The Nuart Plans 20th Anniversary Bash

David Lynch and Ridley Scott are among the filmmakers scheduled to appear at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Nuart Theatre in West Los Angeles for a nine-day retrospective, beginning Wednesday.

The Nuart has launched the careers of Lynch (“Eraserhead”) and many other enterprising filmmakers including John Waters (“Pink Flamingos”), John Woo (“The Killer”), Jane Campion (“Sweetie”) and Gus Van Sant (“Drugstore Cowboy”) during its two decades of operation by Landmark Theatre Corp.

In the mid-’70s, the Nuart was predominantly a repertory house, screening two different films a night, every night of the week. The theater adapted to the advent of video by playing more premieres while still presenting the occasional festival and retrospective. Filmgoers have been able to experience restorations of movie classics including “Citizen Kane,” “King Kong,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Gone With the Wind” and the director’s cut of “Blade Runner,” as well as first-run films.

“We are thrilled that we can provide a showcase for up-and-coming filmmakers,” said Landmark co-founder Gary Meyer.

The late Burt Lancaster visited the theater one opening night and spoke to the audience for more than 45 minutes. “(Lancaster) was so true to his passion,” Meyer recalled. “It was one of those totally magical nights and that’s what the Nuart is all about.” A special tribute to Lancaster is included in the retrospective.

The schedule includes “Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography” and “Citizen Kane” (Wednesday); “The Killer” and “Onimasa” (Thursday); “L.A. Connection Live,” performing and improvising on “Plan Nine From Outer Space” (Friday); “Blade Runner” (director’s cut) and “Akira” (Saturday); A Tribute to Burt Lancaster: “The Crimson Pirate” and “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,” “Sweet Smell of Success” and “Birdman of Alcatraz” (Sunday); “Pink Flamingos” and “Eraserhead” (Nov. 28); “Salaam Bombay” and “Sweetie” (Nov. 29); “Wings of Desire” and “Stalker” (Nov. 30); “Drugstore Cowboy” and “Slacker” (Dec. 1).

Tickets are $7.50 for each double bill, except for “L.A. Connection Live,” which is $10. Information: (310) 478-6379.