Arts Circle, Film Lover, Secret (shhh…) Members and Fellows (with an active Membership), you and a guest are invited to Programmers’ Picks, a curated screening series taking place at the Film Independent Theater. Make sure to take advantage of your exclusive priority registration window, after which all Film Independent Members will have the opportunity to register.

Join us for The Musical, followed by an in-person conversation with with director/producer Giselle Bonilla and writer/producer Alexander Heller.

Convinced he’s a big fish stuck in a small pond, playwright Doug Leibowitz has been marking time as a theater teacher until he can get himself to New York, where the serious playwrights live. But when an unexpected breakup shocks him and then he finds out that his ex has been dating the person he hates most in the world, the school principal, his plans turn from purely self-interested… to diabolical. With the coveted Blue Ribbon award within Principal Brady’s grasp and the principal on high alert, Doug secretly has his middle schoolers rehearse and then perform a play so inappropriate, the only result could be the ruin of Principal Brady’s reputation.

From Blue Harbor Entertainment, Unapologetic Projects and Variance Films, The Musical premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and will open in theaters on September 18.

Beverages will be served prior to the screening, starting at 7:00 pm PT.

Registration will open to all Film Independent Members on August 27.
 
2026, 87 minutes, color | Written by Alexander Heller | Directed by Giselle Bonilla | Main Cast Will Brill, Rob Lowe, Gillian Jacobs | Produced by Rob Lowe, Greg Lauritano, Alexander Heller, Findlay Brown, Jordan Backhus | Executive Produced by Gillian Bohrer, Jonathan Levine, Chris Quintos Cathcart, Tyler Boehm, Giselle Bonilla, David Duque-Estrada, Sean Calvano, Vince Jolivette, Jiarui Guo, Dan Reardon, Kyle Fox, Luke Daniels, Alan Pao
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Arts Circle, Film Lover and Secret Members, and Fellows (with an active Membership) can register for this event starting at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, August 11. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting on Thursday, August 27. | 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
 

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 [email protected] 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.