In what can only be seen as the end of an era for San Francisco's indie film aficionados, Frank Lee, a veteran of the city's movie theater scene, and his wife Lida are looking to sell their Marina and Presidio theaters, which have been keystones of the local cinematic landscape for many years. Frank, who holds nearly six decades of experience in the business, finds it's high time to step back, having run these theaters since the early 2000s, his career arc mirroring the transformations of the industry itself, from the golden age of niche foreign cinema to the advent of streaming services that have reshaped how we consume movies, according to Variety.
The cinemas in question were part of Lee Neighborhood Theatres, a family-run entity dotting the San Francisco scene since Frank's father, Frank Lee Sr., began the business, and as the San Francisco Chronicle reports, the theaters under their watch showcased predominantly first-run movies with a notable emphasis on Asian cinema in the past, even hosting a dedicated Asian Film Festival attracting international filmmakers and works from various East Asian countries Frank Lee and his wife have not just been theater owners they've contributed significantly to the film culture in San Francisco but the times are changing movies from Asian markets are now widely available, even at major chains like AMC and Century.
Finding a buyer for the theaters is paramount for the Lees, who believe that while they are ready to retire, the theaters should continue to operate and serve the community, Frank Lee envisions a future where these venues expand their offerings to include dining experiences, aligning with the adjustments that many theaters are making in a post-pandemic world to maintain relevance and the bustling "foodie area" of Chestnut Street could very well support such a venture, with the city having already greenlit the installation of a food kitchen in the Marina theatre, per Variety. The theaters’ potential is underscored by their dual use for special events and screenings, as well as their integral role in the San Francisco International Film Festival.
