American Cinematheque Ups Chris LeMaire To Director Of Programming
EXCLUSIVE: Chris LeMaire, previously the American Cinematheque‘s senior film programmer who has spearheaded the organization’s This Is Not a Fiction and Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair festivals among his duties and who co-programs the Los Angeles-based Beyond Fest, has been promoted to Director of Programming.
LeMaire had been in the senior film programmer role since 2022, also responsible for booking and often moderating the AC’s in-person tributes and retrospectives (past guests have included Béla Tarr, Tsai Ming-liang, Lynne Ramsay, Abel Ferrara, Kelly Reichardt, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Martin Brest, John Sayles, Charlie Kaufman, James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, Jafar Panahi, Werner Herzog, Claire Denis, Roger Corman, Barbara Kopple, Peter Greenaway, Al Pacino, Kenneth Lonergan, Wim Wenders, Mike Leigh among many).
In his new position, he will also curate and oversee the nonprofit organization’s screening events at its three L.A. venues: the Egyptian Theatre, the Los Feliz 3 and the Aero Theatre. He reports to artistic director Grant Moninger.
He also will lead the AC’s programming team that also includes Film Programmers Imani Davis and Cindy Flores, Associate Film Programmers Afra Nariman and Steph Lopez, and Programming Administrator John Hagelston. There had been no previous person in the position.
“We’re excited to announce Chris LeMaire as the American Cinematheque’s new Director of Programming. An integral part of the non-profit organization since 2017, Chris co-founded the groundbreaking non-fiction film festival ‘This Is Not a Fiction’ and ‘Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair’ film festival, which, in 2025, received unprecedented acclaim and international recognition. His incredible work on over 1,600 screenings and events each year, including Beyond Fest, has helped elevate the cinemagoing experience in Los Angeles. Chris’ hard work and tireless dedication brought both Béla Tarr and Martin Brest to Los Angeles, something we never before thought possible.”
Earlier this year, the AC and LaMaire’s Bleak Week, founded in 2022, expanded for its 2025 edition for the first time, adding seven cities beyond Los Angeles including London.
Up next for the American Cinematheque is its November 20 American Cinematheque Award ceremony, which this year will honor Michael B. Jordan. The event, which always draws a high-profile guest list, is the nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser.
