The KCET Cinema Series, LA's Longest Running Screening Series, Returns for Exclusive, In-Person Engagement this Fall; Screenings Followed by Q&As With Filmmakers and Talent
Press Contact
Chelsea Grosbeck
cgrosbeck@pmgsocal.org
747.201.5202
Los Angeles, Calif. – Oct. 21, 2021 – KCET, showcasing the best of PBS while being the leading source for arts, culture and news in Southern California, announced today that the KCET Cinema Series will be returing to in-person screenings at American Cinematheque’s historic Aero Theatre in Santa Monica this November. The series offers a star-studded lineup of films set to screen over the next few weeks, featuring Hollywood’s top talent who will participate in the post screening Q&As. Films screened are expected to be contenders for this year’s Awards season, opening with “King Richard” and followed by Kenneth Brannagh’s “Belfast” and Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog.” Known throughout the entertainment industry for spotlighting the best of Hollywood, independent and festival films, movie fans will once again be able to attend exclusive screenings of new films prior to their public theatrical or streaming release. To register for the new season visit: https://kcetcinemaseriesaero.eventive.org/welcome.
KCET MUST SEE MOVIES Host and Deadline.com Chief Film Critic Pete Hammond will once again host the Q&A panels that will highlight films considered as the top contenders for Oscar® nominations. Hammond will take attendees behind the scenes of this year’s biggest movies and give them intimate access to conversations with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and award-winning filmmakers.
The Virtual KCET Cinema Series will also continue simultaneously with the in-person screenings. Due to movie audiences remaining at home during the coronavirus pandemic, the KCET Cinema Series transitioned to the Virtual KCET Cinema Series utilizing the screening service Eventive, a technology platform designed specifically to enhance the online film viewing experience. The new format of the KCET Cinema Series provided an easy-to-use alternative for movie fans looking to see first run films before their theatrical or streaming service release.
The virtual format also made it possible for local, national and global talent to participate. The popular virtual series will continue on Eventive, with a slate of anticipated films featuring conversations with award-winning filmmakers and top talent from the films. The film schedule for the Virtual KCET Cinema Series will be announced on kcet.org/cinemaseries
Upcoming in-person screenings announced for the KCET Cinema Series at the Aero Theatre include (*Q&A guests are subject to change):
Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.: “King Richard” (Warner Bros.)
Based on the true story, this biographic drama follows the journey of Richard Williams (Will Smith). Driven by a clear vision of the future for his daughters and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan to take Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena (Demi Singleton) from Compton to the global stage and, in the process, change professional tennis forever. Q&A immediately following with Producer (and championship tennis player) Tim White and Producer Trevor White.
Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.: “Belfast” (Focus Features)
A semi-autobiographical film by Kenneth Branagh which chronicles the life of a working-class family and their young son's childhood during the tumult of the late 1960s in the Northern Ireland capital. The comedy-drama stars Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciáran Hinds and newcomer Jude Hill and features music by Belfast native Van Morrison. Q&A panelists to be announced at a later date.
Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.: “The Power of the Dog” (Netflix)
In this Western written and directed by Oscar-winner Jane Campion (and based on the novel by Thomas Savage), a domineering rancher responds with cruelty when his brother brings home a new wife and her son, until the unexpected comes to pass. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunst, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Thomasin McKenzie, Genevieve Lemon, Keith Carradine and Frances Conroy. Q&A immediately following with Oscar-winning director Jane Campion and members of the cast (to be announced at a later date).
The KCET Cinema Series is celebrating its 27th anniversary in 2021. The series has a stellar reputation within the entertainment industry as evidenced by the schedule of films and talent from last awards season that included “Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain” with Academy Award-winning director Morgan Neville; “The Father” with Academy Award-winners Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Coleman; “The Mauritanian" with Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald and two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster; “Stillwater” with award-winning writer/director Tom McCarthy; and “Blue Bayou” with director, writer and co-star Justin Chon.
Both the KCET Cinema Series and the Virtual KCET Cinema Series are made possible by ticket sales, membership passes and charitable gifts. To discuss sponsorship opportunities for individuals, businesses or charitable foundations, contact Michele Garza, series producer, at mgarza@pmgsocal.org. Both series are presented by Mitzi Ash Blahd and the E. Hofert Daily Trust, both acting as Presenting Sponsors with the MaddocksBrown Foundation as Director Sponsor. To learn more or to register to attend the upcoming film screenings, please visit kcet.org/cinemaseries.
Join the conversation on social media using #KCETCinemaSeries
About KCET
KCET is part of the donor-supported community institution, the Public Media Group of Southern California, which was formed by the merger of PBS SoCal and KCETLink Media Group. As one of Southern California’s two flagship PBS stations, KCET is on-air, online as well as in the community, and plays a vital role in the cultural enrichment of Southern California. KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well as the finest public television programs from around the world. Throughout its 55-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions and its website, kcet.org. For additional information about KCET’s original productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org. KCET Originals and PBS programming are available to stream on the FREE PBS App on iOS and Android devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Chromecast. KCET is also available to watch live on YouTube TV.
