At each Cinema Club screening, we at the Drafthouse welcome a prominent film historian, filmmaker, or film-loving personality to program and introduce an essential cinema classic (or two). Following the film, the speaker and members of the Drafthouse programming team lead an in-depth, but open-ended post-show conversation, offering insight into the film's production, history, and artistic qualities. This is a venue for serious film appreciation: to discover or revisit the outstanding cinematic achievements of yesteryear.
In the past, we've had punk icon Richard Hell join us onstage for a pair of film noir classics, filmmaker Richard Linklater for a special screening of SOME CAME RUNNING, and Austin Chronicle and SXSW Festival co-founder Louis Black for Sam Fuller's FORTY GUNS. These are just a few of the memories we've shared over the years at Cinema Club. On Sunday, March 3rd, we induct our latest guest into the annals of Cinema Club history -- the Library of Congress' Christel Schmidt, editor of the new essay collection Mary Pickford: Queen of the Movies, will join us in person to present Pickford's 1926 silent feature film SPARROWS in a newly-restored, color-tinted 35mm print, in addition to a bonus short film and some extra fun surprises.
Additionally, this extremely rare screening will feature a live DJed score from Amelia Foxtrot of the Austin Phonograph Company, who will provide period musical accompaniment on two exquisite, handcranked turn-of-the-century phonographs. More info about the Austin Phonograph Company can be found here.
Our special guest Christel Schmidt will have copies of her book Mary Pickford: Queen of the Movies available for sale at a discounted rate in the lobby courtesy of BookWoman, Austin's feminist bookstore.
We hope that you'll join us on Sunday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM as we screen this rare silent film on 35mm and enjoy spirited conversation afterward in our March Cinema Club! Tickets are available here! (Sam Prime)