DGA members in New York and Los Angeles have had the opportunity to attend member screenings followed by Q&As with the films’ directors.

Kathryn Bigelow: The Hurt Locker

Director Kathryn Bigelow (K-19: The Widowmaker; Strange Days; Point Break) told audiences in both New York and Los Angeles what went into creating her new film The Hurt Locker. The Iraq-war action-drama follows the exploits of an elite bomb disposal unit who risk their lives disarming bombs in combat situations. They find their lives even further endangered by a reckless new commander who seems addicted to the thrill. Director Philip Haas (The Situation; Angels & Insects) served as moderator of the New York discussion on July 1; Director Curtis Hanson (8 Mile; L.A. Confidential) moderated the discussion that took place after the Los Angeles screening on July 9.

Michael Mann: Public Enemies

Director Michael Mann (The Insider; Heat; Ali; Miami Vice) spoke to the audience of the Guild’s Los Angeles theatre about the making of his new action-drama Public Enemies on Saturday, July 25. The film follows the exploits of notorious gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd during a booming crime wave in the 1930s, and the efforts of G-Man Melvin Purvis, who was tasked by FBI director J. Edgar hoover with the mission of taking them down. DGA Special Projects Committee Chair Jeremy Kagan (Crown Heights; Golda’s Balcony; The Big Fix) served as moderator of the conversation.