Arts and Entertainment

Alumna returns for free film screening, Q&A session Dec. 1 at State Theatre

"Beasts of No Nation," which was distributed by Netflix, focused on a young boy who survived a horrific war in his country. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A free public screening of the critically acclaimed and movie industry-challenging film “Beasts of No Nation,” followed by a question-and-answer session with producer Riva Marker, a Penn State alumna, will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the State Theatre in State College.

The overall session, titled “Making Films That Matter,” includes screening the 137-minute film that focuses on a young boy who survives as his country goes through a horrific war and discussing the making of the film and its impact. Along with its critical success, “Beasts of No Nation” earned attention because the film was distributed by Netflix, which purchased its worldwide distribution rights. As a result of its online release, many traditional U.S. theatre chains refused to show the film.

Marker, who earned her film-video degree from Penn State in 2000, also served as producer of “What Maisie Knew” (2012) and “The Kids Are All Right” (2010). She is president of Nine Stories, the production company owned by award-winning actor Jake Gyllenhaal. A founding partner of Rosemark Pictures in New York City, Marker was honored with the University’s Alumni Achievement Award in 2009. The award recognizes alumni who have reached an extraordinary level of professional accomplishment by the age of 35 or younger.

The film screening and Q&A session are sponsored by the College of Communications, the Center for Global Studies and the School for International Affairs. 

Last Updated June 2, 2021