Preserving Cinema's Legacy: Matthew Renoir's Be Kind Video in Burbank
Pierre-Auguste Renoir's paintings are prominently displayed in major museums across Southern California. Matthew Renoir, the great-great-grandson of the renowned Impressionist painter and great-grandson of filmmaker Jean Renoir, has made a name for himself in Hollywood. Despite his illustrious lineage, Matthew opened a video rental store named Be Kind Video in Burbank during the streaming era.
Growing up in a small town in Central Valley, California, Matthew was exposed to his family's artistic legacy from a young age. Trips to France to visit the painter's home and interactions with his cousin, French actress Sophie Renoir, further solidified his connection to his heritage. The family's Renoir masterpiece, Jean as a Huntsman, is now housed at LACMA due to inheritance tax reasons.
Following his passion for cinema, Matthew pursued cinema studies at San Francisco State after community college. He worked as a cinematographer on independent films in Los Angeles but eventually found himself drawn to the idea of owning a video rental store, inspired by childhood memories of exploring aisles of tapes with his brother.
Be Kind Video, Matthew's 525-foot storefront in Burbank, offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of a friend's basement from the '80s. The store stocks over 12,000 titles on VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray, with new releases available for rent at affordable prices. Despite the prevalence of streaming services, Matthew believes in the charm of physical media and the sense of community that a video store can provide.
Matthew's unique venture into the analog video store business has garnered attention for its retro appeal and commitment to preserving the experience of browsing physical media. With plans to expand the store's footprint and continue fostering a sense of community through film screenings and guest events, Be Kind Video stands as a testament to Matthew's dedication to his family's artistic legacy and his love for cinema.
In conclusion, Matthew Renoir's Be Kind Video is a testament to his passion for cinema and commitment to preserving the experience of browsing physical media in an era dominated by streaming services. Through his unique venture, Matthew continues to honor his family's artistic legacy while creating a welcoming space for film enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the magic of cinema.