Remember when we reported on the Indiegogo for The Purple Onion? Well, it’s made it to the big screen as a work in progress. The indie film named after a beloved but departed SF comedy venue follows Johnny Lee (in real life, a definitely less haphazard Edwin Li) as he aspires to comedic greatness. Much of the movie draws from director Matt Szymanowski’s experience working the door at the Punchline, adding a unique perspective to a film that explores a side of SF not all of us may know.

Thanks to Cinequest, an annual film festival that’s just as diverse as the Bay Area itself, the Purple Onion has found a big screen home at the San Jose Repertory Theatre. You can catch the movie this Saturday at 9:15pm, along with so much more. As many as 80 films are making their debut this year.

What: The Purple Onion Work in Progress Cinequest
When: Saturday, March 15th at 9:15pm
Where: San Jose Repertory Theatre: 101 Paseo De San Antonio Walk in San Jose
Cost: $10; purchase tickets here

the author

Always in motion. April Siese writes about music, takes photos at shows, and even helps put them on behind the scenes as a stagehand. She's written everything from hard news to beauty features, as well as fiction and poetry. She most definitely likes pie.

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