Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh is celebrating his 63rd birthday with a cinematic takeover that transforms the moviegoing experience into a weekly ritual. The director has partnered with Nitehawk Cinema and his own spirit brand for “A Man Under The Influence,” a nine-week festival running from mid-February through April 2026. This curated series combines influential films from the last nine decades with exclusive cocktails featuring Singani 63.
A Unique Celebration Of Cinema And Bolivian Spirits
Steven Soderbergh is known for his eclectic filmography and his meticulous personal habits. He is now inviting the public to join him in a specific ritual to mark his 63rd year around the sun. The event is officially titled “A Man Under The Influence: 63 Days of Steven’s Selects” and it promises to be more than just a retrospective.
The series kicks off on February 18 and concludes on April 15.
It spans exactly 63 days to match the director’s age and the name of his Bolivian spirit brand. Screenings will take place every Wednesday night. The venue will alternate weekly between Nitehawk Prospect Park and Nitehawk Williamsburg in Brooklyn.
This scheduling choice allows fans across the borough to participate without excessive travel.
Attendees can expect a highly structured evening that reflects the director’s attention to detail. Each screening begins with a custom trailer created by Soderbergh himself. This will likely set the mood and offer insight into why he selected that specific film.
Steven Soderbergh Singani 63 bottle Nitehawk Cinema cocktail series
The experience includes a “Happy Hour” lasting exactly 63 minutes before the film rolls.
During this time guests can enjoy the “Feature Cocktail” of the week. This drink is not a generic mixer. It is a custom creation designed to pair thematically with the movie on screen.
Nine Decades Of Influential Movies Hit The Screen
The programming for this series is a fascinating journey through film history. Soderbergh has selected one movie from each decade starting from the 1930s up to the 2010s. These are not necessarily his own films but rather movies that have influenced his artistic sensibilities.
The lineup moves from the pre-Code elegance of the 1930s into the high-tension blockbusters of the 1970s and the indie darlings of the 1990s.
Here is the confirmed schedule for the film series:
| Date | Film Title | Decade | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 18 | Trouble in Paradise | 1930s | Prospect Park |
| Feb 25 | Notorious | 1940s | Williamsburg |
| Mar 04 | The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T | 1950s | Prospect Park |
| Mar 11 | The Servant | 1960s | Williamsburg |
| Mar 18 | Jaws | 1970s | Prospect Park |
| Mar 25 | Do the Right Thing | 1980s | Prospect Park |
| Apr 01 | Fargo | 1990s | Williamsburg |
| Apr 08 | Lost in Translation | 2000s | Williamsburg |
| Apr 15 | Phantom Thread | 2010s | Prospect Park |
This list offers a window into the mind of one of Hollywood’s most versatile directors.
For instance, the inclusion of Jaws highlights his appreciation for visual storytelling and pacing. Do the Right Thing showcases his respect for vital cultural commentary and distinctive directorial voice. Phantom Thread suggests a love for obsessive craftsmanship which is a trait Soderbergh himself shares.
Exclusive Craft Cocktails From Top New York Bars
The “cocktail” component of this series is central to the concept. Soderbergh creates Singani 63 which is a distilled spirit made from white Muscat of Alexandria grapes. It is produced high in the Bolivian Andes and has a history spanning 500 years.
Soderbergh discovered the spirit while filming Che in 2007 and spent years working to import it to the United States.
For this series Nitehawk has collaborated with some of New York City’s most respected bars. Each venue has tasked a mixologist with creating a drink that utilizes Singani 63 as the base. The goal is to capture the essence of the film in a glass.
The participating bar partners include:
- The Terrace & Outdoor Gardens (The Edition Hotel Times Square)
- Madeline’s
- LenLen
- Jungle Bird
- Nubeluz (Ritz Carlton Nomad)
- Tigre (Premiere Enterprises Group)
- Little Rascal
- Hello Hello
- Lex Yard (The Waldorf Astoria)
This collaboration turns the film series into a city-wide tasting menu.
It encourages film buffs to experience the versatility of Singani. The spirit is known for its floral bouquet and clean finish. It generally lacks the harsh burn of other brandies which makes it an ideal canvas for creative cocktails.
The Director Continues To Champion His Passion Projects
This event perfectly encapsulates Steven Soderbergh’s career philosophy. He rarely does things by the book. He often blends commerce with art in unexpected ways.
By combining his film curation with his business venture he creates a symbiotic promotion that feels personal rather than corporate.
Nitehawk Cinema is the ideal partner for this endeavor. They were pioneers in the dine-in theater concept in New York. They have always prioritized pairing food and drink with repertory screenings. Their audience is already accustomed to viewing films as social events rather than passive consumption.
Soderbergh is framing this series as a habit-forming experience.
The structure encourages fans to attend every Wednesday for nine weeks. It creates a temporary community of regulars who share a love for cinema and spirits. This mirrors the director’s own discipline. He is famous for tracking every movie he watches and every book he reads in his annual “Seen/Read” lists.
This series gives fans a chance to live like Soderbergh for a few months.
It allows them to see what he sees and drink what he drinks. It is an immersive way to celebrate the birthday of a director who has constantly pushed the boundaries of how movies are made and distributed.
The “Man Under The Influence” series is shaping up to be one of the highlight cultural events of the spring season in Brooklyn. It offers a rare chance to see classics like Notorious and The Servant on the big screen while enjoying high-end mixology. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly given the limited engagement and the director’s cult following.
This is a celebration of longevity and taste.
Steven Soderbergh has spent decades influencing the film industry. Now he is using his 63rd birthday to influence our Wednesday nights. It is a fitting tribute to a career defined by distinct choices and a refusal to compromise on quality.
