Moviegoing Memories is a series of short interviews with filmmakers about going to the movies. Michael Angelo Covino's The Climb is MUBI GO's Film of the Week of October 23, 2020.
Above: Actor Kyle Marvin and Director/Actor Michael Angelo Covino in The Climb
NOTEBOOK: How would you describe your movie in the least amount of words?
MICHAEL ANGELO COVINO: A comedic love story about a challenging friendship.
NOTEBOOK: Where and what is your favorite movie theater? Why is it your favorite?
COVINO: I think it would have to be either the Film Forum in NYC, because they’re always doing retrospectives, or Alamo Draft House South Lamar in Austin, because they have great baked pretzels.
NOTEBOOK: What is the most memorable movie screening of your life? Why is it memorable?
COVINO: The premiere of The Climb in Cannes last year was an experience I still can’t fully come to terms with. I had seen so many amazing films in Cannes over the years. So the idea of my film playing in that theater was both nerve wracking and exciting at the same time. Anytime you play in a theater where one of the possible outcomes is that the entire audience will boo you, it makes the whole experience more fun. I sat in the theater and watched the film as if for the first time and for a moment I forgot everything going on around me. Then it ended and they didn’t boo, so it was a good night.
NOTEBOOK: If you could choose one classic film to watch on the big screen, what would it be and why?
COVINO: Maybe Lawrence of Arabia. It feels like a film that should only be seen on a massive screen.