

Guests Expected
Director Ebs Burnough is expected to attend for a post-screening Q&A.
Description
Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation explores how the legacy of Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel On the Road reflects in today’s America. The film interweaves stories of modern-day “on-the-roaders” who share connections to Kerouac’s life, alongside those influenced by him or knew and loved him. Featured participants include Josh Brolin, W. Kamau Bell, Natalie Merchant, Matt Dillon, Jay McInerney, and Joyce Johnson. On the Road remains as relevant today as it was in the 1950s, but both the book and Kerouac himself have never been explored in this way before. While based on the American road, On the Road inspired people globally to get out of where they are and engage in the world around them. In an era defined by screens and constant connectivity we can all still learn from the book and Kerouac’s journey, and what it means to engage in real time with the path we’re on.
ATTENDEE INFORMATION
RSVPS are due by July 25. This is an exclusive SFFILM Member screening. Not a member? Join or renew today for early access to this screening! Admission to this event is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please make sure you arrive early to secure your seat.

Ebs Burnough is a filmmaker and producer. He is a former Senior Advisor to Michelle Obama and served as Deputy White House Social Secretary overseeing major events like the G-20 Summit and curating arts and culture at The White House. With nearly two decades of experience in politics, public policy, and the arts, Burnough is CEO of Hatch House Media, a production company focused on film, TV, theater, and gaming. In 2019, he made his directorial debut with The Capote Tapes, a documentary that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was released globally in 2021. Burnough is a graduate of Northwestern University and serves as the Board Chair of The Sundance Institute, Burnough is also a visiting scholar at Oxford University.
Trailer
Film Details
LanguageEnglish
Year2025
Runtime89
CountryUK, USA
DirectorEbs Burnough
ProducerEliza Hindmarch, John Battsek, Ebs Burnough
Executive ProducerHelen Parker, Johnny Fewings, Kerstin Emhoff, Ali Brown, Jim Sampas
WriterEliza Hindmarch
EditorPaul Trewartha
CinematographerTim Cragg
MusicJohn Forté
CastMichael Imperioli, W. Kamau Bell, Josh Brolin, Matt Dillon, Natalie Merchant, Ann Charters, David Amram, Jay McInerney, Kim Jones, Jean-Christophe Cloutier, Joyce Johnson, Diana Langley, Tenaj Melendras, Faustino Melendras, Amir Staten, Angel Staten, Karlynne Staten
Closed CaptionsClosed Captions are not currently confirmed for this screening.
Audio DescriptionAudio Description is not currently confirmed for this screening.
American Sign Language (ASL) InterpretationASL is not currently scheduled for this event.