Outside the Box [Office] and Gravitas Ventures invite you to attend
 

A Special Theatrical Screening of

THE AMERICAN QUESTION

Directed by James Kicklighter
Produced by Guy Seemann, p.g.a. and James Kicklighter, p.g.a.
Cinematography by SCA Alumnus Jonathan Pope

Followed by a Q&A with James Kicklighter and Jonathan Pope

7:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 16th, 2025

The Ray Stark Family Theatre, SCA 108
George Lucas Building, USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex
900 W. 34th Street, Los Angles, CA 90007

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

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.
 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

All main USC entry points are open. Main pedestrian entrances are accessible 24/7. The McClintock and McCarthy entrances provide pedestrian and vehicle access 24/7; other vehicle entrances are open on weekdays from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Learn more about the new, expedited access procedures and find answers to frequently asked questions.
 

About The American Question

The American Question delves into the heart of a divided America, exploring the historical and contemporary factors that have eroded our trust in our neighbors, communities, institutions, and government. The film takes viewers on a journey from historical empires to pivotal moments in modern America, through an independent team’s eight-year mission to discover the forces that shaped our now divided society. 

Sharing personal stories from diverse Americans in swing state communities in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and analysis from leading political scientists and historians, the film uncovers how economic shifts like globalization and the atrophy of local communities have fragmented the national identity. 

With input from numerous experts, including Colin Woodard (American Nations), Amy Chua (Day of Empire), Yuval Levin (The Fractured Republic), Tania Israel (Beyond Your Bubble), and narrated by political analyst, Guy Tal Seemann, The American Question seeks to answer the pressing question: can America rediscover its unifying values and restore trust among its people?

Provided courtesy of Gravitas Ventures. Running time: 90 minutes.

https://www.theamericanquestion.com/

About the Guests

JAMES KICKLIGHTER (Director, Producer)

James Kicklighter was born in 1988, where he spent the first eighteen years of his life in Bellville, Georgia, population 123. He has gone on to become an award-winning director and producer of narrative films, documentaries and advertising. He is an active member of the Director’s Branch of the Television Academy, and is a p.g.a. producer.

His work has been recognized by the world’s press, including The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline Hollywood, Politico, The Los Angeles Times, and The Times of India. Kicklighter has served as a panelist at the Oscar®-qualifying Hollyshorts Film Festival, taught filmmaking courses on Stage32.com, and his interview series with the popular YouTube channel Film Courage has over 250,000 views.

He resides in Los Angeles, California and still can't believe he gets to work across the country and around the globe.

JONATHAN POPE (Director of Photography, SCA Alumnus)

Raised in Atlanta, GA, Jonathan Pope is an Emmy-nominated and award-winning Cinematographer whose work has been distributed and showcased around the world, including international festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, and Cannes. His recent projects include Netflix’s Emmy-winning film, The Social Dilemma, Peacock's Barney the Dinosaur docuseries, I Love You, You Hate Me, and several upcoming narrative features, including Roof, Roses on the Vine, and The Mannequin.

In 2021, Jonathan received an Emmy nomination in Outstanding Cinematography for The Social Dilemma. He is also an active member of the Television Academy and a former ASC Vision Mentee under Adam Kane (American Gods, The Boondock Saints).

In 2013, Jonathan earned his MFA in Film & Television Production from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.

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 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, Executive Director, Film Programming and Special Projects, 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