You’re invited to join us for a theatrical screening of Skywalkers: A Love Story, followed by a in-person conversation with writer/director Jeff Zimbalist, moderated by Matthew Carey (Documentary Awards Editor, Deadline).

Angela was raised poor outside of Moscow, her parents working for the circus. A talented gymnast, she excels at the sport of rooftopping, or climbing the world’s highest buildings without safety harnesses, but Angela isn’t accepted by her male climbing peers. As she begins to one-up the boys with her bravery and creativity, she gets the attention of Russia’s top rooftopper, Vanya. The two form an elite team and expand the phenomena to a new genre they call “skywalking,” creating artistic photography of acrobatic stunts on the edges of skyscrapers. Their art goes viral, they get sponsored to travel with their new brand, eventually fall in love, and their social media explodes.

But when Covid halts travel and Russia invades Ukraine, Angela and Vanya lose their sponsors and followers, stirring trust issues in their partnership. In the hopes of saving their careers and their relationship, they risk never seeing their families again and leave Russia to conquer their greatest quest yet; the second-highest building in the world.

Filmed over the course of six years across six countries, Skywalkers uses extreme climbing as a metaphor for trust in romantic relationships, ultimately compelling us to choose love on the most epic scale.

Skywalkers: A Love Story premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

 
2024, 100 minutes, color | Written & Directed by Jeff Zimbalist | Co-Directed by Maria Bukhonina | Featuring Angela Nikolau, Ivan Berrkus | Produced by Jeff Zimbalist, Maria Bukhonina, Tamir Ardon, Chris Smith | Executive Produced by Nick Spicer
 

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 and the general public can register for this event starting at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, May 8. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registrants 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.

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 individual, per event.

Registrants 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/access to future events.

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