You’re invited to join us for a theatrical screening of Preparation for the Next Life, including an in-person conversation with director Bing Liu and actor Sebiye Behtiyar, moderated by Dino-Ray Ramos (founder, DIASPORA).

Aishe, a Uyghur woman trained by her military father, migrates to New York City where she finds herself laboring in Chinatown’s underground kitchens. She fatefully encounters Skinner, a young American soldier who has just returned from three tours in the Middle East. While falling in love, they discover the possibility of a better life together than the ones they believed they were destined to live alone.

From Amazon MGM Studios and Orion Pictures, Preparation for the Next Life will be released in theaters September 5.

 
2025, 115 minutes, Written by Martyna Majok based on the book by Atticus Lish | Directed by Bing Liu | Main Cast Sebiye Behtiyar, Fred Hechinger | Produced by Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, Barry Jenkins | Executive Produced by Brad Pitt, Bing Liu, Sophia Lin
 

Registration Information

Film Lover Members receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting at 2:00 pm PT on Monday, August 11. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time – look for Film Independent signage. Tickets are nontransferable and for general, unreserved theater seating only (except for Arts Circle Members). Attendees must be in their seat(s) at least 15 minutes prior to the advertised start time or seat(s) may be released. Entry/seating will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may not enter the venue without the Member who registered them present. Registration does not guarantee entry, even with a ticket in hand.

The Culver Theater provides 2-hour parking validation for any of the following Culver City lots (in addition, the city provides one hour free):

9099 Washington Blvd.
3846 Cardiff Ave.
3844 Watseka Ave.

Parking is available from 8:00 am to 2:00 am Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 3:00 am Friday and Saturday, and 8:00 am to 1:00 am Sunday.
 

Accessibility

Film Independent is committed to hosting events that are accessible. For inquiries regarding accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact us at accessibility@filmindependent.org or 323 556 9305.
 

Screening Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. Limit one registration per individual, per event.

Attendees are required to follow all rules and guidelines as laid out by Film Independent and/or its partners. If a guest has been registered for an event by a Member, these policies shall apply to that guest. Violation of policies may result in suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording.  Any attempted recording (audio or video) will result in your immediate removal from the theatre and possible forfeiture of the device, and may result in a criminal charge. Further, by attending, you consent to a physical search of your belongings and person.

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.