In a world where streaming services are crushing local cinemas faster than you can say “Netflix and chill,” the Rialto Cinema group is proving that indie theaters aren’t just surviving - they’re thriving.

Nestled across the East Bay in Berkeley, El Cerrito, and Sebastopol, these theaters are more than just movie venues; they’re cultural sanctuaries for film nerds, art lovers, and anyone seeking an experience beyond scrolling through endless movie thumbnails.

More Than Just a Movie Theater

Director Ky J. Boyd isn’t just running a business - he’s preserving an art form. With theaters that feel more like time capsules than corporate multiplexes, Rialto Cinemas offers everything from blockbuster hits to obscure documentaries that’ll make your film-buff friends jealous.

Community Over Corporate

What sets Rialto apart isn’t just their curated film selection, but their commitment to creating spaces that feel intimate and personal. At the Cerrito Theater, you can literally get nachos delivered to your seat while watching a film - because why choose between comfort and cinema?

Surviving Against the Odds

Despite massive challenges like skyrocketing rents and the pandemic, Rialto has managed to keep its doors open by doing something revolutionary: actually caring about the movie-going experience. Their staff aren’t just employees; they’re passionate cinephiles who believe in the magic of shared storytelling.

“Even if it’s not a sold-out showing, people showing up matters,” says Victoria Carton, a staff member who embodies this passion. And in a world of algorithmic recommendations, that human touch is worth its weight in popcorn butter.