In this beautifully impressionistic reverie of a 24-year-old James Baldwin in France, director Yashaddai Owens and actor Benny O. Arthur capture the wondrous, profound impact the Paris years had on the legendary writer’s life. Bring your blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets for this free screening on Sunday, June 22 at 8:30 pm at PROXY, located in Hayes Valley at 432 Octavia St in San Francisco, 94102.

A bold civil rights activist and incisive writer, James Baldwin (If Beale Street Could Talk; Giovanni’s Room) is synonymous with New York City. But long before he wrote, Baldwin spent a significant amount of time in Paris, France during his twenties. Filling a gap in stories about Baldwin, photographer and filmmaker Owens captures the young writer’s profound sense of wonder and self-discovery. 

Eager to escape American racism, the pioneering queer artist settled in Paris’ Algerian quarters and found community with the city’s Left Bank artists. Crucially, the budding author and poet was galvanized by Paris’ (comparatively) more welcoming environment, which helped him pen his first books and explore his identity more openly. Exquisitely shot in black and white on 16mm, Jimmy captures a side of Baldwin that audiences don’t quite know — and one that’s crucial to understanding his life and legacy.

Come early and enjoy tunes by our very own official band of San Francisco, the SF Pride Band! @sfprideband