Year: 2021
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Run Time:
79 minutes
The acerbic wit and voice of the iconic Mel Brooks welcomes you into the warm arms of THE AUTOMAT. Dripping with panache and pizzazz, this documentary dives deep into these forgotten “centers of paradise.” Automats, known by many through the forgotten Horn & Hardart chain, were once the centerpieces of meeting places for many folks across different backgrounds, coming together over lemon meringue pie and meatloaf. While the innovative technology of the automat paved the way for more modern updates to the concept, the lasting impact is not through cuisine, but through the conversations and connections made around the cuisine. THE AUTOMAT enlists the help of iconic figures, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Colin Powell to name a few, to spell out the special nature of these places. Each subject beams with the memory and feeling of being surrounded by what many of them refer to as “magic.” A place where all were welcomed. Hurwitz’s warm directorial hand guides this welcome feeling without being too intrusive, letting everyone have a seat at the table. Anchored by a sparkling soundtrack (including an original song from Mel Brooks), THE AUTOMAT celebrates the beauty of simplicity, connection, and community, all tied up in a deeply nostalgic bow. —B.R.
KeyBank State Theatre
Tuesday, April 05, 2022 at 5:05 PM
Wednesday, April 06, 2022 at 12:00 PM
CIFF46 Streams On Demand
Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM -
Sunday, April 17, 2022 at 11:59 PM
Streams Access: Regional: OH, PA, MI, IN
Accessibility (?)
Closed Captions: No
Audio Description: No
English Subtitles: No
Related Event
46th CIFF College Program
Sidebars
Jewish Cinema
Teen-Friendly Films
Competitions
Ad Hoc Docs Competition
Reel Women Direct Award for Excellence in Directing by a Woman
Director
Lisa Hurwitz
Producers
Lisa Hurwitz, Russell Greene
Cinematography
Andre Mascarenhas, Daniel Vita, Garrett Lennington, Paul Mailman, Philip Lucas, Riley Gibson, Sandra Chandler, Stephen Cocklin
Editing
Michael Levine, Russell Greene
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