We had the good fortune of connecting with Marina Sakimoto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I enjoy the ideation phase, and these industries demand creativity from you. It’s where I feel most like myself.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Physical Media Society was founded by me and Edwin Gomez as a natural extension of our love for movies and physical media. Not only are we both longtime collectors, but we also met through working with a film group. Working around 35mm projection was exciting, and I knew eventually I would want to create more opportunities for physical formats to shine rather than sit in a large warehouse somewhere.

We have traveled around Southern California hosting screenings such as our Secret VHS Doubles at the Palm Theatre in San Luis Obispo or vending at physical media markets for WHAMMY! or the Deadly Prey Gallery. We are currently building our online store and are excited for potential opportunities!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love how this city has some of the best free resources for arts and culture. Go to the Hammer Museum, specifically the Armand Hammer Collection. Seeing two of Gustave Moreau’s masterpieces in person makes you feel like excellence is possible if those works exist. Going to Paris Baguette makes me feel like I’m back in Japan seeing family, and the quality is just as top tier. I am obsessed with my new neighborhood burger joint Valley Smash Burgers, and you must try their house chips. Another local treasure is LA’s oldest surviving tiki bar, Tonga Hut, for the most delightful MCM decor and communal drinking experience. Don’t forget to check RevivalHouses.com to see what screenings are playing at LA’s finest repertoire theaters!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, shout out to Beck at the New Beverly Cinema. He was one of the first people in the film repertoire community to make me feel welcome as I showed up more often, and I admire how he truly cares about upholding what makes that place special.

Website: https://physicalmediasociety.com

Instagram: physicalmediasociety

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinasakimoto/

Image Credits
Samuel Parker Smith for the second photo.

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