Three Rivers Film Festival and Pittsburgh Shorts Feature Drama, Comedy — and Clemente

The annual festival kicks off Nov. 13 at some of the region’s best cinemas.
Three Rivers Film Festival Clemente

A STILL FROM “CLEMENTE,” A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE LIFE OF PITTSBURGH PIRATES LEGEND ROBERTO CLEMENTE. | PHOTO COURTESY FILM PITTSBURGH

The annual Three Rivers Film Festival kicks off Nov. 13 with the local premiere of “Clemente,” a documentary about the life of Pittsburgh Pirates legend and Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente.

“Clemente,” which screens at 7 p.m. at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, includes heartfelt interviews with his family, fellow pitcher Steve Blass, and others from the 1971 Pirates team, as well as Pittsburgh native and actor Michael Keaton, sportscaster Bob Costas, Puerto Rican former baseball catcher Yadier Molina and Puerto Rican actor Rita Moreno. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker, David Altrogge, Blass, Roberto Clemente Jr. and others.

It’s the beginning of a busy two weeks of movies, with 21 new features (from Nov. 13-20) and 10 collections of short films as part of Pittsburgh Shorts (from Nov. 21-24). Screenings take place at Downtown’s Harris Theater and the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley.

“Clemente” isn’t the only film in the festival with a tie to the Pirates. Director Russ Babines will be exploring Pittsburgh in the 1970s with his new film, “The Great One,” which follows a young Pittsburgher and avid Pirates fan. The character, an award-winning yet jaded sportswriter, returns to her hometown for the funeral of her childhood friend. As she visits her old stomping grounds, she longs for the innocence and meaningful friendships of her youth. The Pittsburgh-made film’s title is a nod to Roberto Clemente; it will be shown twice — at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Harris Theater and at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 at The Lindsay Theater.

Three Rivers Film Festival The Great One Still

“THE GREAT ONE,” DIRECTED BY RUSS BABINES, EXPLORES PITTSBURGH IN THE 1970S. | PHOTO COURTESY FILM PITTSBURGH

Jesse Eisenberg’s new film, “A Real Pain,” also premieres on opening night at the Harris Theater at 7:30 p.m. The film stars Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin (of HBO’s “Succession”) as polar opposite cousins who travel to Poland to honor their grandmother after her death. Old tensions rise as their personalities clash. The film was written and directed by Eisenberg; the screening will be the film’s Pittsburgh premiere.

Three Rivers Film Festival A Real Pain Still

JESSE EISENBERG’S “A REAL PAIN” STARS EISENBERG ALONGSIDE KIERAN CULKIN. | PHOTO COURTESY FILM PITTSBURGH

Among other festival offerings, Pittsburgh director Melissa Martin will screen her new film, “Basic Psych,” a psychological thriller pitting a psychiatrist who tries to protect his family against a paranoid murderer. The film was shot locally and stars two local favorites, David Conrad and two-time Tony Award-winner Michael Cerveris. It will be shown at 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Harris and at 7 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the Lindsay; a Q&A with the filmmaker will follow each showing.

Visit Film Pittsburgh’s website for tickets, which are available in advance or in person. Virtual screenings are also available through the festival website.

Categories: Arts & Entertainment