Carla’s virtual Movie Restaurant is an amazing “virtual” experience that doesn’t seem virtual. This venue for artists to be able to share their personal narratives on the environment, birthdays, or whatever they are experiencing is critically needed now in this world where we seem so divided and need to listen to each other more so we can reach a higher level of understanding. We need to figure out a way to spread this work more widely so others have this opportunity to tell their story through their artistic endeavors.
— Jennifer Coots, PhD CSULB
Communities need stuff like this. The arts have always depended on people with resources to be patrons. You will find people are generous. CMR can be very powerful, make a difference.
— B. Sparks, CSULB CBA
Having the chance to express oneself through creating art on canvas, playing an instrument, or singing are just a few ways people with disabilities shine their light. Carla founder of CMR and her experienced staff are positively impacting the lives of people with disabilities to take part in opportunities to show their art or perform before an audience.

Walt Whitman said, ‘Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.’ This is what Carla has created for all of us – opened doors for self-expression, appreciation of talent, and the enjoyment of being entertained by gifted individuals.
— Jackie M. Marquette Ph.D., Business Manager for artist Trent Altman, trentsstudio.com
Carla is the entrepreneur with vision, creative. In entrepreneurship, it’s how creative and persistent someone is. You have perseverance in Carla.
— E. Smith, CSULB CBA
Filmmakers want that and people involved in the community want that as well. I tell them it’s a place for the community to see things they’ll never see. I never catch anyone that’s not interested in it. They think it’s really cool
— F. Portillo, Filmmaker
Thank you very much for this wonderful experience! I am very glad I got to sell the first edition of my prints from this event.
— H. Sung, Artist
CMR provides young aspiring artists a place to meet other people who are in the same life path, to be able to commune with other artists and have a support system of people and a community.
— E. Coleman, Theatre
The purpose of art is to feel something. When you make a piece of art, you put your emotions into it. And then when someone looks at it, listens to it, or watches it, they can feel what you were feeling at that time.
— Lea Vujicich, Assistant to Carla/Social Media Manager for CMR
CMR has provided me the opportunity to use my artistic abilities in many different ways. I have been an intern for their filmmaking, production, and acting, performed music by singing and playing my guitar, exhibited my paintings and my other artwork, and learned social skills with popup venues that are both virtual and in person. I look forward to my continued success and projects with CMR.
— Christian Valdez
My son thoroughly enjoys interning for CMR and participating in their popups where he gets to use his wonderful artistic abilities. CMR provides a safe and inclusive environment for artists of all kinds and abilities, where they can work together on artistic projects unrestricted by their disability. I am very grateful for CMR and its professionalism. We look forward to a future with this program.
— Martha England
After making independent films for over 10 years, I’ve learned one thing: you’ve got to show your film.Carla’s Movie Restaurant provides a stage, an audience, and a voice for young filmmakers, which is absolutely critical to their growth as artists
— Josie Hoh, FilmVisionary Productions
CMR is a breath of fresh air and love and acceptance.
— Taylor Windle
Thank you to CMR for giving me an opportunity to perform in my first professional entertainment role!!
— Josh age 31, author and entertainer

On Our Pup-Up Events…

I really appreciate your team doing this for our fur babies.
— Community Member
Such a fun day, Thank you Carla for a great idea!
— Community Member
… congratulations on your continued success. You will be in the Community Calendar
— David Young, Editor, at Events-NewsEnterprise