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In exploring the lives of a wide array of musicians, artists, writers, and cultural figures, filmmaker Morgan Neville has brought a remarkable artfulness, complexity, and compassion to the biographical documentary form. His distinctive body of work includes Shotgun Freeway; The Cool School; Beauty Is Embarrassing; Best of Enemies, the Academy Award-winning look at background singers 20 Feet from Stardom; this summer’s documentary blockbuster Won’t You Be My Neighbor, a layered, moving portrait of Fred Rogers; and the forthcoming They’ll Love Me When I’m Dead, chronicling Orson Welles’ decades-long struggle to complete his final film.

But if you ask him what ties his work together, the answer is culture: a belief in the value of examining the complexities of our cultural identity. More specifically, he frequently examines the overlooked cultural identity of Los Angeles, something that has long fascinated this native Angeleno.

Join cultural documentarian Morgan Neville for a look at his films, creative process, and influences as well as a glimpse at material pulled from his personal “LA Collection” of books, ephemera and footage he’s gathered in making films about Los Angeles.


LFLA Members are invited to enjoy an exclusive reception following the program.


Lost & Found at the Movies is generously supported by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association

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John Nein

John Nein

John Nein is a senior programmer at the Sundance Film Festival and deals primarily with US and international feature films. He also plans the festival’s panels and runs the Institute’s film preservation initiative. John grew up in Europe and the United States, studied history at Carleton College and earned his MFA from UCLA’s Film Directing program, where he made several award-winning shorts and lobbied tirelessly for better coffee in the vending machines.


Morgan Neville

Morgan Neville is an Academy Award-, Grammy Award-, and Emmy Award-winning director known for his work as a cultural documentarian. His acclaimed film 20 Feet From Stardom won the 2014 Academy Award for Best Documentary as well as a Grammy Award for Best Music Film. His documentary Best of Enemies, on the debates between Gore Vidal and William F. Buckleywas shortlisted for the 2016 Academy Award and won an Emmy Award. Neville has been nominated for four additional Grammys for his films: Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story, Muddy Waters: Can’t Be Satisfied, Johnny Cash’s America, and The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. Neville’s other films include The Cool School, Shotgun Freeway, and Beauty Is Embarrassing. Recent projects include Ugly Delicious, Keith Richards: Under the Influence, Abstract: The Art of Design, and Won’t You Be My Neighbor, a documentary about Fred Rogers which was released by Focus Features in 2018 and has become one of the best-reviewed and highest-grossing documentaries of all time. Neville’s film They’ll Love Me When I’m Dead, about the futile attempt to make Orson Welles’ last film, is due in theaters and on Netflix this fall.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does Lost & Found at the Movies cost to attend?

    Lost & Found at the Movies is free to attend.

  • Can I attend if I’m not a Member?

    While priority notification is given to LFLA Members, non-Members are welcome to attend if space allows. However, the complimentary reception following the program is limited to Members.

  • Do I have to make a reservation?

    Reservations are recommended, as our programs often fill to capacity. Priority is given to reserved guests.

  • Can I attend even if I don’t have a reservation?

    Yes! We often have space available to accommodate walk-up guests without advanced reservations. Check our stand-by policy for more information.

  • Reservation Policy for Free Programs

    As Lost & Found at the Movies is free of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the case of a FULL program your free reservation may not guarantee admission. We recommend arriving early. Unclaimed reservations will be released to standby patrons at the start of each program.

  • Standby Policy

    Standby numbers are distributed in person only one hour before the program, on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance wait list for full programs. Standby patrons will be admitted based on availability. Most programs will be available via podcast. Become a Member of the Library Foundation to receive priority notification of these programs.

  • Canceling a Reservation

    If you are unable to use your reservation, please email [email protected].

  • Where does Lost & Found at the Movies take place?

    Unless otherwise noted, Lost & Found at the Movies is held at the downtown Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium.

  • Where should I park for Lost & Found at the Movies?

    We recommend taking public transportation. Parking for the Central Library is at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street. For more information, visit the Library’s website.

  • Where do I purchase the speaker’s book?

    Occasionally a guest on Lost & Found at the Movies is touring with a book. Books are made available for purchase at programs or can be purchased while making your online reservation. In order to participate in the book signing, you must purchase at least one book.