Series Screening—Lucy and Desi and Post-Screening Conversation with Mark Monroe, Jeanne Elfant Festa, and Justin Wilkes

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 members-only screening series showcasing Emmy-nominated, bingeable television series. Join us for a special screening of Lucy and Desi, followed by a conversation with with writer and producer Mark Monroe, producer Jeanne Elfant Festa, and producer Justin Wilkes.

From director Amy Poehler, Lucy and Desi explores the unlikely partnership and enduring legacy of one of the most prolific power couples in entertainment history. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz risked everything to be together. Their love for each other led to the most influential show in the history of television, I Love Lucy. Desi was an immigrant from Cuba who lost everything in exile, became a band leader, and eventually a brilliant producer and technical pioneer. Lucille came from nothing and, with an unrivaled work ethic, built a career as a model, chorus girl, and eventually as an actor in the studio system. She found her calling in comedy, first in radio. When Lucille was finally granted the opportunity to have her own television show, she insisted that her real-life spouse, Desi, be cast as her husband. Defying the odds, they re-invented the medium, on the screen and behind the cameras. The foundation of I Love Lucy was the constant rupture and repair of unconditional love. What Lucy and Desi couldn’t make work with each other, they gave to the rest of the world. Lucy and Desi is an insightful and intimate peek behind the curtain of these two remarkable trailblazers.

You can watch the official trailer here.

In case you missed them, revisit previously recorded Film at LACMA conversations with featured talent from Emmy Award–nominated series including: Abbott Elementary, The Great, Gaslit, Live in Front of A Studio Audience, Impeachment, A Very British Scandal, and Candy.

You will receive a link to view an episode from the series and the post-screening conversation 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.