Film @ The Wallis in Partnership with Film Independent Presents
Four Events for Cinema LoversIncluding a Live Read of Oscar-Nominated
Triangle of Sadness and Three Directors Close-Up Programs
with Guillermo del Toro (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio), Todd Field (Tár), Sarah Polley (Women Talking), Jason Segel (Shrinking) and OthersFebruary 26 – March 1, 2023
Sunday, February 26, 7:30 pm
Directing Frame by Frame with Directors Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio)
Monday, February 27, 7:30 pm
Live Read of Oscar-Nominated Triangle of Sadness Directed by Ruben ÖstlundTuesday, February 28, 7:30 pm
Casting and Directing Actors with Shrinking with Creator Jason Segel and TeamWednesday, March 1, 2023, 7:30 pm
The Spirit of Independence,
Featuring 2023 Film Independent Spirit Award Best Director and Best Feature Nominees:
Todd Field (Tár); Ellie Foumbi (Our Father, the Devil); Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once); Sarah Polley (Women Talking); and Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies)Events to be Held in The Wallis’ Bram Goldsmith Theater
(Beverly Hills, CA, February 17, 2023) – Film @ The Wallis in association with Film Independent presents four enthralling programs for lovers of cinema and awards season aficionados, featuring celebrated stars from both behind and in front of the camera, from February 26 – March 1, 2023, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts’ Bram Goldsmith Theater. Highlights include a “Live Read” of Ruben Östlund’s Oscar-nominated film Triangle of Sadness and three “Directors Close-Up” programs, spotlighting some of the most highly regarded directors working today, among them Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio); Ellie Foumbi (Our Father, the Devil); Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once); Sarah Polley (Women Talking); and Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies).
The series launches with Directing Frame by Frame: Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson, the co-directors of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which provides insights into the celebrated film’s hand-crafted stop-motion animation. They are joined by team members Georgina Hayns, Director of Character Fabrication; and Brian Leif Hansen, Animation Supervisor (February 26, 5:00 pm). The second program, a Live Read of NEON’s Oscar-nominated Triangle of Sadness, which skewers the rich, features the film’s director Ruben Östlund directing a star-studded cast. (February 27, 7:30 pm). The next event, Casting and Directing Actors: Shrinking with Creator Jason Segel and Team, spotlights the multi-talented actor, writer, and producer Jason Segel, joined by series director James Ponsoldt, casting directors, cast, and key creative collaborators, exploring the process of bringing to the screen believable characters and memorable performances (February 28, 7:30 pm). The slate of cinematic events concludes with “The Spirit of Independence,” featuring six of the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Award Best Director and Best Feature nominees: Todd Field (Tár); Ellie Foumbi (Our Father, the Devil); Daniel Kwan (Everything Everywhere All at Once); Sarah Polley (Women Talking); Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies); and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once). They will discuss their films and careers, and how they stay true to their personal artistic visions in the commercial marketplace (March 1, 2023, 7:30 pm). Each Directors Close Up event is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission, followed by a reception on the Promenade Terrace.
Tickets, $35 per program for the Directors Close Up series and $35 for the Live Read Event ($20 per ticket for the Live Read program for Wallis subscribers and Film Independent Members), are on sale now. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. To purchase tickets and for more information, please call 310-746-4000 or visit TheWallis.org/Film-Independent-Presents-Directors-Close-Up and TheWallis.org/triangle-of-sadness-a-live-read.
Event Details:
Sunday, February 26, 7:30pm
Directing Frame by Frame: Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson
“Directing Frame by Frame,” the first of three Directors Close-Up 2023 programs presented by Film Independent, explores the fascinating world of stop-motion animation with Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson and some of the other key members of the team that created Guillermo del Toro Pinocchio. They will explain how each frame was handcrafted from the ground up by the talented artists who crafted the puppets and brought them to life frame by frame. Del Toro and Gustason will also discuss their experience directing “in four hands” to create this stunning contemporary rendition of a classic favorite. The panel includes Guillermo del Toro (Director, Writer, Producer); Mark Gustafson (Director); Georgina Hayns (Director of Character Fabrication); and Brian Leif Hansen (Animation Supervisor). Ticketholders are invited to a post-show reception to celebrate animation with beverages provided.
Monday, February 27, 7:30pm
Live Read of Triangle of Sadness Directed by Ruben Östlund
Film Independent presents the first Live Read of 2023 with Triangle of Sadness, directed by Ruben Östlund and Oscar nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. In Film Independent’s Live Read tradition, the film will be read by a brand-new, star-studded cast, but Östlund will maintain his position at the wheel of what promises to be an uproarious spectacle. NEON’s Triangle of Sadness demonstrates Östlund doing what he does best: skewering the rich.
In this ensemble social satire, celebrity model couple, Carl and Yaya, are invited on an all-expenses-paid luxury cruise for the uber-rich, helmed by an unhinged boat captain and featuring a cast of characters above and below deck. But what first appeared instagrammable ends catastrophically, as Östlund’s cinematic sensation motors us through a cacophony of riches to an unforgettable frenzy in which a gaggle of bejeweled, botoxed women puke their guts out while the ship captain quotes Eugene Debs. Ultimately, Östlund suggests that even amongst each other, the uber-wealthy are desperate to conceal their insecurities behind capitalism’s great identifier: the brand. But Östlund has a fate far worse than accidental food poisoning in mind for them. The cruel seas and a series of madcap mishaps culminate in a shipwreck, leaving a motley crew of survivors stranded on a desert island and fighting for survival, while the tables of power have turned. To no one’s surprise, the crew, particularly housekeeper Abigail, is better equipped for survival in the wild than the spoiled billionaires. It’s Lord of the Flies for these pampered misfits, with plenty of surprises in store before Östlund is done with them. NEON’s Triangle of Sadness is Oscar-nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.
Tuesday, February 28, 7:30pm
Casting and Directing Actors: Shrinking with Creator Jason Segel and Team Shrinking creator, the multi-talented actor, writer, and producer Jason Segel, is joined by series director James Ponsoldt, cast, and casting directors, do a deep dive into the process of bringing to the screen believable characters and memorable performances. From every different point of view, we will hear about what’s behind a great performance, as the team discusses the ways in which they collaborate. With: Jason Segel, Series creator, actor, James Ponsoldt, director, Jessica Williams, actor, Brett Benner, casting director, and Debby Romano, casting director.Wednesday, March 1, 7:30pm
The Spirit of Independence – Featuring 2023 Film Independent Spirit Award Best Director and Best Feature Nominees
The Directors Close-Up 2023 series concludes with “The Spirit of Independence,” featuring a panel of six of the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Award Best Director and Best Feature nominees: Todd Field (Tár); Ellie Foumbi (Our Father, the Devil); Daniel Kwan (Everything Everywhere All at Once); Sarah Polley (Women Talking); Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies); and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once). They will discuss their films, their careers, and how they stay true to their personal, artistic visions in the commercial marketplace.
The Wallis is closely monitoring the ever-changing local health and safety environment carefully and addressing known health factors at the moment. Should plans change and any performance be required to be postponed or cancelled or if venue capacity limitations are instituted, ticket holders will be notified immediately with options for their purchased tickets per The Wallis’ ticketing policies.
The health and safety of patrons, staff, and artists inside and outside the venue are a top priority for The Wallis. Facial masks are no longer required but are strongly encouraged and recommended. The Wallis’ health and safety protocols are also subject to change at the venue’s sole discretion or in accordance with LA County and City of Beverly Hills regulations. Current Health & Safety Protocols and updates may also be accessed at TheWallis.org/Safety. Policies are subject to change.
About Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts:
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is a dynamic cultural hub and community resource where local, national and international artists share their artistry with ever-expanding audiences. The campus, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, CA, is committed to robust and distinctive presentations and education programs curated with both creativity and social impact in mind. Distinguished by its eclectic programming that mirrors the diverse landscape of Los Angeles and its location in the entertainment capital of the world, The Wallis has produced and presented more than 350 theater, dance, music, film, cabaret, conversation, and family entertainment programs since its doors opened in October 2013. Hailed as “au courant” (LaLa Magazine), The Wallis was lauded by Culture Vulture, which proclaims, “If you love expecting the unexpected in the performing arts, you have to love The Wallis.” Its programming has been nominated for 79 Ovation Awards and nine L.A. Drama Critic’s Circle Awards. The campus itself, a breathtaking 70,000-square-foot facility, celebrating the classic and the modern, has garnered six architectural awards. Designed by acclaimed architect Zoltan E. Pali (SPF:architects), the restored building features the original 1933 Beverly Hills Post Office (on the National Register of Historic Places), which serves as the theater’s dramatic yet welcoming lobby, and includes the contemporary 500-seat, state-of-the-art Bram Goldsmith Theater; the 150-seat Lovelace Studio Theater; an inviting open-air plaza for family, community and other performances; and GRoW @ The Wallis: A Space for Arts Education, where learning opportunities for all ages and backgrounds abound. Together, these elements embrace the city’s history and its future, creating a performing arts destination for L.A.-area visitors and residents alike. Michael Nemeroff is Chairman of The Wallis’ Board of Directors.
For more information about The Wallis, please visit: TheWallis.org.
Like The Wallis on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @thewallisbh
About Film Independent:
For over 38 years, Film Independent has helped filmmakers get their projects made and seen. The nonprofit’s mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling and support a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. In addition to producing the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the organization supports creative professionals with Artist Development programs, grants and labs, and signature mentorship program Project Involve fosters the careers of talented filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Weekly Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with tools and resources. International programs include Global Media Makers, a cultural exchange program that provides career-building opportunities for international film professionals. Film Independent Presents is a year-round program offering screenings, conversations and other unique cinematic experiences to Members in Los Angeles and beyond. While working to make the entertainment industry more inclusive, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists. Film lovers, industry professionals and anyone passionate about visual storytelling can become a Member at filmindependent.org and connect with @FilmIndependent across social platforms.
For more information about The Wallis, please visit: TheWallis.org.
For downloadable photos, please visit: TheWallis.org/Press.
Like The Wallis on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram
EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:
WHAT:
Cinema @ The Wallis in Association with Film Independent Presents
Four Events for Cinema Lovers
DATES/TIMES/PROGRAMS:
Sunday, February 26, 5:00 pm
Directing Frame by Frame with Directors Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio)
Monday, February 27, 7:30 pm
Live Read of Oscar-Nominated Triangle of Sadness Directed by Ruben ÖstlundTuesday, February 28, 7:30 pm
Casting and Directing Actors: Shrinking with Creator Jason Segel and TeamWednesday, March 1, 2023, 7:30 pm
The Spirit of Independence – Featuring 2023 Film Independent Spirit Award Best Director and Best Feature Nominees:
Todd Field (Tár); Ellie Foumbi (Our Father, the Devil); Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once); Sarah Polley (Women Talking); and Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies)WHERE:
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Bram Goldsmith Theater
9390 N. Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
RUN TIME:
Directors Close-Up programs are approximately 90 – 120 minutes with no intermission. The Live Read of Triangle of Sadness is approximately 120-140 minutes with an intermission.TICKET PRICES AND INFORMATION:
Tickets, $35 per program for the Directors Close Up series and $35 for the Live Read Event ($20 per ticket for the Live Read program for Wallis subscribers and Film Independent Members)
TheWallis.org/Film-Independent-Presents-Directors-Close-Up
TheWallis.org/triangle-of-sadness-a-live-read
310-746-4000 (Monday – Friday, 10 am to 6 pm)
PLEASE NOTE:
Due to current health and safety variables, the engagement or select performances are subject to change, postponement or cancellation.
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