Malibu Film Society proposes $1 million civic-theater renovation, offers digital projector

Arianna, vice president of the Malibu Film Society, told the Malibu City Council on June 26, 2025, that the nonprofit wants the city to renovate the Civic Theater at City Hall so the space can host first‑run films and larger community events.

The Film Society’s presentation said the room is currently a flat floor space with 162 permanent seats — 122 in the center front section — and room for about 80 removable chairs in front of the stage. Arianna said viewing from side seats is “dark and distorted” and that the current audio is “muffled and muddy,” conditions that studios will not accept for pre‑release screenings. “Removing the old soundboard and extending the center section of the front of the stage will add 60 permanent seats with space for up to six wheelchairs,” she said, adding that there is space for a new 28‑foot screen on the back wall.

The Film Society provided two separate “ballpark” cost estimates of roughly $1,000,000 for a renovation that would straighten back and side walls, extend the front seating area and remove the old soundboard. Arianna said the society is willing to provide an industry‑compliant digital cinema projector and a surround‑sound system meeting studio requirements. “That system can also be used for digital scenic projection for stage productions and other events,” she said.

Nut graf: The Film Society framed the renovation as a near‑term way to restore a community gathering space while the city plans a permanent arts center. The society said a renovated Civic Theater could be completed in months and serve local residents and arts groups sooner than a new build.

In its presentation, the society described phased options: a shorter, lower‑cost phase to make the room studio‑acceptable for film screenings and a later phase for stadium seating that it said would cost significantly more and take longer. Arianna urged the council to “request a staff report to consider this proposal so that we can better understand the potential costs, benefits and concerns involved.”

At the June 26 meeting council members did not take a formal vote or direct staff to prepare a report; the society’s request therefore remained a public appeal rather than a council action. The Film Society included drawings and seat counts in its packet and said it has used the room for seminars and documentaries but cannot host first‑run movies in the current configuration.

Clarifying details provided by the Film Society included current seat counts (162 permanent seats, 122 in the center front section), the possibility of adding 60 permanent seats and room for six wheelchair spaces in the front section, and two independent cost estimates of about $1,000,000. The society offered to donate a digital cinema projector and surround sound equipment that it said would meet studio technical standards.

What happens next: the Film Society asked the council for a staff report; the council did not make a motion or vote on the request during the June 26 meeting. Any formal next step — such as a staff study, spending decision, or contract — would require separate council action.

Ending: The Film Society said a renovated Civic Theater could provide a temporary arts and performance venue while the city plans a permanent arts center; advocates asked the council to consider the proposal during upcoming staff and budget planning.