Arts Circle, Film Lover, Secret (shhh…) Members and Fellows (with an active Membership), you and a guest are invited to join us for a theatrical screening of Coroner to the Stars, including an in-person conversation with directors Ben Hethcoat and Keita Ideno, and producer Billy Ray Brewton moderated by Jenn Wilson (Senior Programmer, Film Independent).

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

Registration will open to all Film Independent Members on May 1.
 
Introducing the LA Muse screening series presented by Ashby & Graff
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.
 
Coroner to the Stars is a documentary film directed by Ben Hethcoat and Keita Ideno about the extraordinary life and controversial career of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the former Los Angeles County Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner whose celebrity autopsies forever shaped American culture. From Marilyn Monroe and Robert Kennedy, to Sharon Tate and Natalie Wood, Dr. Noguchi’s death investigations pushed forensic science into the spotlight — even as Hollywood elites and political adversaries sought to silence him. A Japanese American who unwittingly rose to fame in a city driven by stardom, Noguchi’s commitment to “tell it like it is” often put him within the crosshairs of controversy.

From Grasshopper Film & Antenna Releasing, Coroner to the Stars premiered at the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival where it won the Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary Feature.

 
83 minutes, color | Written by Ben Hethcoat, John Henry Hinkel, Keita Ideno | Directed by Ben Hethcoat and Keita Ideno | Main Cast Thomas Noguchi, George Takei, Cyril Wecht, Supervisor Janice Hahn, Marcella Fierro | Produced by Tommy Andres, Billy Ray Brewton, Ben Hethcoat, John Henry Hinkel | Executive Produced by P. David Ebersole, Todd Hughes, Mikey McNamara, Chiaki Yanagimoto
 

Registration Information

Film Independent Arts Circle, Film Lover and Secret Members, and Fellows (with an active Membership) can register for this event starting at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 22. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required.

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting on Friday, May 1. | 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.