Lost & Found at the Movies: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Ithaca

Featuring professor Alex Purves (UCLA Department of Classics) with series curator John Nein, Senior Programmer, Sundance Film Festival
Friday, Oct 10, 2014 | 7:30pm Mark Taper Auditorium-Central Library

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Lost & Found at the Movies is the Library Foundation’s new series celebrating the art of cinema and the vitality of film culture. Eclectic in theme and varying in form, this onstage magazine explores how we lose ourselves and find ourselves at the movies.

The Odyssey has inspired filmmakers around the world from George Melies and the earliest days of cinema From the epics of Italian silent cinema to Homer in Hollywood to the “sword and sandals” era to the Coen brothers, what is it about The Odyssey and antiquity that so entices the imagination? What did we learn from the ancient Greeks about storytelling (as explored by acclaimed screenwriting professor Howard Suber)? What did we learn about Homer from Hollywood (and is any of it right)? And most importantly, what are the more subtle and sublime ways in which Homer finds expression in modern film and television. Celebrate the Library Foundation’s month-long “Odyssey” project with this examination of the epic tale on film. Library Foundation Members-Only reception to follow.

Contact Libby McCarthy at [email protected] or 213.228.7503 with questions.

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.

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.