For fans of Independent Films, the Bay area offers quite a selection. From San Francisco, East Bay, to South Bay or "The Peninsula", the Landmark Theaters are dedicated to marketing independent films. With five locations in San Francisco, four in East bay and two in South Bay, locals can choose between Embarcadero Center Cinema, Shattuck Cinemas or The Guild in Menlo Park. I watched Cairo Times at The Guild, which is one of the oldest standing theatres on The Peninsula since the 1940s and has the best popcorn. Landmark offers a film club, promos, private screenings, and showcasing for filmmakers and prospective distributors of independent film.
Next, the Camera Cinemas present cult movie festival, cinema clubs, Operas/Ballets, Cannes, Sundance, and Foreign Film festivals along with many promos and events. With locations in Downtown (Camera 3 and Camera 12), Pruneyard (Camera 7), and Los Gatos, the showtimes are mostly evenings and late afternoons. I watched the French Indie L'Amacoeur ("The Heartbreaker") at Camera 7, which offered a matinee rate $7.00 for this selection.
CineArts is another theatre dedicated to providing the best selection of Independent Films. With locations in Stanford/Palo Alto, Sequoia, Pleasant Hill, Empire, Marin, Evanston and Santana Row, the CineArts offers promos, cult events, special events, Foreign Film Festivals from all regions. I watched Mao's Last Dancer at their Santana Row location. The evening rate is $10.25 and discounts are available.
The Sunance Kabuki in San Francisco is dedicated to showcasing Sundance Movies and features a Balcony Bar and Bistro, matinee discounts, and events. With 8 auditoriums, they are currently featuring the Toronto International Film Festival at the Post Street at Fillmore location. The Winchester21 and Winchester22 in Santana Row also showcase a diverse selection of Independent Films. Overall, I enjoyed the 40s ambiance at The Guild, but all the theaters I visited were in good condition with quality sound, and concession stands. In the Bay Area, the choice for theater selection for watching Independent Films just gets easier, so check out any one of these locations nearest to your vacinity!
References
1) http://www.landmarktheatres.com/AboutLandmark/AboutIndex.htm
2) http://www.cameracinemas.com
3) http://www.cinemark.com/cinearts.asp
4) http://www.sundancecinemas.com/kabuki_showtimes.html