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Making films is my favorite thing to do in the world. Growing up, I saw many movies at the Wilmette Theatre, but one film changed my life in high school — Harold and Maude, a comedy directed by Hal Ashby. If I remember correctly, I saw it twice in 24 hours because the filmmaking, script, acting, and directing were all perfect.
I grew up just down the road in Wilmette and graduated from New Trier, but it was moments in that theater that first sparked my passion. After 40 years in the entertainment business as a writer, director, producer, and actress, making films is still the thing I love most in the world.
During the pandemic, I watched as small independent theaters across the country struggled to survive, and I kept thinking about that spark — the one I felt all those years ago in the Wilmette Theatre. I decided to give back to the place that unknowingly helped shape my creative path, donating $50,000 to support its fundraising efforts. I later learned the donation helped build a new handicapped-accessible bathroom. It was one of those rare, profound full-circle moments.
A Special Homecoming
The Wilmette Theatre was the start of it all for me. At the time I saw Harold and Maude, I didn’t believe I could be a filmmaker. Even though I loved film, there were not a lot of female directors. Becoming a director didn’t seem possible until my late-night show in San Francisco went off the air.
My lifelong dream of being a late-night host was shattered, but it helped me realize I wanted to make films. I used a few real-life clips from my late-night show in San Francisco to build the history of my character, “Marcia,” as a travel reporter in my film An American Abroad, which I’m submitting to numerous festivals around the globe.
In honor of Wilmette Theatre’s important role in my entertainment journey, I’ll be screening two of my films there on April 5th for those who enjoy independent cinema as much as I do.
Wilmette Theatre Screenings
The first screening, Bardo Blues, begins at 4 p.m. on April 5 and is open to the public. It’s a deeply personal story inspired by my brother and his challenges with mental illness. After the screening, I’ll host a Q&A where I’ll share behind-the-scenes stories — how we filmed in Northern Thailand, how I ran out of money during production, how my brother ultimately helped me finish the film, and what it’s like navigating Hollywood as a woman director.
The second film, An American Abroad, will screen privately at 7 p.m. on April 5. It’s a mockumentary-style comedy that follows a travel reporter (played by me) and her new boyfriend as they journey through six countries. I co-wrote the film with my lead actor, Brian Gross, and directed and produced it as well. The film was heavily inspired by the early comedies of Woody Allen, which I’ve always admired for their ability to explore anything — no matter how complex — with humor. At its core, the film is meant to make you laugh, discover the world, and walk out of the theater feeling a little lighter.
For more information about tickets to the screenings on April 5, please email bardobluesfilm@gmail.com.
Kimpton Travels and Film
Travel has always gone hand-in-hand with storytelling for me. That might come as no surprise — I’m the daughter of Bill Kimpton, founder of Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants— so perhaps a love of far-off places runs in the family. I’ve now traveled to 45 countries, and over time, I’ve woven that passion into my work as a filmmaker.
Every time I create a new film, I choose a country — or several — that becomes more than just a backdrop. The locations become characters in their own right. That’s the inspiration behind my newest project: an app called Kimpton Travels and Film.
Launching May 1 with the premiere of my new film, An American in Amsterdam, the app combines my two favorite things — cinema and travel. In the travel section, I’ve curated lists of my favorite places in each country I’ve visited. And in the film section, I’ve compiled a personal list of 100 must-see independent films — hidden gems that may not have hit the mainstream but deserve to be seen and celebrated.
How To Help
The Wilmette Theatre is a non-profit movie theater with a rich film history reaching back to 1913. This theatre works to enhance the movie-going experience and engage the community through events that are safe, affordable, and inclusive. Donating to the Wilmette Theatre helps keep the doors open for more historic moments.
For more information about tickets to Marcia Kimpton’s screenings on April 5, please email bardobluesfilm@gmail.com.
Marcia Kimpton is a writer, director, producer and actress. An alumnus of New Trier who grew up in Wilmette, Kimpton is a passionate supporter of the Wilmette Theatre.
