Join us for a night tracing the roots of listening bars and the exclusive North American premiere of A Century in Sound, co-presented by JACCC, dublab, Film Independent and Zizou.

A Century in Sound is a beautifully crafted documentary series that traces 100 years of Tokyo’s cultural history through the Japanese tradition of ongaku kissa – music cafés and hi-fi spaces where deep, focused listening becomes a shared, communal experience. Moving from classical cafés to jazz kissas and beyond, the film explores how these carefully curated, intimate spaces mirror the spirit of the times.

Not just a film screening, this event features a panel discussion with legends of global music and film about how this uniquely Japanese culture is more vital and necessary in our time than ever before.

At a moment when listening bars are rapidly proliferating across the U.S., A Century in Sound offers vital historical context, revealing the origins of this culture and the philosophy behind intentional listening spaces. For fans of listening bars, vinyl culture and immersive sound environments, the film provides a rare and deeply resonant perspective on how these spaces became refuges for shared listening—making this North American premiere an unmissable experience.

“A unique, observant, and fascinating project.” — Roman Coppola, via Variety
 

6:30-7:30 pm – Listening Lounge + Pop-Up Record Shop
Presented by Temporal Drift & We Share Records
Enjoy cocktails, explore and purchase Japanese records in the lobby, and ease into the evening.

7:30–9:45 pm – Screening + Panel Discussion
Featuring Grammy and Emmy-award winning musicians/filmmakers Peanut Butter Wolf, Kuni Murai, Zach Cowie and Mark McNeill
Be among the first to see the first three episodes of the acclaimed documentary series, followed by a conversation reflecting on deep listening as an approach, and as a culture.

10:00 pm-1:00 am – After-Party at Zizou
Featuring DJs Yuka Mizuhara, Tsugu Itagaki and Kota Yoshioka
Get fully into the groove at Zizou, an intimate listening bar known for its refined sound, wine and food.
 

Tickets

Tickets are available now to Members and the general public.

Film Independent Member tickets

General tickets

 

Pricing & Registration

$15 for Film Independent Members, $25 for the general public | Proof of Member status is required to reserve tickets at the Member price.

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.
 

 

About the artists

Nick Dwyer is an award-winning filmmaker and music historian whose work explores music as lived culture. He is the creator and director of A Century in Sound, acclaimed for its deep listening approach to history, place and community.

Tu Neill is a New Zealand-born and based filmmaker, director and producer known for his documentary work. He is particularly recognized for co-directing the documentary series Diggin’ in the Carts (2014) about Japanese video game music.

Peanut Butter Wolf aka Chris Manak, is the founder of independent label Stones Throw Records and the vinyl bar Gold Line Bar, which houses over 10,000 of his albums. Both are based in the same building in the Highland Park neighborhood of L.A.

Kunihiko Murai is a key architect of Japan’s modern music history as a pioneering composer, producer and founder of Alfa Records who played a leading role in laying the foundation for Japanese popular music in the 1970s. This includes introducing the band Yellow Magic Orchestra and its member, Ryuichi Sakamoto, to a global audience.

Zach Cowie is an Emmy-nominated music supervisor and DJ known for shaping the sound of films and series including Judas and the Black Messiah, Emma., and American Fiction, with deep roots in radio, record culture and global listening scenes.

Mark McNeill is a curator, music journalist and broadcaster focused on experimental, ambient and underground music cultures. His work examines how listening spaces and scenes shape collective memory and creative exchange.

Yuka Mizuhara is a Tokyo-based DJ, model and photographer known for genre-fluid, mood-driven sets drawing from soul, disco, rare grooves, ambient and global sounds.

Kota Yoshioka is an LA-based curator and DJ connecting Japanese and U.S. independent music cultures as the Japan/Asia label manager for Stones Throw Records. He spins Japanese jazz, soul, city pop and rare grooves.

We Share Records is an LA-based record shop and cultural platform dedicated to Japanese music, with a focus on jazz fusion, city pop and electronic sounds. Tsugi Itagaki is an LA-based DJ and artist from Kumamoto, Japan, whose selections are shaped by soul, jazz and hip-hop influences.

Temporal Drift (Yosuke Kitazawa and Patrick McCarthy) is an LA-based music label publishing contemporary and archival releases by Japanese artists.
 

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.