The Big Sick. 2017. USA. Directed by Michael Showalter. 120 min.
Screenings
Part of the series The Contenders 2017

The Big Sick, and Q&A with Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon, Holly Hunter, and Michael Showalter

  • This is a past program
Life is hard enough for a fledgling stand-up comedian but try to imagine what it’s like to be one from a traditional Pakistani American household. Kumail Nanjiani plays a version of himself in this fictional tale co-written with his real-life wife Emily V. Gordon, based on their actual and drama-filled courtship. Expected to pursue a "normal" career and marry a Pakistani woman, Kumail must defy his family on both fronts. A surprise hit in the box office, this romantic comedy traverses the complex world of identity politics, cultural difference, and family conflicts with no shortage of heart-warming humor. 

A Q&A with Kumail NanjianiEmily V. Gordon, Holly Hunter, and director Michael Showalter follows the screening.

 

The Big Sick. 2017. USA. Directed by Michael Showalter. 120 min. Courtesy of Amazon Studios.

ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM?

Location: Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum
Parking: Under the museum, $6 flat rate after 6 p.m. (cash or check only)
Food and Drink: Enjoy happy hour in our café, 4-7:30 p.m. Food and drink may not be carried into the Billy Wilder Theater.
Membership: Hammer members receive half-off the general admission ticket price. Sign up for membership today, and you’ll receive a discount code for The Contenders with your confirmation email. Questions? Email membership@hammer.ucla.edu or give us a call at 310-443-7050.

This film program is organized by Rajendra Roy, The Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film, and Sean Egan, producer, film exhibitions and projects, The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

The Hammer Museum’s presentation is made possible by The Billy and Audrey L. Wilder Foundation.
 
Media sponsorship is provided by The Hollywood Reporter. Additional media support is provided by Time Out L.A.