Arts Circle, Film Lover, Secret Members and Fellows (with an active Membership), you and a guest are invited to join us for a theatrical screening of Maddie’s Secret, including an in-person conversation with writer/director/actor John Early.

A reception will be held prior to the screening, starting at 7:00 pm PT.

Registration will open to all Film Independent Members on June 8.
 
Introducing the LA Muse screening series presented by Ashby & Graff Real Estate
Inspired by one of the most popular sections of the LA Film Festival, this series will spotlight four unique and diverse films that reflect the many facets of Los Angeles, featuring LA-based filmmakers and stories rooted in the city. Celebrated for palm trees, sunsets and stardom, Los Angeles is, at its core, a complex intersection of lives and experiences. Filmmakers are endlessly inspired by its deep, cinematic past and the rich, vibrant tapestry of its present. Join us as we dive into these incredible stories inspired by the City of Angels.
 
Maddie’s Secret is comedian, writer and actor John Early’s critically acclaimed directorial debut starring himself as Maddie, a plucky dishwasher who leaps to viral superstardom at a trendy food content creation company. While her life seems picturesque – complete with an adoring husband (Eric Rahill), ride-or-die best friend (Kate Berlant) and a cupboard full of woman-owned, ethically-sourced chili crisp to boot – mounting professional pressures threaten to reawaken a hidden secret from her troubled past. A pitch-perfect blend of satire, melodrama, daring tonal shifts and intimate performances, the film marks a bold new voice in contemporary cinema.

From Magnolia Pictures, Maddie’s Secret premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and will be released in theaters in New York on June 19 and Los Angeles on June 26.

 
2026, 98 minutes, color | Written & Directed by John Early | Main Cast John Early, Kate Berlant, Eric Rahill, Claudia O’Doherty, Conner O’Malley, Vanessa Bayer, Pat Regan, Dominique Witten, Emily Allan, Leah Hennessey, Ruby McCollister, Chris Bauer, Kristen Johnston | Produced by Harris Mayersohn, Luca Intili, John Early | Executive Produced by Chris Quintos Cathcart, Tyler Boehm, Hannan Dweck, Ted Schaefer, Sarah Herrman, Deb Tam, Matthew Rosenthal, Marissa Heringer
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Arts Circle, Film Lover and Secret Members, and Fellows (with an active Membership) can register for this event starting at 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 28. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting on Monday, June 8. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

Film Lover Members, Secret Members and Fellows (with an active Membership) receive priority entry to this event. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.

Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. For information about Arts Circle, contact Jennifer Murby at jmurby@filmindependent.org.
 

Tickets/Parking

On the day of the event, registered Members may pick up tickets as early as one hour 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.

Complimentary parking provided with validation. Garage entrance on Masselin.
 

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 Membership, per event.

Members 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.

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