
Lost & Found at the Movies:
This is Your Brain on Movies
Reservations are available here.
If you’re already fascinated by movies from the standpoint of human behavior, consciousness and character motivation, try watching them with a neuroscientist.
With cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Heather Berlin (Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and host of Science Goes to the Movies) we take a journey into the human mind, exploring its relationship to cinema, in terms of complex characters, decision-making, dreams and the unconscious, addiction, artificial intelligence and the creative process itself. We also look at what cognitive science tells us about how we watch movies.
We check in (remotely) with filmmaker Ruben Östlund whose lifelong fascination with social psychology needs no further illustration than his body of work, which includes The Square (winner of the 2017 Cannes Palm D’Or), Force Majeure, Play and Involuntary.
And we pay homage to the glorious history of brains in movies, even the less cerebral ones (that’s you The Brain That Wouldn’t Die).
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


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.