York College of PA Fall Humanities Film Series to include screening of ‘West Side Story’ on Sept. 22, special appearance of Emmy-winning director on Oct. 27

Emmy-winning editor and director, Kabir Akhtar

York College’s annual Cultural Series includes the Humanities Film Series, designed to promote the humanities on campus and in the surrounding community by fostering a serious and ongoing discussion about cinema. At each of these events, a guest speaker screens a film or delivers a lecture on cinema, and then leads a discussion with the audience.

Humanities Film Series events are open to the public free of charge and scheduled in Room 218 of the Humanities Center. For additional information, call 717.815.1354.

“West Side Story” will be screened at 7 p.m., Sept. 22. Steven Spielberg’s electrifying and exuberant 2021 film offers an updated take on Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s classic Broadway show, a cornerstone of American musical theater. York College Professor of Music Erin Lippard will introduce the movie and answer questions about it afterward.

“Cutting It in Comedy” will be screened at 7 p.m., Oct. 27. Philadelphia native Kabir Akhtar is an Emmy-winning editor and director who has worked on such shows as “Arrested Development,” “New Girl,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and “Never Have I Ever.”  In this special appearance, he will give a talk about his highly successful career in Hollywood comedy.

“Gattaca” will be screened at 7 p.m., Nov. 17. The 1997 film is set in a frighteningly plausible future where people’s opportunities in life are determined by their genetic profiles. York College Professor of English Mike Zerbe will introduce this modern sci-fi classic on the 25th anniversary of its release and lead a post-screening Q&A.