MILWAUKEE — This weekend Milwaukee Film will feature a movie about the life of celebrated southern gothic author Flannery O’Connor, played by Maya Hawke. "Wildcat" is showing at the Oriental Theatre with a special treat for viewers.

Director Ethan Hawke will be there for two Q&A sessions. 

What You Need To Know

  • Ethan Hawke will be in Milwaukee May 18 and 19 for the screening of "Wildcat" at Milwaukee Film's Oriental Theatre

  • The new movie, directed by Hawke, is about the life of celebrated southern gothic author Flannery O'Connor, played by his daughter Maya Hawke

  • Q&A sessions with Ethan Hawke and the film's editor, Barry Poltermann, are after the 7:30 p.m. screening Saturday and the 2 p.m. screening Sunday 

  • Poltermann was born in Wisconsin and still has a home in Milwaukee 

Spectrum News talked to the film’s editor Barry Poltermann, who will also be here for the Q&A this weekend, about his history with Milwaukee Film. 

One of the first films he directed and edited, “The Life of Reilly,” was screened at what used to be called the Milwaukee Independent Film Festival. Poltermann was then invited to be on the board and said he did that for years until he moved to Los Angeles to work on some projects.

Poltermann was born in Wisconsin and said he sees Milwaukee as his second home.

“I still own a house there and I’m back quite a bit. My family’s all there,” he shared.

This isn’t his first collaboration with Ethan Hawke. “Last Movie Stars” was also screened by Milwaukee Film. Poltermann said he’s also working on another documentary with Hawke. He said details on that film will be released later. 

The Saturday screening of “Wildcat” is currently sold out but tickets are available for 2 p.m. Sunday. 

Watch the full interview above.

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