Who better than John Sayles to lead an exploration of the filmography of John Sayles? In this exclusive series of five film conversations, the Oscar-nominated indie filmmaker himself will choose a film to discuss each Monday night in March, offering unique insights and opening up dialogue.  A pioneer in films with a conscience, Sayles' storytelling springs from a backdrop of truth and history. 

This course will take place virtually over Eventive. Films are watched by participants outside of the course schedule. The Film Center does not provide access to films; please refer to this page for a list of sources.  All films are available for free or for a small rental fee on various streaming platforms. 

Member ticket per session* - $6

General Admission per session - $12

Members series pass* - $25

General Admission series pass - $50

SCHEDULE: March 1 through March 29 / Mondays at 6:00 pm CT

If you have purchased a pass, please register for each lecture. If you are only interested in a few of the lectures click on the lecture you are interested in purchasing a ticket

March 1: CITY OF HOPE (1991, 129 min.) 

March 8: LONE STAR (1996, 135 min.) 

March 15: LIMBO (1999, 103 min.)

March 22: CASA DE LOS BABYS (2003, 95 min.)

March 29: HONEYDRIPPER (2007, 123 min.) 

Sayles on set

Director, screenwriter, novelist, and actor John Sayles is among the most prominent independent filmmakers in the United States. Sayles created an oeuvre in which the personal and the political intersect at the heart of the American experience. Beginning as an author, Sayles has published numerous award-winning novels and short stories. His writing talent made him a sought-after screenwriter in Hollywood, and Sayles eventually made his directorial debut with RETURN OF THE SECAUCUS 7 in 1980. Other highlights from Sayles career include LIANNA, MATEWAN, THE BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET, CITY OF HOPE, PASSION FISH, THE SECRET OF ROAN INISH, LIMBO, SUNSHINE STATE, and  HONEYDRIPPER, to name a few. Three decades, countless films, and two Academy Award nominations (Best Original Screenplay, PASSION FISH and LONE STAR) have earned Sayles the title of a leading independent director of our time. 

*You are eligible for member pricing if your Film Center membership was in good standing when we paused our theatrical programming in March 2020 or if you have purchased or renewed your membership in the time since. If you purchase or renew today, your membership will not be officially activated until re-open, but you will continue to receive intermittent perks--like these discounts! 

Please email us at gsfcmembership@artic.edu, including your name and the series passes/individual lectures that you would like to purchase, and we will send you unique codes to use at checkout.