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​🎬 Where did all the movies go?

​Join us at The Sycamore for a night of cinematic soul-searching with writer and filmmaker Kevin Smokler as we untangle how the once-rich world of movie discovery became an algorithmic wasteland, and how we might reclaim it.

​From the collapse of video stores to the streaming boom (and bust), we'll explore how Hollywood got here, why finding the right film now feels harder than ever, and what we can do about it. Drawing on his conversations with some of today’s most exciting directors, Kevin will show us how to decode our own tastes, navigate the digital chaos, and fall back in love with movies in a post-Blockbuster world.

More About the Speaker
Kevin Smokler is a writer, documentary filmmaker, and cultural critic whose work explores how pop culture shapes who we are. He’s the author of BREAK THE FRAME: Conversations with Women Filmmakers, Brat Pack America, and Practical Classics, and the co-director of Vinyl Nation, a documentary on the revival of vinyl records that screened at 50 festivals and won ten awards. His upcoming film Middle Grounds explores the role of coffee shops in civic life. He’s interviewed everyone from filmmakers to comedians to architects, serves on the board of Zyzzyva Magazine, and lives in San Francisco with his wife and an impressive collection of books and records.

​Whether you’re a film obsessive, a frustrated streamer, or just someone who misses the joy of knowing what to watch—this talk is for you. 🍿📼

​❓FAQs❓

​​​What should I expect?

​​​7:00-7:40 --> arrival & chats

​​​7:40-8:20 --> lecture

​​​8:20-9:00 --> q&a and more chatting

​​​Who's invited?

​​​Anyone with an interest in learning new things, meeting new people, and doing fun things on weeknights! Lots of people came solo to our last event, so don't be afraid to do the same—you’ll meet some awesome people!

​​​What about parking?

​​​There's no parking on-site, so we recommend street parking or using public transportation.

​Do I have to be 21+?

​Yes! This event is hosted at a bar, so you must be 21 or older to attend and purchase drinks.

​​​What about refunds?

​You can refund your ticket up to 24 hours before the event starts. Since this is a limited-space event, we encourage you to update your RSVP if you can’t make it—this helps us keep spots open for others. NOTE - you do NOT need to email us for a refund, we will issue one within 48 hours upon changing your RSVP to "Not Going" :)

​​​I can't make it to this event. How do I stay updated for future events?

​​Join our email list! https://forms.gle/GQdDjd2UTV48F5Z17

​​​Follow our Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/bigbrainsf/

​​​How do I become a speaker?

​​​Email bigbrainsanfrancisco@gmail.com with your name, a brief description of who you are, and what you're passionate about / researching.

​💸 What about our ticket structure?

​Every ticket sold goes directly back into the business. However, we want to make our events accessible to everyone. If cost is a barrier, please reach out for financial assistance by emailing bigbrainsanfrancisco@gmail.com.​

​Thanks for supporting our growing mission!

​​*For any other questions or special accommodations, please email bigbrainsanfrancisco@gmail.com.