
The Dinner Game
Col Needham is the founder of IMDB. Not surprisingly, he’s a cinephile of the highest order and reliably the best fun to talk to at film festival parties. His cinema enthusiasm is infectious and for decades, he’s catalogued his film-watching habits, first in a meticulously kept diary (circuitously leading to the world’s most popular film website) and now for the web public to scrutinize.
Lesser known are the brilliant dinners he hosts at various festivals, gathering an eclectic group of film folks for dinner and a game. Guests are seated at different tables but furnished with the same list of questions meant to instigate conversation about movies…ways for us to share our love and appreciation of cinema, and by extension, way for us to get to know each other.
We’ll talk to Col about his lifelong love of movies and the founding of IMDB. And We’re joined by actress Molly Shannon, Director Miguel Arteta, producer Lynette Howell Taylor, and John Cooper, Director of the Sundance Film Festival, who will give the “dinner game” a try.
And we take a look at cinema’s best and worst dinners, those we’d want to attend and those from which we’d definitely want to be excused.
LFLA Member reception to follow.
Lost & Found at the Movies is generously supported by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association

Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does Lost & Found at the Movies cost to attend?
Lost & Found at the Movies is free to attend.
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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.
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Do I have to make a reservation?
Reservations are recommended, as our programs often fill to capacity. Priority is given to reserved guests.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Canceling a Reservation
If you are unable to use your reservation, please email [email protected]
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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.
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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.
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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.