EL MARIACHI (1992)(R) & DESPERADO (1995)(R)(Sun 9/14) on VHS 6:00pm

VHS SPECTACULAR and Friends of Gardena Cinema presents a special VHS SPECTACULAR event and double feature presentation:

6:00 pm: VHS Tape Swap with various vendors selling VHS tapes in our lobby.

7:30 pm: Presented on VHS Tape on the big screen!

EL MARIACHI (transl. The Musician) is a 1992 Spanish-language Mexican independent neo-Western action film and the first part of the saga that came to be known as Robert Rodriguez's Mexico Trilogy. It marked the feature-length debut of Rodriguez as writer and director. The film was shot with a mainly amateur cast in the northern Mexican border town of Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico across from Del Rio, Texas, the home town of leading actor Carlos Gallardo as the title character, an aspiring musician being mistaken for a recently escaped convict. The US$7,225 production was originally intended for the Mexican home-video market, but executives at Columbia Pictures liked the film and bought the American distribution rights. Columbia eventually spent $200,000 to transfer the print to film, to remix the sound, and on other post-production work, then spent millions more on marketing and distribution.

9:30 pm: Presented on VHS Tape on the big screen!

DESPERADO is is a 1995 American neo-Western action film written, co-produced, edited, and directed by Robert Rodriguez. It is the second part of Rodriguez's Mexico Trilogy. It stars Antonio Banderas as El Mariachi, who seeks revenge on the drug lord who killed his lover. The film was screened out of competition at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival. Desperado grossed $58 million worldwide, and received mixed to positive reviews. Co-starring Salma Hayek, it has been cited as her breakout role in anglophonic American film.

THIS IS AN INDOOR CINEMA EXHIBITION. PLEASE PURCHASE ONE (1) TICKET PER PERSON.

ONE (1) admission ticket is required PER PERSON! If tickets are not available on Eventbrite, please purchase your tickets at the box office on the day of the event.

FAQ's

WHAT TIME DOES THE MOVIE START?

EL MARIACHI starts Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 7:30 pm. DESPERADO starts at 9:30 pm. VHS tape swap occurs prior to show in the lobby from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

WHAT TIME CAN I ARRIVE?

Attendees will be allowed to enter the auditorium up to 60 minutes prior to show time.

WHERE DO I PARK?

Free parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the Gardena Cinema on the north side.

WHERE IS GARDENA CINEMA?

Gardena Cinema is located at 14948 Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249.

HOW DO I REDEEM MY TICKET?

Upon purchase, ticket will be emailed to you as a PDF attachment from Eventbrite. When you arrive to the event, please show the entrance attendant the bar code on your ticket at the entrance to the cinema, either by holding up your printed version, or by displaying it on your phone or smart device. Attendant will scan it to check you in, and you'll be good to go into the auditorium!

CAN I BRING FOOD / SNACKS?

NO! This is an indoor screening. Please do not bring outside food or drinks inside the cinema. Tasty refreshments and fresh popped popcorn will be sold at the cinema snack bar.

WILL YOU HAVE RESTROOMS?

YES! Gardena Cinema's lobby, snack bar, and restrooms will be open.

MAY I BRING MY PET WITH ME?

Sorry, PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE ACTUAL CINEMA BUILDING, (where restrooms and snack bar are located).

WILL YOU BE HOSTING MORE OF THESE?

YES! We intend to continue curating and programming some of the BEST cinema in Los Angeles County! We provide both an intimate Drive-In style setting, as well as traditional indoor cinema experiences. Please support by following us on Instagram and Facebook -- we'll keep you posted on our screenings and events! @GardenaCinema

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @GARDENACINEMA.

Website: www.gardenacinema.com

Also check out other Entertainment events in Gardena, Arts events in Gardena, Music events in Gardena.