Our recent cover story State of the Arthouse lamented the closure of many an indie screen in L.A. (and offered some hope). It looks like one of the venues slated for chopping block has been saved.

Laemmle announced via Facebook that its Music Hall 3 has been given a one-year extension on a lease that it seemed pretty sure was over.

Here's what the theater chain says:

… Good news, everyone! We finalized a one-year (minimum) extension of operation for the Music Hall in Beverly Hills! … Now we need your advice. Only increased support by the community surrounding the Music Hall will keep it open.

The circa-1938 venue was operated by Laemmle under a 15-year lease that was to be kaput in spring.

Greg Laemmle, the company president, said a decrease in the supply of its favored ethnic films along with an increase in the rent meant that it would probably close by April.

If the place went dark it might have said a lot about the state of indie scene. Ironically or not, it's practically across the street from the folks who do the Oscars — the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Some might have seen symbolism in a boarded-up theater, if it came to that.

So now you have a year to see your favorite obscure flicks. Use it or lose it, L.A.

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