Arts Circle, Film Lover, Secret (shhh…) Members and Fellows (with an active Membership), you and a guest are invited to Programmers’ Picks, a curated screening series taking place at the Film Independent Theater. Make sure to take advantage of your exclusive priority registration window, after which all Film Independent Members will have the opportunity to register.

Join us for Invention, followed by an in-person conversation with co-writer/director Courtney Stephens and cinematographer Rafael Palacio Illingworth, moderated by Kate Mason (Film Independent Programmer).

Invention is a collaboration between director Courtney Stephens and actress/filmmaker Callie Hernandez. The film fictionalizes the aftermath of Hernandez’s father’s death, using a real archive of varied TV appearances he made as an alternative health doctor in the late 90s thru 2020. The fictional storyline revolves around the patent of an experimental healing device, which is the daughter’s sole inheritance. Featuring other independent filmmakers in acting roles, the film also serves as a portrait of America in its late period, a country in which widespread disappointment infuses the culture with hopeful fictions and toxic nostalgia. Callie and Courtney began talking about Invention two years ago, having both lost complicated fathers. They were interested in the period of magical thinking and bureaucracy that follows a parent’s death – a time susceptible to questioning. They wanted to explore conspiracy as a form – as a container for grief. Invention examines the construction of fantasy as a response to loss, inadvertently touching on how the American public processes this time of national decline, and the evolution of fringe medical culture over the past twenty five years.

The film was the recipient of a Pardo for Best Performance (Callie Hernandez) Concorso Cineaste di Presente at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival, and a Cine+ Distribution Support Award at Belfort Entrevues.

Beverages will be served prior to the screening, starting at 7:00 pm PT.

 
2024, 72 minutes, color | Written by Callie Hernandez, Courtney Stephens | Directed by Courtney Stephens | Main Cast Callie Hernandez, Sahm McGlynn, James N. Kienitz Wilkins, Paul Kleiman, Tony Torn, Lucy Kaminsky, Joe Swanberg, Caveh Zahedi, Philip Good, Eleni Sikelianos
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Arts Circle, Film Lover and Secret Members, and Fellows (with an active Membership) can register for this event starting at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, July 9. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. For information about Arts Circle, contact Jennifer Murby at jmurby@filmindependent.org.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as one hour 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.

Complimentary parking provided with validation. Garage entrance on Masselin.
 

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.