Film Screening—Short Film Showcase and Filmmaker Conversations

FILM at LACMA presents classic and contemporary narrative and documentary films, artists and their influences, emerging auteurs, international showcases, special guest-curated programs, and conversations with artists and special guests. 

LACMA members are invited to join FILM at LACMA for a Short Film Showcase featuring a selection of highly acclaimed, compelling short films. Each film is explored further through exclusive filmmaker conversations.

The Flagmakers

Inside a Wisconsin flag factory, immigrants, refugees, and locals wrestle with identity and belonging as they sew millions of American flags. As tensions escalate across the U.S., the flagmakers reflect on who the flag is for. Followed by a conversation with director Cynthia Wade.

The Best Chef In The World

The infamous and highly regarded California culinary gem, the French Laundry, currently run by legendary chef Thomas Keller, has often been recognized as the best in the world, but few know the story of its original founder, Sally Schmitt. In an emotional final interview before her passing in March 2022, Sally tells her own story as a pioneering chef of California cuisine and sets the table for another way to look at life: where balance, rather than recognition, is the ultimate prize. Academy Award-winning director Ben Proudfoot brings Sally and her pioneering and endearing family front and center in this moving, insightful, and delightful short film shining a spotlight on the loving origins of this leading culinary experience. Followed by a conversation with director Ben Proudfoot.

The Martha Mitchell Effect

This documentary profiles the cabinet wife who spoke out during Watergate—and the Nixon administration’s campaign to gaslight her into silence. Followed by a conversation with directors Debra McClutchy and Anne Alvergue.

The Elephant Whisperers

The Elephant Whisperers follows an indigenous couple as they fall in love with Raghu, an orphaned elephant given into their care, and tirelessly work to ensure his recovery and survival. The film highlights the beauty of the wild spaces in South India and the people and animals who share this space. Followed by a conversation with director Kartiki Gonsalves.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse

This short film follows a boy, a mole, a fox, and a horse as they create an unexpected friendship and travel together in the boy’s search for home. Featuring the voices of Idris Elba, Tom Holland, and Gabriel Byrne. Followed by a conversation with directors Charlie Mackesy and Peter Baynton and producer Cara Speller.

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.