Katherine Tallman - Executive Director & CEO - Coolidge Corner Theatre

Would you introduce yourself briefly?

Katherine Tallman, Executive Director & CEO, Coolidge Corner Theatre. I have been in this role for 12 years and was on the Board for several years prior.

What inspired the Coolidge Corner Theatre’s unique focus on championing international cinema, especially Japanese film?

Prior to the Coolidge becoming a nonprofit organization in 1989, it was owned by renowned cinema programmer Justin Freed, who saw an unmet demand for international cinema in the Boston area. Given his appreciation for the profound influence of Japanese films, he wanted to highlight these films and also offer a gathering place for the Japanese community. He curated retrospective programs (e.g., a Zatoichi series, that included demonstrations of sword fighting on the Coolidge) and hosted Japanese film directors. The programming was very popular, and when Justin attended the Cannes Film Festival, he found he was well-known and highly regarded by the Japanese film community. 

As a way of both responding to our audience's interests and paying homage to the theatre's history, Coolidge Artistic Director Mark Anastasio has continued to highlight Japanese cinema in partnership with the JSB on programs such as: Samurai Summer, Ghibliotheque, Animania, and most recently, Kaidan Kimodameshi. 

Personally, I admire the fine aesthetics of Japanese filmmaking and the cultural and historic insights the stories present. As a fan of animated films I think the Japanese animators are incomparable, telling complex, timeless human stories through beautiful visuals.

All of us at the Coolidge know that film is a gateway to knowledge, empathy and community. Our international programming furthers that. In addition to Japanese films, we show the best in world cinema, and broaden our audiences by partnering with other arts organizations, including Goethe Institut, Cinefest Latino film festival and The French Library among others. We recently launched Cinema Masala, highlighting Indian films. 

Katherine Tallman with Artistic Director Mark Anastasio, incoming ED Beth Gilligan, and Francis Ford Coppola, whom the Theater honored with the Coolidge Award earlier this year (CREDIT: Dawn Kingston)

Would you tell us more about your experience with Japan?

My experience to date with Japan has been through friends, films and food. Traveling to Japan is at the top of my wish list.

What lessons have you learned in building community and creating meaningful encounters with Japanese culture through film?

Film is such an accessible art form and launching pad for conversation, shared learning and relationship building. Our diverse audiences join together as one community via film.

What do you hope that local moviegoers know about your special theater?

The Coolidge has been a beloved community gathering place since 1933. As a nonprofit organization, we depend on and receive community support that keeps us going and growing. Our programming continues to evolve to attract more patrons and more diverse audiences, and to expand educational offerings. We offer a welcoming place for all and an increasingly important opportunity for social connection. The Coolidge is for everyone.

Interview: The Past, Present, and Future of the Coolidge Corner Theater with CEO Katherine Tallman (The Independent)