UCR Palm Desert’s sci-fi movie series gets underway

UCR Palm Desert will start its science fiction-themed “Lit Flicks” movie series tonight.

“Soylent Green,” starring Charlton Heston, will be shown at 6 p.m. In the campus auditorium.

Each movie in the series is based on a work of literature. Before each film, there will be a discussion between science fiction expert Sherryl Vint, a UC Riverside English professor, and Tod Goldberg, director of UCR Palm Desert’s low-residency master of fine arts program. Afterward, the film adaptation will be discussed.

“Soylent Green,” made in 1973, is set in a dystopian future where people live on processed food rations, including “soylent green.” The film is loosely based on the 1966 novel “Make Room! Make Room!” by Harry Harrison.

The other films are “A Scanner Darkly,” to be screened on March 11, and “Children of Men,” which will be shown April 8.

“Lit Flicks” is sponsored by UCR Palm Desert’s low-residency MFA in creative writing program.

Reservations are recommended at http://palmdesert.ucr.edu/programs/events.html or by calling (760) 834-0800.