Screenland 5K

By Coach David Winslow

Keep fit between Screenland 5K Sunday training sessions with the training program below that I devised with assistance from our training team: Olympic Gold Medalist LaShinda Demus, Marathon champion Hamid Rostamian, Physical Trainer Craig Schoenbaum, Kinesiologist Michele Bond, the Culver City High School Cross Country team, and coaches Tom Fritzius and Steve Heyl.

Olympian and Centaur cross country coach LaShinda Demus leads a post-workout stretch.  David Winslow (below photo) demonstrates back and bend-over stretch before jogging.

Introduction

Thank you for taking an important first step toward finishing the upcoming Screenland 5K!

Please, be careful.  Go easy.  Listen to your body. Don't hurt yourself.

Wear comfortable running shoes about one full size larger than your regular shoes.  It would be best to have about a thumb's width space in front of your big toe. You might want to go to a running store to get properly sized.  The Village Runner in Manhattan Beach and Road Runners in Santa Monica are well-staffed stores with much experience working with runners.

Wear comfortable clothing - not too tight, loose, or heavy.

Pre-Work Out Stretching

Warm up your muscles.  We walked around the 400-meter track once at a leisurely pace.

Dynamic or Active Stretching.  Get your muscles and facia tissue moving in a similar motion as what you will be doing.  Do not overextend your muscles in these exercises—just comfortable movement.

1. Right then Left Leg Swings—about 10 on each side.  Feel free to hold onto a wall, fence, or post.
2. Knee/Hip Movement. Back straight. Move your knee straight toward your chest, then out, open up your hip, then down.  Ten times, each leg.
3. Back/Bend Overs.  Spread your legs further than your shoulders, gently bend at the hips, and extend your arms downward.  You do not have to touch your toes - just comfortably.  Slightly "bounce" a bit up and down, extending your arms.  Again - comfortably. 10 times.
4. The same exercise - but slightly to the right and left sides.  10 times.
5. Washing Machine. Put your hands above your head, elbows bent, then move left, right, and back.  10 times.
6. Toe Extensions: Feet flat, then stand, move to your tip toes, and back down.  10 times.
7. Shake yourself out.

Jogging and Walking

Your jogging pace should be "conversationally comfortable."  You should be able to talk without shortness of breath. Jog slowly, comfortably, for 30-40 seconds.

1. Walk comfortably (not power walk) for 2 minutes.
2. Repeat: Jog for 30 sec, walk for 2 min.
3. Repeat: Jog for 30 sec, walk for 2 min.
4. Repeat: Jog for 30 sec, walk for 2 min.
    

    That's four jog/walk sessions.  Great job!  Over the following weeks, you can add 15 seconds to the jogging time, but keep the walk at 2 minutes.  

    You may also add one or two more sessions.

Post Work Out Stretching

This is as important as the pre-jogging stretching.

1. Toe touchers - same as above - but not bouncing.  Hold the end for 15-20 seconds.
2. Back and Elbow Stretch - Put your right elbow behind your head, pull with your other hand, and lean.  Hold 20 sec—on each side.
3. Calf/Hamstring - one foot forward, the other back, bend front knee - feel calf stretch.  Also, take the other arm, hold it above your head, and lean to the side.
4. Each side hold for 20 seconds.
5. One foot, pull leg and leg behind you, up to your bottom, and hold for 20 secs.  If you must drop your foot to balance, do it again for about 20 seconds.
    

Subsequent Sessions 

We will increase the jogging time and distance.  Quarter-lap jog, then walk half a lap.  Do that four times.  

In later sessions, half-lap jog, then walk half a lap. Do that four times.

Schools across the region will compete to win movie-themed prizes for team size, spirit, and costumes in the Oscar Sunday race at Ivy Station.  School teams from as far south as Orange County, east as Riverside, and north as Antelope Valley have participated in the fun competition, demonstrating their creativity and pride to the delight of Screenland 5K guests.

Students and their families can register now for 30% off entries until Jan. 10!  When you sign up, choose your school team from a list or enter a school team name.  Type coupon code SCHOOL to enjoy the savings, and do it soon! 

Defending Culver City champion El Marino Dolphins leads the La Ballona Lions, followed by the Culver City Middle School Panthers and El Rincon Rockets in early registration.  Several Lions, as seen in the photo, pose before strutting their spirit on race morning.

"Our school shows fantastic spirit, and the families come together for fun civic events like this one," said El Marino School teacher Monica Bell, a longtime runner.

"Don't count us out," said Farragut School PTA President Robert Noriega. "The Foxes have a powerful kick and will be in the running to challenge all schools."  Noriega also helms Scout Pack 461, which will volunteer at the annual event.

WHO YOU GONNA CALL--Ghostbusters save Denise (at left) and Joy Yogi from peril at the Screenland 5K.

HEARTLAND OF OZ--Wizard of Oz characters (from left) Mike King, Alicia Martin, Leslie Gardner and Marin Neufeld delight Screenland 5K guests.

ZOOMIN' ZUMBA--Julie Schatz (third from left) performs alongside the zany zumba zoomers at the Screenland 5K.  Schatz and her Zumba mates will engage guests this year in the theme of “Barbie” and other popular movies.

Local Stars
Get in the Act 
at Screenland 5K

Visual and performing artists will transform portions of Culver and Washington Blvds. on Oscar Sunday, Mar. 10, into motion picture magic commemorating a century of iconic local movies and TV shows.

Walkers and runners in the Screenland 5K will retrace the steps of Hollywood's greatest stars in 100 points of motion picture lore, celebrating the centennials of MGM, Culver Hotel, and other local cinematic landmarks. 

“We hope you will be inspired and immersed in this grand artistic experience as we acknowledge significant cinematic contributions to our cultural diversity.  Your morning of health and fitness will be filled with color, sound, sights, learning, fellowship, and fun,” said Lori Escalera, Screenland 5K Creative Director.

“Council PTA Honorary Service Award” actors, admired for hilarious local satire at the annual volunteer recognition banquets, will perform in the opening act before being transported to movie and TV scene locations along the course. Written and directed by Leslie Gardner, several performers will represent overlooked artists who contributed significantly to Culver City cinema over the past century. 

Held on the cusp of National Women’s and Black History months, the Screenland 5K celebrates the first female of color to be elected to the City Council, Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, who plays Glinda the Good Witch of the North. Glinda will vex the Wicked Witch of the West and sprinkle pixie dust on the yellow brick road to ensure every guest, including Dorothy and Toto, has a majestic race start.  

City Commissioner and Rotary and Exchange Club member Jane Leonard portrays the Land of Oz witch in a tribute to late actress, friend, and former Culver City Mayor Jozelle Smith, who played the coveted role in the inaugural Screenland 5K during the Culver City Centennial.

Zumba instructor Julie Schatz and her troupe will dance with walkers and runners to Culver City movie melodies.

Jeff Avrech and his ensemble will reenact a scene from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1949 movie Tension near the Culver Theater, where it debuted.

Marina Martial Arts students will kick and shout in a scene from Bruce Lee’s Green Hornet series.

The Todd Elliot duet will swing and tango alongside guests, inspired by Les Hite and June Richmond’s Murder in Swingtime and Rudolph Valentino’s The Four Horsemen.

Elliot will return to the red carpet to mimic Culver City filmmaker Tom McLoughlin (Friday the 13th), who studied mime with the legendary Marcel Marceau. 

A juggling stilt walker will parody characters in City Slickers and Wizard of Oz.

Star Wars Storm Troopers, Rebel Legion and Mandalorian Mercs will battle to save the Heart of Screenland.  Guests will see Culver City resident Karina Kharchenco’s “Stormtroopers" artwork along the course.

The Ghostbusters return to the Screenland 5K in time to perform scenes from Sony Pictures’ Ghostbusters, Frozen Empire, on March 21.

To the delight of fans of the madcap and diabolical antics of Culver City’s The Marx Brothers, Bob Wayne will encore his role of the often slapstick Three Stooges.  Wayne said he may double the craziness with images of the six original stooges.

Craig Schoenbaum will play a clogging James Kirk of the original Star Trek series, initially filmed across the street.  Howard Behnken will also engage guests in William Shatner’s role.

Gianna Bommarito will arrive from the Midwest to perform as comedienne Lucille Ball, former owner of Desilu Studios.  Gianna is the daughter of Mara and Jack Bommarito of the Culver City Historical and Sister City organizations.

Santa will dispense gifts and good cheer from an It’s a Wonderful Life scene.

Acrobats will rock and roll to a scene from Matrix filmed nearby.

Sprinkled along the course at or near the locations where the actual movie and TV stars performed will be London McBride as Les Hite, Anne Allaire as Anna May Wong, Rob Cox as Barney Fife, Kelly McNair as Lucy, Gardner as Ethel, Mike King as Fred, Summer McBride as June Richmond, Kim Griffin as Hattie McDaniel, Maya Chasen as Lieutenant Uhura, and Yun Wu as Lt. Sulu.  Vice Mayor Dan O’Brien as Andy Griffith will run the race, attempting to capture a divisional gold medal.  Leonard, as the Wicked Witch, will haunt runners on her menacing trike.  

Ten musical performances of movie and TV-themed songs will keep Screenland 5K guests humming along their journey.  

Some 60 works of art by local artists and 70 standees of motion picture fame will line the course.  Artists include Screenland 5K’s creative director Lori Escalera, Roslyn Wilkins, Karina Kharchenko, and Serena Potter, Teresa Bernadette, Cynda Valle, Lori Antoinette, Marilyn Burns, Bradford Soloman and Nathaniel Chadwick 

STRUMMERS--The senior ukulele players of Cali Rose and the CC Strummers will return to the western end of the course turnaround, guaranteed to stop walkers and runners in their tracks as they sing and strum their favorite movie tunes while dressed in screen star outfits.

BUDDIES--Local tennis player Mike Monagan will team with Centaur alumnus Kenji Haroutunian and other Culver City all-stars in the Screenland 5K to re-enact the Buddy Holly Story near where the movie was produced.

TURNAROUND--Turning Point School student band and cheerleaders will perform to movie and TV show favorites.

Runners May Rumba on 
Screenland 5K Red Carpet

Screenland 5K guests may prefer to fox-trot, rumba, or waltz to the finish line and onto the red carpet to accept their finisher’s medals after tapping to movie and TV melodies played by local bands, musicians, and DJs along their journey through motion picture magic.

 Families will enjoy movie and TV-themed experiences across 100 points of motion picture lore on Oscar Sunday, Mar. 10, 9:20 a.m., by local visual and performing artists with drawings, paintings, props, actors, and lively music honoring a century of Culver City moviemaking.

Algorithm & Blues will perform a rousing “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” and "What a Wonderful World," performed in several Culver City movies.  

“We have songs from other movies filmed along the racecourse, but everyone will be passing us before we get a chance,” said Windsor Fountains resident Leemon McHenry with a smile.  He accompanies his condo neighbor, Cerves McNeill.

The Fallen Arches band will play “running and walking songs to make those miles…or kilometers…fly by,” said lead guitarist and baritone Frank Giffen.

Their repertoire will include “Running Down a Dream” by Tom Petty, “Run Through Jungle” by Creedence Clearwater Revival, “Walk Don’t Run” by The Ventures, and other popular songs on the go.  The band must make room when it performs “Walk Right in and Sit Right Down” by the Tree Tops.

“I’m always happy to represent the city where I've lived for 40 years,” said Giffen, whose band will perform near the location of one of their favorite Culver City films, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “The Matrix,” or “Viva Las Vegas.” 

The senior ukulele players of Cali Rose and the CC Strummers will return to the western end of the course turnaround, guaranteed to stop walkers and runners in their tracks as they sing and strum their favorite movie tunes while dressed in screen star outfits.

They performed on a drizzly morning at the inaugural event in 2017.

“Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the weather is ready-made for the movies!” said Rose.

The pulsating El Marino Rainbow Taiko drummers will awaken all drowsy guests on Oscar Sunday, the first day of daylight savings time.  Team coordinators are Ritsuko Fong and Miki Fischer. The student performance of syncopated sounds will highlight several Asian-themed films shot in Culver City and commemorate the city’s sister city relationship with Kaizuka, Japan.  Both communities exchange runners in February and March to participate in marathon events in each country.  

Culver City musician Martin Bennett of “Sonny B and US 99” plays often at venues across the southland and looks forward to staying home for the Screenland 5K to perform popular movie and TV songs from Culver City shows.

"Many locals don’t have the opportunity to see us play other venues, so it’s great to connect and entertain at the Screenland 5K.  We have a lot of fun performing for the city and our friends,” said Bennett, who plays paddle tennis at the local courts. 

“The entertainment industry began here, not in Hollywood.  It’s a nice opportunity for Culver City to showcase its talent,” said Bennett, who will perform songs from La Bamba, Wizard of Oz, Pulp Fiction, and Great Balls of Fire.

Singer, piano player, songwriter, playwright, and “lady in red” Ronnie Jayne will reimagine Jean Harlow, the “RED HEADED” woman, at spot 20 near the corner of Madison Ave. and Culver Bl.  The former Fiesta La Ballona Chairperson has a large repertoire of movie tunes.

Tennis player Mike Monagan will team with Centaur alumnus Kenji Haroutunian and other Culver City all-stars to re-enact the Buddy Holly Story near where the movie was produced.  

“We’ll get all slicked up and put on a show for our friends who pass by.  We love the many movie themes depicted in this event,” said Monagan.

Culver City Centennial year sponsor, Turning Point School, led by administrator Will Segar, will showcase its award-winning band and cheerleaders performing to movie and TV show favorites.

International marathon runner Dylan Bourne, a Centaur cross country team alumnus, will sing during Olympic Saturday at Ivy Station, Mar. 9, 1:00-2:00 p.m., then run in the Olympic Torch Relay alongside local heroes.

DJ Mel will keep the party hopping with Barbie Macarena at the main stage on Mar. 10, race morning. 

Citizen Kane’s beloved sled from childhood, Rosebud, will be showcased at the Culver City Historical Society booth at the Health and Fitness Expo at Ivy Station.

Race proceeds benefit Culver Council of PTAs, Backpacks For Kids, Jazz Hands For Autism, FeedCulver, BikeCulverCity, Culver City Firefighters Assoc. (Jesse Luna and Mike Nagy Memorial Mile), Culver City Police Officers Assoc. (Gold Medalist Baker-To-Vegas Marathon Team & Cal-Nev Police Olympics), Connecting To Cure, and Friends of the Sandy Segal Youth Health Center.

FIGHT ON--Culver City Firefighters on the department’s 5-seater are (from left) Cameron Soden, Matt McCormick, Doug Furano, Brett Nagel, and Joe LaRiccia.

CULVER CITY CLASSIC--Former Culver City Building Maintenance Supervisor Steve Newton doubts his vintage cop car can go the distance.

It’s Pedal to the Metal
In Race to Hold Up

Last Conveyance Standing Wins Challenge

Can a renovated five-seat Culver City Fire Dept. bicycle pedal past a restored antique Culver City Police Dept. car in a charity race from Ivy Station to the downtown Culver City fire station? 

Screenland 5K guests lined up to watch the challenge may never know.  Race starts at 9:20 am on March 10 at Ivy Station, 8840 National Bl.

The owner of the vintage cop car doesn’t know how far or how long it will operate, and a firefighter said the 5-seater is having “serious problems” and might only travel a few feet before it conks out.

The friendly competition to raise funds for the local firefighter and police officer association in the "Jesse Luna and Mike Nagy Memorial Mile" was inspired by the fundraising efforts of retired fire officer Mike McCormick on behalf of his late colleagues.  McCormick's son, Matt, is a Culver City fireman.  Many police officers and firefighters will run the 3.1-mile course.

"We never know what the bike will do. It’s dangerous. It has a mind of its own," said CCFD Battalion Chief Rob Kohlhepp.  “I’d love to witness the effort, but it’s a longshot,” said Fire Marshal David Rindels.

Retired Culver City Building Maintenance Supervisor Steve Newton, who owns and rebuilt the 1930s-era antique police vehicle 15 years ago, said it’s a crapshoot whether the car will sustain the full mile to the fire station.  He converted his Model A into a vintage crime fighter by installing parts from his collection and a friend's police car. 

"I keep it looking original by not cleaning or shining it, and it drives that way," said Newton jokingly.  

He also built a replica Culver City mail truck for his father, a retired longstanding local mailman.  

In disrepair, the 5-person bicycle was overhauled in 1986, noted Newton.  

"I was afraid to touch the bike, much less ride it.  It was unwieldy, just impossible to ride, and it still is," said Newton.  

“I’ve seen two guys ride the bike, but five is next to impossible,” said firefighter Noah Piechowski.

Retired Culver City Building Engineer Jeff Wolf said the last time officers seriously rode the bike was before Covid.  

"They were able to maneuver the bike with three riders, but they were fighting each other to stay upright with five on top," said Wolf, who helped rebuild the bike by adding new spokes.

Newton said his Model A was in terrible condition before its conversion.  

"We took it down to everything, put it in the shop, and day by day, got it into shape," he said.

For parity, Kohlhepp said the race director should flatten the tires of the police vehicle.   

He guarantees his firefighters would win the bucket brigade if instituted in the Screenland 5K.  To extinguish a fire, contestants race to shuttle water into a large bucket via plastic fire helmets.  

"When our families get involved, we always win," said Kohlhepp with a smile.

The final free Screenland 5K training workshop will be held on Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m. at the Culver City High School track.

READY TO RUN--Police officers (from left) Lt. Chris Caraballo, Asst. Chief Troy Dunlap, Lt. Ryan Thompson, and officers Kywan Owens and Kevin Ramirez wear custom Baker to Vegas marathon relay bib numbers emblazoned with the Screenland 5K logo.  Ramirez and Owens ran for the divisional gold medalist relay team last year.   

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS--Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims and Councilmember Albert Vera are attired as screen stars for the Screenland 5K costume contest, March 10, at Ivy Station.  Best costumed walkers and runners win awards and adulation. 

Athletic Police Chief 

Embraces a Good Fight

Culver City Police Department Police Chief Jason Sims relishes a good fight.

For Sims, a multi-sport athlete, the Screenland 5K on March 10 is "right up his alley because he enjoys physical fitness and competition," said CCPD Community Engagement Manager Jennifer Atenza.

A recipient of the department’s Special Recognition Award and the Distinguished Service Medal, Sims has won several gold medals in submission wrestling and played on ranked softball teams in the California and Nevada Police Olympics.

Hired to the department in 2000, Sims has run on the city's Baker to Vegas Marathon Relay Team for 16 years.

The local team won a divisional gold medal last year and finished 16th nationally.  The squad defends its crown on March 23-24.   

"To take first is amazing, and 16th in the nation is incredible," said police officer David Cardona.

"It was a huge win.  They're dedicated runners," said Atenza.  

"Chief Sims has a competitive edge, and he is proud of the dedicated men and women who work hard to provide safety services and take pride in keeping fit for their duties," Atenza said.

"He's excited to see our department participate in the race," said Atenza.

"It’s a priority and a great opportunity for us to support a health, fitness, and wellness event for this community.  A strong group of runners have signed up to run.  We have an awesome group of professionals dedicated to staying fit for their careers," said Atenza.

In January, two Culver City police officers finished first and second overall in a San Dimas race.

CCPD Officer Ruben Silvan wore a full tactical uniform in the inaugural Screenland 5K in 2017 in memory of a slain Whittier Police Officer.  Several officers and Culver City firefighters may wear full rescue gear in the spirit of screen star costumes worn by walkers and runners, competing in individual and team costume contests judged by CC Council PTA and CC Rotary Club.  

Police officers and staff will also work the Oscar Sunday event at Ivy Station and along the course, which extends west down Washington and Culver Blvd to Overland Ave. The race starts at 9:20 a.m.

"We expect a significant influx of people.  Safety plans are in place so attendees can enjoy the experience safely, with nothing hazardous preventing that.  We will work with traffic control, security, coordinators, and other stakeholders to determine capacity and need," Atenza said. 

A team of seven CCPD cyclists will participate in the Unity Tour from May 12 to 18. This grueling bike ride through several states to Washington, D.C., commemorates National Police Memorial Week. 

CLASSMATE--Legacy walker Jeannie Ingeneri will lead the Centaur Class of '74 team down the yellow brick road and into motion picture magic at the Screenland 5K.

PACER--Legacy runner David Winslow and a team of coaches lead Screenland 5K training sessions at Culver City High School.  Finals free workout is Sunday, Feb. 25, 3:00 p.m. 

LEGGER LEADER--Among the original LA Marathon Leggers, legacy runner Gary Pealer has motivated a new generation to compete and dress in "screen star" costumes for the Screenland 5K.  

Again, Teacher Will
Carry Baby in Race

If the Screenland 5K presented "Lifetime Achievement" Oscars, the Academy Awards Day event on March 10 at Ivy Station would honor its "Legacy Runners" for their "exceptional contributions."  Some 35 guests, about half from Culver City, have run the race each year. 

Legacy runner Chloe Flores will have a baby in tow this year after running six months pregnant in last year's event.

"I love Culver City and plan to participate in the Screenland 5K as long as I can," said the Linwood Howe teacher, a Culver City native who attended the elementary school.  Flores will co-captain the Sea Dragons to vie for school team awards and raise funds for the Culver City Council PTA, which supports Backpacks for Kids. 

This year, the Screenland 5K celebrates the centennials of MGM, Culver Hotel, and other motion picture landmarks. Legacy walker Jeannie Ingeneri is planning another milestone: the Culver City High School 50th class reunion in July.  Ingeneri will lead the Centaur Class of '74 team down the yellow brick road and into motion picture magic on race day.

Legacy runner Paul Jacobs has participated in over 1000 races and helped Culver City Parks and Recreation director Syd Kronenthal produce Culver City's Western Hemisphere Marathon, formerly the second oldest annual U.S. marathon.

The Culver City Centennial Celebration Committee President is this year's Screenland 5K Grand Marshall.  Taking the microphone moments before the race, the former four-term CC mayor admonishes runners not to pass him; otherwise, "your trash will not be picked up for two weeks," he says with a smile.

"I love the shirt designs and the camaraderie.  Everyone sees how special Culver City is," said Jacobs.

Legacy competitor David Winslow and a team of coaches have conducted the past five Screenland 5K training sessions over the past two months.  

"Come to this Sunday's workout, and you'll feel energized when you return home to watch the Super Bowl," Winslow said.   The free one-hour session is held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, at Culver High. 

Often running in tandem, legacy runners Joanna Brody, Board member, Friends of the Sandy Segal Youth Health Center, and Kelly Kent Marin, President, Culver City Board of Education, happen upon citizens from across the community during the event.

"We look forward to this race every year," said Brody.

Among the original LA Marathon Leggers, legacy runner Gary Pealer and Legger Mentor Coordinator John Lynch of Culver City have motivated a new generation to compete as a community and dress in "screen star" costumes for the annual event.  

Legacy walker Beverly Peterson knows all about legacies. Some 40 years ago, she was among the first members of the revitalized Fiesta La Ballona festival committee.

Legacy runners are Crystal Albert  (Anaheim), Marisol Aguilar (LA), Marc Bauer (Culver City), James Brewer (LA), Brody (Culver City), Harry Chang (Culver City), Jennifer Cooper (LA), Alma Cordero (Culver City), Angela Dominici (LA, pictured), Jessica Gutierrez (LA), Stephanie Gray (LA), Glenn Higaki (Cerritos), Amy Ho (LA), Tina Ho (LA), Lori Huck (LA), Ingeneri (Culver City, pictured), Jacobs (Culver City), Corey Kawamoto (Culver City), Kelly Kawamoto (Culver City), Kent Marin (Culver City), Michael Krupat (Culver City), Ruben Krupat (Culver City), Jayme Lavoie (El Segundo), Amy Levier (LA), Riche Levier (LA), William Levy (Porter Ranch), Melissa Louie (Culver City), Claudia Martinez (LA), Amy McKay (LA), Kristine Mulleneaux (Culver City), Nadia Mulleneaux (Culver City), Chloe Walmsley-Flores (LA), Gwen Nakatani (Westminster), Ivonne Nelson (LA), Rocio Nunez (Inglewood), Beverly Peterson (Culver City. pictured), George Ronay (LA), Linda Star (Porter Ranch), Gary Pealer (Culver City, pictured), Catherine Silman (Culver City), Sarah St. Clair (Playa Vista), Brandon Stephenson (LA), Carol Tang (Culver City), Devin Toohey (Inglewood), Bonnie Tuttle  (Pomona), Brian Whitaker (LA), Winslow (Culver City, pictured), Lynette Varghese (El Segundo), and Denise Yogi (Culver City).

FIRE ARTIST--Artist Cynda Valle's artwork represents Sissy Spacek in a scene from the Culver City film "Carrie."

GREAT ACTRESS--Artist Lori Antoinette celebrates Hattie McDaniel, who played “Mammy” in Gone with the Wind.

HEPBURN & GRANT--Artist Lori Escalera pairs a fun movie advertisement with the iconic Culver City film “Bringing Up Baby.”

GOAT--Lori Escalera reimagines the Laurel and Hardy movie “Angora Love.”

Iconic Movie Art

Dots Race Course 

Many of the "greatest stories ever told" in the past century were told right here in Culver City.  

On Oscar Sunday in the Heart of Screenland, guests will encounter tales in visual and performing art as they follow the yellow brick road into 100 points of motion picture magic.  The Screenland 5k is held on March 10 at Ivy Station and presented by the City of Culver City.

Interpreting a century of iconic Culver City movies and television shows, local professional and community artists have designed, drawn, and painted artwork that will be placed on the route near where the shows were filmed.  These works will complement interpretive cinematic art by Culver City High School students.  Musicians and other performers will engage guests and reenact scenes near the artwork.

"This will be a unique challenge for performers and artists because walkers and runners will enjoy their work for only a few seconds as they proceed along the racecourse!" said Lori Escalera, Screenland 5K Creative Director.  

Much of the visual and performing art along the route and at the Health and Fitness Expo aims to amplify the voices of under-represented talent in the Heart of Screenland, recognizing their significant yet often overlooked contributions to cinematic storytelling and observing that the event occurs on the cusp of National Women's and Black History months.

"We'll be honoring many cultures and identities, as there will be something for everyone," Escalera said.

At first glance, some Culver City art will represent scenes and movies that are not widely recognizable. Still, the history and culture many of these films embrace have brought centuries of history to a new generation, noted Escalera.

Student art, inspired by iconic Culver City movies and TV shows filmed along the 5K route, will fly on downtown street poles, waving at the walkers and runners on the course.

"When our students celebrate under-represented and marginalized talent in the Culver City film industry, they give these people a voice.  They develop an understanding and empathy," said Culver City High School art instructor Susana Fattorini.

Some 60 works of art by local artists and 70 standees of motion picture fame will line the course.  Artists include Screenland 5K’s creative director Lori Escalera, Roslyn Wilkins, Karina Kharchenko, and Serena Potter, Teresa Bernadette, Cynda Valle, Lori Antoinette, Marilyn Burns, Bradford Soloman and Nathaniel Chadwick.