L.A.'s Premiere In-Person Film Series, the KCET Cinema Series, Announces New Home at the Landmark Westwood Theatre, Followed by Q&As with Filmmakers and Top Hollywood Talent
Press Contact
Chelsea Grosbeck
cgrosbeck@pmgsocal.org
747-201-5202
Los Angeles, Calif. – April. 6, 2023 – KCET, Southern California’s flagship PBS station showcasing the best of PBS while creating award-winning local programming, announced today that the spring 2023 KCET Cinema Series will be moving to a new venue, the Landmark Westwood Theatre (1045 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024) in the heart of Westwood Village. The KCET Cinema Series will return for four engagements (April 11, April 18, May 2 and May 9) to spotlight the best of Hollywood, independent and festival films prior to their public theatrical or streaming release dates, kicking off with guest Ray Romano in support of the upcoming Roadside Attractions film “Somewhere in Queens.” Additional films in the spring lineup include the April 18 screening of the Yogi Berra documentary “It Ain’t Over.” To purchase a pass for the new spring film series, or individual tickets to the screenings, visit https://kcetcinemaseriesspring2023.eventive.org/welcome
KCET MUST SEE MOVIES Host and Deadline’s Awards Columnist and Chief Film Critic Pete Hammond will once again host the film series, and conduct in-person conversations with filmmakers and top talent. Hammond will use his expert knowledge to take attendees behind the scenes and give them intimate access to some of Hollywood’s top talent and award-winning filmmakers.
The KCET Cinema Series is made possible by ticket sales, membership passes and charitable gifts. The series is sponsored by Presenting Sponsor Mitzi Ash Blahd, and Director Sponsor the MaddocksBrown Foundation. To discuss sponsorship opportunities for individuals, businesses or charitable foundations, contact series producer Michele Garza at mgarza@pmgsocal.org.
Built in 1946 and operated by Landmark since 2002, the Landmark Westwood Theatre is a newly revitalized single-screen theatre now featuring state-of-the art digital projection and sound, with audio powered by the Dolby ATMOS Sound System. Curated design enhancements include platformed, luxury leather seating imported from Spain and newly installed hardwood floors and wall coverings. The remodeled, modern restrooms now feature ADA-compliant facilities on the ground floor. Additional enhancements include a newly appointed bar as part of the food and beverage area which serves a variety of craft beers and wines and features traditional cinema favorites like popcorn, and an expanded menu of pub fare.
A series pass is available for $55 per person while individual tickets are $15 per screening with tickets available for pre-purchase or at the door. Though the May 2 screening is still TBA, upcoming in-person screenings confirmed for the spring 2023 KCET Cinema Series at the Landmark Westwood Theatre are as follows (*Q&A guests are subject to change):
Tuesday, April 11 at 7 p.m.: “Somewhere in Queens” (Roadside Attractions)
Leo Russo (Ray Romano) lives a simple life in Queens, New York with his wife Angela (Laurie Metcalf), their shy son "Sticks" (Jacob Ward) and Leo’s Italian-American relatives and neighborhood friends. Russo, feeling invisible in his life, lives vicariously through his son's success in high school playing basketball. When “Sticks” gets an unexpected opportunity to play basketball in college, Leo goes to extreme lengths to keep his son on this new path.
Q&A immediately following screening with Ray Romano.
Tuesday, April 18 at 7 p.m.: “It Ain’t Over” (Sony Picture Classics)
An intimate portrait of a misunderstood American icon, this uplifting documentary about Yogi Berra takes us beyond the caricatures and "Yogisms," and into the heart of a sports legend whose unparalleled accomplishments on field were often overshadowed by his off-the-field persona. With appearances by Vin Scully, Bob Costas, Billy Crystal and others.
Q&A immediately following screening with director Sean Mullin.
Tuesday, May 09 at 7 p.m.: “Blackberry” (IFC Films)
The story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the company behind the world’s first smartphone, this comedy-drama is a whirlwind ride through a ruthlessly competitive Silicon Valley at breakneck speeds.
Q&A immediately following screening with director/co-writer/star Matt Johnson.
Join the conversation on social media using #KCETCinemaSeries
About KCET
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 history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional programming, its national 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, Chromecast and VIZIO SmartCast TV. KCET is also available to watch live on YouTube TV.