Boots Riley takes I Love Boosters on college tour

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• What the movie is and why it matters
• Star-packed cast bringing the story to life
• College screenings: dates, locations, and Q&As with Boots Riley
• How the college tour fits into the film’s rollout
• Tickets, screenings, and what to expect at events

Boots Riley is taking his latest film directly to students. After being chosen to open this year’s SXSW Film Festival, his sophomore feature will also roll into college towns for screenings and live Q&A sessions this spring.

What the movie is and why it matters

The new film, titled I Love Boosters, arrives from Neon and follows Riley’s continued appetite for bold, offbeat storytelling. Audiences can expect a satirical look at consumer culture wrapped in a crime-comedy setup. The project builds on Riley’s earlier work, which includes his debut feature and a recent streaming series, both known for mixing social commentary with surreal humor.

Why to watch: the film blends a sharp cast, topical themes, and Riley’s distinct voice. Neon plans a nationwide theatrical release on Friday, May 22.

Star-packed cast bringing the story to life

The ensemble includes familiar and rising names who amplify the film’s pulse and comic edge:

• Keke Palmer
• Naomi Ackie
• Taylour Paige
• Lakeith Stanfield
• Poppy Liu
• Eiza González
• Will Poulter
• Don Cheadle
• Demi Moore

The concise logline describes a team of professional shoplifters targeting a ruthless fashion entrepreneur. It’s framed as a heist that doubles as an act of community disruption.

College screenings: dates, locations, and Q&As with Boots Riley

Riley will personally attend many campus events to introduce the film and take audience questions. Below is the full schedule of confirmed college appearances.

1. Friday, March 27 — University of Alabama, 5:30 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)
2. Monday, April 6 — Yale University, 3:45 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)
3. Tuesday, April 7 — NYU at Regal Union Square, 6:30 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)
4. Wednesday, April 8 — Indiana University, IU Cinema, 7:00 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)
5. Friday, April 10 — Temple University, AMC Broadstreet, 5:00 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)
6. Saturday, April 11 — Wesleyan University, 7:00 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)
7. Wednesday, April 15 — Ohio State University, Gateway OSU, 7:00 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)
8. Friday, April 17 — Ohio University, Athena Cinema, 7:00 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)
9. Tuesday, April 21 — University of Houston, 7:00 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)
10. Wednesday, May 6 — UC Santa Cruz, The Del Mar Theater, 6:30 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)
11. Saturday, May 9 — OU Tulsa, University of Tulsa & Langston University hosted by Dreamland, 8:15 p.m. (Q&A with Boots Riley)

How the college tour fits into the film’s rollout

Launching the campus circuit ahead of a wide release helps build word-of-mouth among younger moviegoers. The tour doubles as an engagement strategy and a chance for students to hear directly from Riley about the film’s ideas and production choices.

SXSW premiere: the film opens this year’s festival and marks another public debut for Riley following his recent television work.

Tickets, screenings, and what to expect at events

Most screenings include a post-show conversation with Riley. Students and campus communities can often access tickets through university event pages or campus film programs. Expect a mix of onstage remarks, audience questions, and occasional media presence.

• Check campus event calendars for ticket links.
• Arrive early for best seating and to join the Q&A.
• Screenings may include a short intro or trailer block.