Film Screenings

Makers of short films routinely encounter the difficulty of getting their movies seen by an audience greater than their parents, cast and crew. But the makers of “Visas and Virtues”have had better luck than most.

Director and star Chris Tashima and producer Chris Donahue recently accepted the Academy Award for best live-action short for their story of Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat who,with the help of his wife, defied his government’s orders and issued transit visas to thousands of Jewish refugees in 1940 Lithuania. His actions resulted in the saving of more than 6,000 lives and an estimated 40,000 descendants.

“Visas and Virtues” will screen on Saturday, April 4,and Sunday, April 5, at 10 and 11 a.m., at Laemmle’s Sunset 5Theater, 8000 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. A 15-minute question-and-answer period with the filmmakers will follow each screening. Call (213) 848-3500 for theater information.

A Legend Live and On Screen

Science-fiction buffs take note: Author RayBradbury will join Cinewomen Writers Group and UCLA in thepresentation “Interweaving Truth and Art: Making Stories Come toLife,” featuring a screening of François Truffaut’s 1967adaptation of Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451.” Bradbury will speak, pre-and post-screening, and will be available to sign copies of hisworks, which also will be sold at the event. Wednesday, April 8, 7:30p.m., at the Melnitz Auditorium on the UCLA campus. (Park in Lot 3,corner of Hilgard and Wyton.) For information, call (310) 855-8720,ext. 5.

Revival House Pick

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The New Beverly Cinema will present two excellent double features: Woody Allen’s “Deconstructing Harry” and “Husbandsand Wives” (his last film with former mate and new mother-in-law MiaFarrow) will screen on Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4. A GeneKelly double bill of “Singin’ in the Rain” and “On the Town,” bothdirected by Stanley Donen, plays Sunday, April 5, through Tuesday,April 7. At 7165 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. Call (213) 938-4038 forshow times.