A small-scale film series featuring two directors with local connections kicks off at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Mystic Luxury Cinemas with the screening of the first two episodes of the HBO series "The Neistat Brothers," followed at the same time the following Wednesday with the presentation of "When Saturday Comes."

The film series featuring Ledyard native Casey Neistat and Stonington resident Maria Giese is being presented by the cinema and John Bale of Red Balloon Productions.

"They're both trying to do do innovative things," Bale said in an interview at Washington Street Coffee House in New London.

Casey Neistat collaborated with his brother Van Neistat on a series of popular YouTube videos before starring with him in the HBO series. He went on to be named YouTuber of the Year in 2016.

Giese is featured in Tom Donahue's 2018 documentary "This Changes Everything," which documents her efforts to expose sexist hiring practices in Hollywood. Her 1996 feature film "When Saturday Comes" starred Sean Bean, Emily Lloyd and Pete Postlethwaite and was first screened at the Cannes Film Festival. It's about a boy overcoming obstacles as he finds himself on and off the soccer field.

Bale said receptions before the film showings will be held at 24 Main St. in Old Mystic. A question-and-answer session is scheduled with Amy Neistat, Casey's mother, and Giese after each of the screenings.

Tickets are $15 to each screening and $50 including the reception. Call 347-230-2388 for more information.