The West End Cinema, shuttered suddenly in March , will be reanimated by Landmark Theaters on July 17, the latest incarnation for the Foggy Bottom venue’s movie spot.  

The independent cinema operated by local cinephile Josh Levin faced mounting overhead and increased competition in the District — including projects slated from Landmark and the Angelika chain in the U Street Corridor and NoMa. Levin, who opened the West End in October 2010, took over a space that had been vacant for years after the old Loews Inner Circle closed. Levin, who will not be involved in the new venture, said it was a win for the area.  

“I think it’s great for the neighborhood that cinema space will continue to operate as a cinema space,” he said. The West End and Foggy Bottom areas were long associated with art-house and independent fare. The Loews chain and before it Cineplex Odeon operated such small theaters as the Inner Circle, American Film Institute’s Kennedy Center outpost and nearby Dupont Five and Janus screens that catered to the more eclectic movie-goer.

The Last Days of the West End Cinema


West End Cinema Preps Its Own Last Picture Show

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