‘Film Geek’ Trailer: Richard Shepard’s Ode to New York City Moviegoing Debuts as Part of Film Forum’s Latest Programming

Samantha Bergeson
·2 min read

Film Forum is turning back the clock to the ’80s and celebrating golden era cinemas with the New York premiere of Richard Shepard’s “Film Geek.”

Emmy winner Shepard writes and directs the cine-memoir feature centered on moviegoing in the ’70s and ’80s. “Film Geek” debuts as part of Film Forum’s “Out of the ’80s” programming, which includes over 50 films ranging from blockbusters to cult classics.

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Films such as “Blue Velvet,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” and more will screen at the theater. Actors such as Griffin Dunne and Isaac Mizrahi will revisit their own ’80s features, while directors like Charlie Ahearn, Charles Lane, and Jerry Schatzberg discuss their filmmaking styles.

The series is programmed by Bruce Goldstein, Film Forum’s Repertory Artistic Director, and was inspired by Richard Shepard’s documentary “Film Geek.” The festival centers on the debut of “Film Geek,” which is billed as a personal account of Upper West Side native Shepard’s glory days at movie houses like Theatre 80 St. Marks, the New Yorker, and the Thalia. Shepard’s relationship with his father is paired with his cinephilia onscreen.

“Film Geek” is produced by Stacey Reiss and Richard Shepard, with Jon Stern executive producing. The feature is crafted entirely out of film clips from over 200 movies, including Shepard’s own early efforts as a Super 8mm moviemaker.

“Film Geek” premieres May 17 at Film Forum. Check out the trailer and see the calendar of “Out of the ’80s” events below. Click here for the full lineup of films.

FILM GEEK
Friday, May 17 at 6:00 | Post-film Q&A with filmmaker Richard Shepard, moderated by Bruce Goldstein, Film Forum Repertory Artistic Director

Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 and Sunday, May 19 at 1:30 | Introduced by filmmaker Richard Shepard

CHAN IS MISSING 
Tuesday, May 21 at 6:40 | Live Zoom introduction by filmmaker Wayne Wang

LOCAL HERO
Tuesday, May 28 at 7:30 | Live Zoom introduction by director Bill Forsyth (direct from Edinburgh)

FAME
Thursday, May 30 at 7:00 | Post-film conversation with Isaac Mizrahi (who appeared in the film as a teenager), moderated by Bruce Goldstein

WILD STYLE
Friday, May 31 at 6:10 | Introduced by director Charlie Ahearn 

AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON
Saturday, June 1 at 7:00 | Introduced by co-star Griffin Dunne

AFTER HOURS 
Sunday, June 9 at 5:30 | Post-film conversation with star Griffin Dunne, moderated by Bruce Goldstein

SIDEWALK STORIES
Sunday, June 9 at 1:10 | Introduced by director/star Charles Lane

HONEYSUCKLE ROSE
Monday, June 10 at 6:45 | Post-film conversation with Jerry Schatzberg, moderated by Bruce Goldstein

BRAZIL
Thursday, June 13 at 6:10 | Introduced by Elsie Fisher (star of EIGHTH GRADE)

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