Academy Awards® Contenders Film Series—Short Film Showcase with FIlmmaker Conversations

LACMA members are invited to join FILM at LACMA for a short film showcase featuring compelling and awards-contending short films.

Brim Broome Boulevard

When a child wanders through a set of mysterious doors, they enter into a journey of self-discovery where fear and fashion intertwine. Followed by a conversation with writer and director PJ Magerko-Liquorice, costume and character designer Jackson Wiederhoeft, production designer Jenn Ely, lead animator Anthony Scott, animation director Kirk Kelly, and executive producer Elizabeth Murphy.

Motorcycle Mary

In the 1950s, Mary McGee found her sense of freedom when she became the first American woman to race motorcycles. Mary's pioneering journey of conquering sexism and her own fears paved the way for the next chapter in motorsports. Followed by a conversation with director Haley Watson.

The Brown Dog

At night, a watchman clocks into a lonely security booth in the empty parking lot of an upscale apartment complex. Voiced by the late Michael K. Williams, the character—identified only as “NOBODY”—spends his shifts composing endless security logs to stay awake. "What will these bizarrely acute observations amount to?," NOBODY asks. As the darkness slowly closes in on him, he abandons his post and goes in search of a mysterious brown dog. Followed by a conversation with co-directors Nadia Hallgren and Jamie-James Medina.

I Am Ready Warden

In the days leading up to his execution, Texas death row prisoner John Henry Ramirez seeks to connect with his victim’s son. Followed by a conversation with director Smriti Mundhra

Instruments of a Beating Heart

In Instruments of a Beating Heart, first graders in a Tokyo public elementary school are presented with a challenge for the final semester: to form an orchestra and perform “Ode to Joy” at a school ceremony. Ayame, a student who often struggles to keep up with the group, is determined to play a major part: the big drum. The film examines the Japanese educational system’s tenuous balance between collective cooperation and individual growth as it teaches the next generation to become part of society. Followed by a conversation with director Ema Ryan Yamazaki

Denial

In the wake of Donald Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, officials have faced escalating threats. In the crucial jurisdiction of Maricopa County, Arizona, we follow one dedicated public servant facing the corrosive effects of conspiracy theories on his life and career. Followed by a conversation with directors Paul Moakley and Daniel Lombroso.

Eternal Father

After starting a family late in life, Nasar fears he won’t live to see his kids grow up. He decides to be cryonically frozen after death, hoping they can someday reunite. His family’s dilemma: follow suit or be left behind? As the future eclipses the present, Nasar must reassess what truly matters. Followed by a conversation with director Ömer Sami.

You will receive a link to view the films on the event date.

This screening is hosted by Slipstream, a LACMA-approved third-party screening platform. If you have not previously registered with Slipstream, you will be asked to provide a valid email address and set a password to create an account.