Portland’s St. Johns Twin Cinema turns 100

In an era of streaming and massive studio consolidation, an independent movie theater reaching its 100th year is an act of defiance.

The St. Johns Twin Cinema hits that milestone this year.

• One century ago, local entrepreneurs built a Mediterranean-style movie palace and architectural gem — complete with an original mural of Venice stretched above the auditorium — to anchor the neighborhood's then-booming town center.

Owner Jeremy Longstreet, who bought the theater 20 years ago, credits its survival to steady stewardship, community support and thoughtfully-curated programming — a business move more indies are leaning into.

• "When you watch a movie in a theater, you watch it with a community," Longstreet told the North Peninsula Review. "You hear their laughter, feel their emotions and enjoy a wonderful communal experience."

If you go: St. Johns Twin Cinemas, 8704 N Lombard St., is open daily.