Charles Burnett made Killer of Sheep, one of the landmark American independent films, and My Brother's Wedding is its sharp, funny, painfully human follow-up: a Watts dry-cleaner worker stuck between loyalty to a troubled friend and his brother's snobbish wedding plans. The new 4K restoration at Film Forum comes with Burnett himself in the room for conversations with Maya Cade of The Black Film Archive. If you care about American film history, seeing it with its director is a rare chance.
What to expect
The 81-minute film plays daily across the run at Film Forum's Houston Street cinema. The special screenings end with Burnett in conversation with Maya Cade, and one is introduced by Burnett before the film. Expect a restored, warm-toned look at early-'80s Los Angeles shot in the neorealist style Burnett is known for.
Good to know
- The opening-night conversation sold out; Film Forum forms a standby line at the box office before the show.
- A second conversation and a director's intro are scheduled the same weekend, and regular screenings run all week.
- Film Forum is on West Houston Street just west of Sixth Avenue; Houston St (1) and Spring St (C/E) are the closest stations.
- Film Forum members get discounted tickets.
- Pairs well with Killer of Sheep if you are new to Burnett's work.
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Common questions
Is Charles Burnett at every screening?
No. Film Forum lists specific opening-weekend shows with a post-film conversation or an intro by Burnett; other screenings in the run are the film only.
What is My Brother's Wedding about?
A young man who works at his parents' dry cleaners in Watts is torn between his brother's marriage into a well-off Black family and loyalty to his best friend, in a tragicomic story Burnett wrote and directed.
How long does it run at Film Forum?
The run is listed through the following Thursday, with daily screenings.
