Join us for a night tuned into a different frequency…

The North American premiere of A Century in Sound, co-presented by the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, dublab and Film Independent isn’t just a film screening – it’s an audiovisual extravaganza like none other.

A Century in Sound is a documentary series tracing a 100-year history of Tokyo through music and memory, done so through the unique-to-Japan cultural phenomenon of music focused establishments known collectively as “Ongaku Kissa” (which translates to “music cafes”); places where local residents have gathered for decades to give reverence to the music they love.

From 6:30 to 7:30 pm, the JACCC lobby will become a listening lounge. Sip cocktails/mocktails, dig through record crates with local LA purveyors, and settle into our listening theater with a drink in hand as Yosuke Kitazawa and Patrick from independent record label Temporal Drift set the tone.

At 7:30 pm, we’ll screen three episodes from Nick Dwyer’s six-part documentary, which premiered last summer to international acclaim at Sheffield DocFest. Following the screening, we’ll present a panel discussion of the biggest movers and shakers in the listening cafe phenomenon, moderated by Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, Mark “Frosty” McNeill, also the founder of dublab. Complete list of panelists TBA.

After the conversation, follow the groove to our exclusive afterparty at Zizou, featuring even more of the city’s best DJs, including Tsugu Itagaki from We Share Records.

 
2024, 101 minutes, color | Written by Nick Dwyer | Directed by Nick Dwyer and Tu Neill | Featuring Keiko Ishihara | Produced by Nicholas Dwyer for Analogue Foundation Films | Executive Produced by Roman Coppola, Sohichiro Matsumoto, Kasper Collin, Dana O’Keefe
 

Pricing & Registration

$15 for Film Independent, JACCC and dublab Members | Proof of Member status is required to reserve tickets at the Member price.

$25 for the general public.

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

Tickets

Tickets are available now to the Member groups listed above and the general public.

Member Groups

Film Independent Member tickets

JACCC member tickets

dublab member tickets

 
Non-Members

General tickets

 

Parking

On the day of the event, tickets may be picked up 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.

The JACCC is a 7-minute walk from the L.A. Metro Rail Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, which connects to both the A and E lines via the Regional Connector. For additional parking details and transportation options, visit Go Little Tokyo‘s guide to the area.
 

Event Policies

Availability window and registration capacity may vary; always register as early as possible. All ticket sales are final; no refunds or exchanges.

Attendees must 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 written policies and/or staff instructions may result in removal from the venue and/or suspension or termination of Membership/access to future events.

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

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.