Arts Circle, Film Lover and Secret (shhh…) Members, you and a guest are invited to join us for a theatrical screening of La Cocina, followed by an in-person conversation with writer/director Alonso Ruizpalacios.

In the heart of a bustling Times Square kitchen, dreams and desperation collide as the back-of-house staff each chase the elusive American dream. When money goes missing from the till, the spotlight falls on Pedro (Briones), a passionate dreamer entangled in a tumultuous love affair with Julia (Mara), a waitress grappling with her own commitments. As tensions rise and shocking revelations unfold, the relentless pace of the kitchen threatens to shatter the hopes and aspirations of those who keep it running. It’s a high-stakes drama that explores the intersection of the personal ambition and systemic exploitation of undocumented immigrant workers within the pressure-cooker environment of a Times Square New York restaurant.

In 2024, the film was an official selection of the Berlin International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, London Film Festival, Morelia International Film Festival and Deauville American Film Festival.

From WILLA, La Cocina will be released in theaters on October 25.

 
2024, 139 minutes, black and white | Written and Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios | Starring Raúl Briones, Rooney Mara, Anna Diaz, Motell Foster, Oded Fehr, Eduardo Olmos | Produced by Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Alonso Ruizpalacios, Lauren Mann, Ivan Orlic | Executive Produced by Marco Polo Constandse, Alexis Garcia, Cristina Garza, Jose Nacif, William Olsson, Patrick Pfupajena, Elizabeth Woodward

 

Registration Information

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

Arts Circle, Film Lover and Secret Members can register for this event starting at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 1. | 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 30 minutes 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 optional. This is subject to change as we continue to monitor public health guidance.

Parking validations will be provided inside the venue. The entrance to the parking garage is on Camden Drive, on the west side of the street. Please self-park on levels P1, P2, P3 or P4. From the garage, take the elevator up to the Lobby (L) and exit the building through the glass doors. The Screening Room entrance is on the same west side of Camden Drive, further north, towards Brighton Way, just before the entrance to the parking garage (look for glass doors with WME signage).
 

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.