“Beyond the Fold: Journalism on Screen”—a six-part film series collaboration between CITY and The Little Theatre—looks at where journalism has been, where it is, and where it’s going through the lens of some of the most memorable movies about the craft.

Each film will be followed by a talkback panel, moderated by CITY editor David Andreatta, featuring local experts weighing in on the state of journalism.

Presenting Sponsor: Andy Nahas

Location: Little Theatre 1

THE PAPER

1994 / 112 M / Rated R

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Henry Hackett (Michael Keaton) is an editor at the New York Sun, a tabloid paper facing financial cuts. His pregnant wife, Martha (Marisa Tomei), pleads with him to get a more respectable job so he can spend more time with his family. Hackett is considering an offer from another paper, with fewer hours and higher pay, when he gets his hottest story in years. When this scoop leads to a burst of violence and a conflict with his new boss, Alicia (Glenn Close), he faces a startling moment of truth.

TALKBACK: The Golden Age of print journalism before it comes crashing down. A dead man walking without knowing it. 

GUESTS: Democrat and Chronicle investigative reporter Gary Craig and Democrat and Chronicle columnist and former editor Jim Memmott

PAGE ONE

Inside the New York Times

2011 / 92mins / Rated R

Thursday, January 13, 2022

By looking into the lives and daily tasks of three writers at the the New York Times, this documentary explores the ways that the Internet has changed print media. The journalists include up-and-comer Brian Stelter, established yet restless reporter Tim Arango and David Carr, an outspoken warhorse with a volatile temper. Covering 12 months of life at the Times, the film reveals the difficulties in maintaining the ways of traditional journalism in a changing news environment.

TALKBACK: How the Digital Age disrupted journalism as we knew it, and where journalism is headed.

GUESTS: Monroe County Legislator and former journalist Rachel Barnhart + former broadcast journalist Norma Holland.

SHATTERED GLASS

2003 / 94mins / PG-13

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Young hotshot journalist Stephen Glass (Hayden Christensen) puts on a good show for his adoring editor, Michael Kelly (Hank Azaria), but admits deep insecurities to his fellow writer, Caitlin Avey (Chloë Sevigny). When Glass begins turning in outrageous stories, his popularity skyrockets, but rival journalist Charles Lane (Peter Sarsgaard) becomes suspicious as to their factual accuracy, and eventually discovers that Glass has been fabricating many of his sources.

GUESTS: 

Kim Young, professor at SUNY Brockport who specializes in teaching journalism ethics. 

GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK

2005 / 93mins / Rated PG

Thursday, March 10, 2022

When Senator Joseph McCarthy begins his foolhardy campaign to root out Communists in America, CBS News impresario Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) dedicates himself to exposing the atrocities being committed by McCarthy’s Senate “investigation.” Murrow is supported by a news team that includes long-time friend and producer Fred Friendly (George Clooney). The CBS team does its best to point out the senator’s lies and excesses, despite pressure from CBS’ corporate sponsors to desist.

TALKBACK: What level of responsibility does the media have to criticize and be the voice of dissent from government policy? 

GUESTS:

Adam Chodak, Lead Anchor at WROC-TV

Scott Malouf, Social Media Attorney

THE INSIDER

1999 / 157mins / Rated R

Thursday, April 14, 2022

After seeking the expertise of former “Big Tobacco” executive Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe), seasoned TV producer Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino) suspects a story lies behind Wigand’s reluctance to speak. As Bergman persuades Wigand to share his knowledge of industry secrets, the two must contend with the courts and the corporations that stand between them and exposing the truth. All the while, Wigand must struggle to maintain his family life amidst lawsuits and death threats.

TALKBACK: Media collaboration way ahead of its time. But a good jumping off point for discussions about collaborations. 

GUESTS: David Cay Johnston

OBIT

2016 / 93mins / Not Rated

Thursday, May 12, 2022

At The New York Times, a particular team of writers is entrusted with reflecting upon the luminaries, icons, and world leaders of our day. Here, we are introduced to those responsible for crafting these unequaled obituaries. As we are taken through their painstaking process, we learn about the pressures accompanying a career spent shaping the story of a life.

TALKBACK: Obits are more about the celebration of life than they are death. 

GUESTS: TBA