Arts Circle and Film Lover Members, you and a guest are invited to join us for a theatrical screening of Story Ave, followed by an in-person conversation with writer/director Aristotle Torres and producer Lizzie Shapiro.

Beverages will be served prior to the screening, starting at 7:00 pm PT.

Lizzie Shapiro is a Film Independent Fellow who took part in our Producing Lab in 2017 and Fast Track in 2020. At the 2022 Spirit Awards, she was the recipient of the Producers Award and (with Emma Seligman, Kieran Altman and Katie Schiller) won the John Cassavetes Award for the film Shiva Baby.

This year we’re celebrating #AD30, in recognition of our three-decade journey working with and for independent artists. Join the celebration and donate today to support our next 30 years of Artist Development.
 
South Bronx teen Kadir (Asante Blackk) is a gifted visual artist who loses his way following the death of his younger brother. Overcome with grief and struggling with the pressures of school and family, he escapes into the thrilling yet dangerous world of graffiti gangs, seeking an outlet for the creative force threatening to explode out of him. To prove himself and join his neighborhood’s ruling gang, Kadir tries to rob no-nonsense MTA conductor Luis (Luis Guzmán) on the Story Ave subway platform. He is caught off guard when Luis agrees to give Kadir the cash if he’ll sit down to a meal with him. Following their conversation and the delicate, transformative friendship that grows out of it, Kadir sees for the first time how his artistic talent could lead to a better life. Winner of this year’s Best Cinematography prize at SXSW, this moving and authentic portrait of the South Bronx announces an exciting new cinematic voice in Aristotle Torres and offers a welcome showcase for beloved character actor Guzmán and rising star Blackk (This Is Us), alongside a supporting cast of up-and-comers including Alex R. Hibbert (Moonlight), Cassandra Freeman (Bel-Air), Coral Peña (For All Mankind) and Melvin Gregg (The Blackening).

From Kino Lorber, Story Ave will be in theaters on September 29 (NYC) and October 13 (Los Angeles and select cities).

 
2023, 94 minutes, color | Written by Aristotle Torres, Bonsu Thompson | Directed by Aristotle Torres | Starring Asante Blackk, Luis Guzmán, Melvin Gregg, Alex R. Hibbert, Cassandra Freeman, Coral Peña | Produced by Jamie Foxx (PGA), Lizzie Shapiro (PGA), Aristotle Torres
 

Registration Information

For information about Arts Circle, learn more, or contact Jennifer Murby at jmurby@filmindependent.org.

Arts Circle and Film Lover Members can register for this event starting at 12:00 pm on Thursday, September 21. | 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.

Complimentary parking provided with validation. Garage entrance on Masselin.
 

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.