KCET Cinema Series - Summer 2011

KCET's thrice-yearly screening series is back for Spring! Join us as we preview eight major new films prior to their first run local release.

Hosted by nationally recognized film expert Pete Hammond, the KCET Cinema series allows you to review the best of Hollywood, independent and foreign films Tuesday nights at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood. A lively Q & A follows each screening with the filmmakers and top movie talent.

May 31 was our opening night, featuring Beginners, by the talented writer and director Mike Mills. This delightful film examines how deeply funny and transformative life can be, even at its most serious moments. The film stars Academy Award nominated actor Christopher Plummer, Golden Globe Award nominee Ewan McGregor, and Melanie Laurent of Inglourious Basterds.

For more on the KCET Cinema Series - podcasts of filmmaker Q&A's, photo galleries and more! - visit http://kcet.org/cinemaseries.

June 7
A BETTER LIFE (Summit Entertainment)
The film follows the struggles of a gardener in East L.A. as he strives to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while traveling across town to perform landscaping work for the city's wealthy landowners. Mexican actor Demián Bichir (Weeds), José Julián and Nancy Lenehan star. Directed by Chris Weitz (About A Boy, Twilight:New Moon). Q&A immediately follows with director Chris Weitz.

June 14
THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER (IFC Films)
A poignant and revealing story of four young teens from Detroit who learn life lessons in the waning days of summer. A terrific coming of age story featuring a wonderful cast of newcomers that became the only American film chosen to compete in the prestigious Critics Week at the Cannes Film Festival. "The limits of a low budget don't mean much when they've crafted something this emotionally authentic. Myth of the American Sleepover is both intimate and joyous. Writer/director David Robert Mitchell absolutely nails it in a film filled with true moments"--- Cinematical. Q&A follows with writer/director David Robert Mitchell.

June 21 15
PAGE ONE: INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES (Magnolia Pictures)
Filmmaker Andrew Rossi gets extraordinary unlimited access into the workings of one of the last vestiges of old media in America, The New York Times. As the way we get and process information is rapidly changing this remarkable documentary examines a major newspaper trying to survive in a new age. A certain Oscar contender for Best Feature Documentary this is a must-see film that will have audiences talking. Q&A follows with director Andrew Rossi.

June 28
LARRY CROWNE (Universal Pictures)
Tom Hanks directs, co-writes and stars opposite Julia Roberts in the major studio adult comedy event of the summer. Larry Crowne was a superstar employee at a big box company until he was downsized. Now struggling to pay his mortgage and unsure of what lies ahead he learns to start again by enrolling in college where he finds a brand new life in many ways. Q&A follows with Oscar nominated co-writer Nia Vardalos (writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the most successful romantic comedy of all time).

July 5
Dark for July 4th Holiday Week

July 12
TBD

July 19
TBD

July 26
THE HELP (DreamWorks Studio and Participant Media)
Set in Mississippi during the 1960's, Skeeter portrayed by actress, Emma Stone is a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, who turns her friends' lives and a small town upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families. A look at what happens when a southern town's unspoken code of rules and behavior is shattered by three courageous women who strike up an unlikely friendship. Q & A with writer/director Tate Taylor.

August 2
TBD

Some films may have security checks. All films and guests are subject to change. Please check back on this page for further screening updates. More information on films this series will be added to this page as it arrives.

Please don't delay in purchasing your membership for the Summer KCET Cinema Series, which runs Tuesday evenings, June 7, 14 & 28; July 12, 19 & 26; and August 2. Screenings start at 7:00 pm.

For reservations and to charge your reservation by phone, call 747.201-5800.

The Summer Season of the KCET Cinema Series was made possible by the Johnny Mercer Foundation.