Kumail Nanjiani's 'The Big Sick' Screens at the KCET Cinema Series on June 13th
Director Michael Showalter and Producer Barry Mendel Scheduled to Attend
“The Big Sick” is based on the unique real-life courtship of comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) and writer Emily Gordon. In the film, Kumail, a Pakistan-born comedian, meets graduate student Emily (Zoe Kazan) at one of his stand-up gigs. A casual encounter becomes a real-life romance and together they must navigate the issues of his traditional Muslim family and Emily's parents. When she is faced with a mysterious illness, Kumail must take charge of the situation and both families. The cast includes Holly Hunter and Ray Romano. The film had its world premiere at this year's Sundance Film Festival, and screened at South by Southwest, where it won an Audience Award in the category Festival Favorites. Director Michael Showalter and Producer Barry Mendel will be in attendance for a Q&A session immediately following the screening.
Judd Apatow, who also produced the film, had never heard anything like Nanjiani’s story. “I thought it was incredible – I’ve never heard of falling in love with someone while they’re in a coma,” he describes. “It was not only true and it was also so heartfelt – and it was set in the world of stand-up comics, which has always fascinated me.”
The summer season of the KCET Cinema Series is generously sponsored by the James and Paula Coburn Foundation. The season began on June 6th and runs through August 1st. Season passes are available online via Eventbrite and individual admissions are available at the door for $25 each.
