Virtual Film Event – ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’- Saturday, July 25
What is it?
The immersive nature of great films offer us the precious opportunity of visiting new worlds with new eyes. Where will this story meet yours?
You’re invited to join our fifth ‘virtual film event,’ watching and conversing about If Beale Street Could Talk, director Barry Jenkin’s 2018 Academy Award nominated filmed, based on the 1974 novel by James Baldwin. Baldwin is widely considered the most incisive voice of his post-WWII generation, powerfully retelling the story of the black experience in America. If Beale Street Could Talk portrays the love of Tish and Fonny in New York City’s Harlem of the 1970’s, finding each other and their way together amidst a world wounded by racial injustice. As always, Baldwin sheds light on both the shimmering grace and unfathomable ugliness that make life the poignant living drama that it is.
How will it work?
On Saturday, July 25th at 20:00 CEsT-Rome time/14:00 EST-New York time, we’ll all join a Zoom call to introduce ourselves and get some context that will help frame the film. We will start the film around 20:30. Please have the film ready to watch on whichever service you are using. If you’re unsure where to find it, JustWatch provides a list of streaming services and prices to rent the film digitally–just do a search for If Beale Street Could Talk. Following the film, we’ll get back together on Zoom to share our responses. Kyle will facilitate our large group conversation. We will break into small groups to give us more space.
How can I get the most out of it?
We’d recommend watching Barry Jenkin’s brief but illuminating interview about the film with Trevor Noah of the The Daily Show as an introduction. You can watch it in advance of our virtual gathering. Nicholas Bitrell’s lovely soundtrack evokes the emotional lushness of Baldwin’s prose–be sure to check it out!
Do I need to sign up?
Yes please! If you are planning on joining it would be really helpful if you could drop a line in the comments below to let us know. Also, if you haven’t already done so, registering for the site will give us what we need (your email address) so that we can send you the proper links for our pre and post film Zoom conversations. Please also leave a comment if you have any questions.
Hope to see you on July 25th!
Kyle
*image & trailer posted for non commercial purposes under fair use of copyright material in recommendation of the film
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I’ll be there
Me too! It’s a lovely film.
I’ll be there!
If Beale Street Could Talk questions—preparing for Saturday
We are very much looking forward to our viewing and conversations this Saturday about James Baldwin’s story If Beale Street Could Talk, adapted for film by Barry Jenkins.
Before watching the film, please familiarize yourself with these questions so that they stick a bit in your subconscious mind. While watching simply attend to the unfolding story with as much presence as possible. We will use these questions for small group conversations, but don’t feel limited by them.
1. What phrases or images struck you and stick with you?
2. How did this film leave you feeling? What hope, anger, or sadness does it stir in you?
3. What does Tish and Fonny’s love show that you would most want to emulate?
4. If you were their friends, what words of encouragement would you share with them?
5. How do Sharon and Ernestine reflect feelings that you might have if you were in their shoes?
6. What do you most hate about the injustice Tish and Fonny have to face?
7. What does this story reveal to you about racism that perhaps you didn’t see as clearly before?
8. What does this film say to you about James Baldwin’s hopes and fears?
9. How do director Barry Jenkins choice of visual images shape the story’s impact for you?
10. How does Nicholas Britell’s soundtrack support the images for you?
Take note of what words, phrases, or images that you would like to reflect upon in the coming days. Be present to their impact and invitation.
I hope I can join you guys on Saturday.
I’d much rather be with you all, watching and discussing the film! I look forward to reading some of the comments here later…Baldwin is brilliant in his depiction of the human narrative…