Nitehawk’s ART SEEN series presents a special one-night screening of the acclaimed documentary Cutie and the Boxer with director Zachary Heinzerling in person for a Q&A.

A reflection on love, sacrifice, and the creative spirit, Cutie and the Boxer is a candid New York tale that explores the chaotic forty year marriage of famed boxing painter Ushio Shinohara and artist Noriko Shinohara. 

Once a rising star in the ‘70s New York art scene, 80-year-old “boxing” painter Ushio Shinohara hopes to reinvigorate his career as he preps for his latest show. His wife, and de facto assistant, Noriko, seeks her own recognition through her “Cutie” illustrations, which depict their chaotic, yet sustained, 40-year marriage. Heinzerling’s camera captures the Brooklyn-based couple at home and at work, combining candid vérité scenes, archival footage and charming animated sequences of Noriko’s drawings. Cutie and the Boxer captures two lives united by a dedication to art-making for a touching meditation on the eternal themes of love and sacrifice.

Cutie and the Boxer is a part of Nitehawk’s ART SEEN and LOCAL COLOR signature series.