SEARCHERS Feature Films In Person at AFI Silver

Following the screening, watch a special conversation with director Pacho Velez and subject Marion Mccue De Velez moderated by AFI Festivals Director of Programming Sarah Harris.

A young man, identified as “Shaq Shaq 24,” stares intently into the camera. What is he looking at? Gradually, it becomes clear that this man — and the diverse roster of other ordinary New Yorkers who follow — is logged into a dating app account. Swipe right or swipe left? Director Pacho Velez’s omniscient camera eye watches in real time as these love-seekers make the personal match decisions that could determine the fate of their love lives. Implicating himself in the experiment, “Pacho 40” is also looking to get back in the game after the end of a long-term relationship. Teasingly interspersed are shots of couples bathed in New York’s romantic summer light. “The whole thing’s a pain in the ass,” says “Robert 75.” Now where do I sign up? –Ken Jacobson

Continue the conversation on DOCS Connect, with filmmaker in attendance to respond to your questions, here.