About this Performance

Borrowing its name from the phrase cultural historian Mike Davis used to describe how Los Angeles is more sinister, intense, and foreboding than the city’s boosters care to admit, Sunshine and Noir: 1980s L.A. Horror Marathon takes a deep dive into the L.A.-based horror films that terrorized a generation and continue to define its fears. Curated by Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh, who brings a loving yet critical eye to the genre as a Black horror fan, and Cinematic Void’s James Branscome, the marathon illuminates the ways in which horror films played out 1980s L.A.’s preoccupation with ambition, health, and wealth. With a guest artist panel foregrounding the voices of women and issues of representation, Sunshine to Noir promises a both thoughtful and chilling descent into the City of Angels’ dark side.

Films to be screened include:

They Live (1988), 94 mins., Dir. John Carpenter
Society (1989), 99 mins., Dir. Brian Yuzna
Slumber Party Massacre (1982), 76 mins., Dir. Amy Holden Jones
Chopping Mall (1986), 95 mins., Dir. Jim Wynorski
Blood Diner (1987), 88 mins., Dir. Jackie Kong
Angel (1984), 94 mins., Dir. Robert Vincent O’Neil

Purchase tickets through American Cinematheque. This event will take place at the American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica.

Presented in collaboration with the American Cinematheque and Cinematic Void

The LA Phil's Humanities Programs are generously supported by Linda and David Shaheen.

Programs, artists, dates, prices, and availability subject to change. Ticket limits may apply. All sales are final.