Southern California’s flagship PBS station and home for award-winning public media programming, announced today details for a star-studded lineup of films and panel discussions set to screen over the next few weeks as part of the Virtual KCET Cinema Series (VKCS) with a lineup of A-List Hollywood talent participating from upcoming Awards season contending films that include “Hillbilly Elegy” and “Wild Mountain Time.”
Known throughout the entertainment industry for spotlighting the best of Hollywood, independent and festival films, the KCET Cinema Series transitioned to the Virtual KCET Cinema Series in May of 2020 as a result of COVID-19. As regional filmmakers and actors adapt to an uncertain future due to the current pandemic, the new virtual format allows prominent filmmakers and talent from across the globe to partake as well as makes it possible for movie fans anywhere to have the opportunity to participate in exclusive screenings of new motion pictures prior to their public theatrical or streaming release dates.
The Virtual KCET Cinema Series is hosted by KCET MUST SEE MOVIES Host and Deadline.com Chief Film Critic Pete Hammond, and takes place on the website screening service known as Eventive, due to movie audiences staying at home to stop the spread of the coronavirus which has also severely impacted the futures of theaters and film studios across the region. The new format of the KCET Cinema Series has provided an easy-to-use alternative for KCET Cinema Series Members as well as many new attendees who are interested in learning the craft of film. Hammond takes attendees behind the scenes of this year’s biggest movies and most anticipated independent and studio films, as well as gives them intimate access to conversations with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and upcoming independent filmmakers, all while keeping everyone safe in the comfort of their own living rooms. Post-screening discussions thus far for the Virtual KCET Cinema Series have included Lena Olin (Star of “The Artist’s Wife”), John Leguizamo (Director of “Critical Thinking”), Aaron Sorkin (Director of “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and Dan Friedkin (Director of “The Last Vermeer”).Upcoming screenings announced include:
NOVEMBER 24, 7 PM (PST) HILLBILLY ELEGY NETFLIX
Based on J.D. Vance’s New York Times Bestseller, directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard and produced by Academy Award winner Brian Grazer, HILLBILLY ELEGY is a powerful personal memoir that offers a window into one family’s personal journey of survival and triumph. By following three colorful generations through their unique struggles, J.D.’s family story explores the highs and lows that define his family’s experience. Q&A immediately following screening with director Ron Howard, and actors Glenn Close and Amy Adams*Deadline to register for this screening is Sun., Nov. 22nd at 6 p.m. PT.
DECEMBER 1, 7 PM (PST) WILD MOUNTAIN THYME BLEECKER STREET
A romantic story set against the sweeping backdrop of Ireland, starring Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan as the star-crossed lovers who get caught up in their families’ dispute, with supporting roles by John Hamm and Christopher Walken. From writer-director John Patrick Shanley, the Oscar-winning writer of MOONSTRUCK, and based on his hit Broadway play Outside Mullingar, which received a 2014 Tony Award nomination for Best Play. Q&A immediately following screening with Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan, Jon Hamm, Christopher Walken, Dearbhla Molloy, and writer/director John Patrick Shanley.
The KCET Cinema Series is celebrating its 26th anniversary in 2020. In a normal year, the series alternates between the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica and the ArcLight Theatre in Sherman Oaks for in-person weekly screenings. The series hopes to return to quarterly film seasons next spring pending the safety of the theaters and the status of the current pandemic. The KCET Cinema Series has a stellar reputation within the entertainment industry as evidenced by the schedule of films and talent from last awards season that included “Ford v Ferrari” with director James Mangold; “Marriage Story” with Laura Dern, writer/director Noah Baumbach, and producer David Heyman; “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” with actor Susan Kelechi Watson and production designer Jade Healy; “Bombshell” with director Jay Roach; “1917” with cinematographer Roger Deakins and composer Thomas Newman; “The Farewell” with writer/director Lulu Wang.
The Virtual KCET Cinema Series is made possible by ticket sales, membership passes, and charitable gifts to attend the upcoming film screenings, please visit kcet.org/cinemaseries