the end of the day, our story is about nurturing a culture that values compassion, artistic expression, and community engagement through cinema,” Sloan remarked with enthusiasm.
The conversations around the Roxie’s building purchase continue to inspire discussions about the role of cinematic spaces in fostering shared experiences and community connection, ultimately serving as a reminder that the arts remain vital to the essence of San Francisco.
As the Roxie takes steps toward becoming its own entity, the possibilities for growth and evolution are limitless, and Sloan’s vision foreshadows an exciting future for this historic theater.
The Roxie is not just a venue but a cherished institution in the Mission District, where the magic of cinema comes alive amid the bustling heart of San Francisco.
image source from：https://missionlocal.org/2025/04/sf-forever-roxie-fundraising-buy-building/
