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 Burt, followed by an in-person conversation with with writer/director Joe Burke and co-writer/actor Oliver Cooper, moderated by Jenn Wilson (Senior Programmer, Film Independent).

When Burt, a 69-year-old street musician living with Parkinson’s, is visited by a young man claiming to be his son, a quiet weekend spirals into a tense, darkly funny exploration of identity, trust and second chances. Lonely but full of heart, Burt seizes the chance to build the kind of connection he’s always longed for, inviting Sammy to stay the weekend in the modest home he shares with his cantankerous landlord, Steve. As the two men navigate the awkward terrain of newfound family, secrets surface, tensions simmer, and unlikely bonds form in this poignant, music-laced tale of second chances, fatherhood, and the redemptive power of human connection. Inspired by the real life of singer/songwriter Burt Berger, this film blurs the line between reality and fiction with disarming authenticity. An instant laugh-out-loud-and-cry indie darling, Burt delivers heart, humor and authenticity in equal measure.

Burt played at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival, the 2025 Phoenix Film Festival (Winner, Best Picture and Best Ensemble), Cinequest 2025 (Best Comedy Feature) and the 2025 Florida Film Festival (Special Jury Award). It will be released digitally on June 16.

Director Joe Burke is an LA Film Festival alum (Four Dogs, 2013). He and Oliver Cooper were both featured in our recent Film Independent Education event, NanoWave: The Microbudget Film (r)evolution, Part 1.

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

Registration will open to all Film Independent Members on May 19.

 
2025, 78 minutes, color | Written by Joe Burke, Oliver Cooper | Directed by Joe Burke | Main Cast Oliver Cooper, Burt Berger, Steven Levy, Catlin Adams | Produced by Joe Burke, Oliver Cooper | Executive Produced by David Gordon Green
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Arts Circle, Film Lover and Secret Members, and Fellows (with an active Membership) can register for this event starting at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting on Tuesday, May 19. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

Film Lover Members, Secret Members and Fellows (with an active Membership) receive priority entry to this event. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

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.

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.