Lights, camera, action! This month’s San Francisco Chronicle Live event at Manny’s will be all about movies.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of Chronicle film critic Mick LaSalle’s popular Sunday Datebook column in which he answers readers’ questions, for the first time, “Ask Mick LaSalle” goes live.

Moderated by Senior Arts and Entertainment Editor Mariecar Mendoza, audience members can ask questions and get real-time answers from LaSalle. Questions can be emailed in advance to mlasalle@sfchronicle.com with the subject line: “Manny’s live.”

But that’s not all. Independent movie theaters are among the many small businesses that have been severely impacted by the pandemic. Chronicle movie writer G. Allen Johnson will moderate a panel discussion about the challenges of making indie cinema thrive in the Bay Area. Speakers include Roxie Theater Executive Director Lex Sloan, CinemaSF co-owner Adam Bergeron and Grand Lake Theatre owner Allen Michaan.

SFC Live: The State of Bay Area Movie Theaters + "Ask Mick LaSalle" Live: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16. $15. Manny’s, 3092 16th St., S.F.welcometomannys.com