Outside the Box [Office] and Magnolia Pictures invite you and a guest to attend

A Special Theatrical Screening of

PLAINCLOTHES

2025 Sundance Film Festival: World Premiere,
U.S. Dramatic Competition

Written & Directed by Carmen Emmi
Produced by Colby Cote, Arthur Landon, Eric Podwall, and Vanessa Pantley

Followed by a Q&A with SCA Alumnus Carmen Emmi

7:00 P.M. on Monday, October 27th, 2025

The Eileen Norris Cinema Theater at the Frank Sinatra Hall
3507 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA 90089

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPs REQUIRED.
RSVPs ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.
 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Available on VOD beginning November 4
 

About Plainclothes

Syracuse, 1997. Promising undercover police officer Lucas (Tom Blyth) is dealing with a breakup and the recent loss of his father. When he receives an assignment to lure and arrest gay men in a mall bathroom, he is surprised to discover a scintillating connection with Andrew (Russell Tovey), one of his targets. As their secret connection deepens and internal pressure to deliver arrests intensifies, Lucas finds himself torn between duty and desire. At his mother’s New Year’s Eve party, Lucas loses a letter no one was ever meant to read. With time running out and his secret life closing in around him, the evening builds towards an explosive reckoning where everything he’s buried threatens to erupt.

Provided courtesy of Magnolia Pictures. Running time: 95 minutes.

https://www.magpictures.com/plainclothes/

About the Guest

CARMEN EMMI (Writer, Director, Co-Producer, SCA Alumnus)

Carmen Emmi is a filmmaker with deep roots in Syracuse, New York, where he grew up in a family of farmers. After graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Carmen began his career as an independent Director of Photography, contributing to a range of projects, including short films, commercials, and feature-length productions. His debut screenplay, Plainclothes, garnered acclaim in several industry competitions, including placing in the top 50 of the prestigious AMPAS Academy Nicholl Fellowship. Set in 1997, the film follows a promising undercover officer assigned to entrap gay men, who defies professional orders when he falls in love with one of his targets. Plainclothes premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Film Festival. The film stars Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Billy the Kid), Russell Tovey (Feud, American Horror Story: NYC), Maria Dizzia (My Old Ass, Orange Is the New Black), and Amy Forsyth (Coda, The Gilded Age), and marks Carmen’s directorial debut.

About Outside the Box [Office]

Outside the Box [Office] is a weekly showcase for upcoming releases highlighting world cinema, documentary and independent film titles. The series draws from around the globe to present movies that may challenge, inspire or simply entertain.

To view the calendar of screenings, click here

To SUBSCRIBE to our MAILING LIST for upcoming free screenings and events, e-mail the word "Subscribe" to: aago@cinema.usc.edu
 

Check-In & Reservations

This program is open to all eligible individuals. The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This screening is free of charge and open to the public A reservation confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

On-campus parking at the University of Southern California is limited. We recommend buying a day pass for the Royal Street Structure, located at the intersection of Royal Street and W. Jefferson Blvd. Parking passes are $20/car. For more information about parking at USC, please visit USC Transportation Website:

https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/daily-and-hourly-parking/
https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/about-us/entrance-hours/

Contact Information

Name: Alessandro Ago
Email: aago@cinema.usc.edu