The esteemed director of Sweet Smell of Success (1957) and The Ladykillers (1955), Alexander Mackendrick (1912–93) was a pivotal figure in the history of CalArts, and his work and writings remain a major influence on contemporary narrative directors and screenwriters. For this celebration of the artist’s multifaceted contributions, Paul Cronin, editor of Mackendrick’s seminal book On Film-Making, is joined by two CalArts alums, director James Mangold and author and filmmaker F.X. Feeney. Together they honor the man who, as Dean of the School of Film/Video at CalArts and throughout his nearly 25 years of teaching, shaped an institution and inspired generations of filmmakers. This lively discussion reveals Mackendrick through personal reminiscences, film clips and critical observations on his work as a filmmaker, teacher and theorist.

In person: Paul Cronin, James Mangold and F.X. Feeney