Film Independent Presents in partnership with KCRW

Please note…

Due to popular demand, this event, originally scheduled for AMC The Grove, will now take place at Harmony Gold Preview House.

Film Independent Members, you and a guest are invited to join us for a theatrical screening of IFC Films’ BlackBerry, followed by an in-person conversation with writer/director/star Matt Johnson and stars Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton, moderated by Cooper Hopkins (Film Independent Marketing & Communications).

Every era has its visionaries, and BlackBerry, co-written by director Matt Johnson and producer Matthew Miller, investigates the brilliance of the individuals that invented the world’s first smartphone. Recounting the Canadian company’s humble yet chaotic rise to market dominance, BlackBerry is a darkly comedic telling of the tragic tale of a Canadian company that revolutionized the way we communicate, before swiftly plummeting into obsolescence.

It’s 1996, and Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel) and his business partner and best friend Douglas Fregin (Matt Johnson) are on the edge of creating the world’s first smartphone. Unfortunately for them, they are less business savvy than they are tech, and struggle to keep their company, Research in Motion, afloat. Everything changes when cunning business man Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton) agrees to join the company, bringing with him the money and experience needed to create and sell a prototype of their invention.

Seemingly overnight, the three men revolutionize the way people work, communicate and connect. Celebrities, politicians and businessmen are now addicted to their BlackBerrys. The company’s value skyrockets yet, within a few short years, shady business dealings, personal grievances and, perhaps most dangerously, the iPhone threaten the company’s incredible success.

From IFC Films, BlackBerry will be released in theaters May 12.

 
2023, 119 minutes, color | Written by Matt Johnson and Matt Miller | Directed by Matt Johnson | Starring Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Cary Elwes, Saul Rubinek, Rich Sommer, SungWon Cho | Produced by Matthew Miller, Niv Fichman, Fraser Ash, Kevin Krikst, Jared Raab, Curt Lobb | Executive Produced by Jay McCarrol
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members are guaranteed access to, and receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting at 11:00 am on Friday, April 14. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as one hour prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

Masks are recommended, but not required. This is subject to change as we continue to monitor public health guidance.

Harmony Gold Preview House parking is complimentary. Underground parking is accessible via Sunset Boulevard. An overflow parking lot is located behind the building and can be accessed from Stanley Avenue. If lots are full, street parking is available.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per Membership, per event.

Members are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.