You’re invited to join us for a theatrical screening of The History of Sound, including an in-person conversation with director Oliver Hermanus.

In 1917, Lionel – a young, talented music student – meets David at the Boston Conservatory, where they bond over a deep love of folk music. Years later, Lionel receives a letter from David, leading to an impromptu journey through the backwoods of Maine to collect traditional songs. This unexpected reunion, ensuing love affair, and the music they collect and preserve, will shape the course of Lionel’s life far beyond his own awareness.

The film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

From MUBI, The History of Sound will be released in theaters September 12.

Please note the specific attendance and parking details below.

 
2025, 127 minutes, color | Written by Ben Shattuck | Directed by Oliver Hermanus | Main Cast Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor, Molly Price, Alison Bartlett, Chris Cooper | Produced by Sara Murphy, Andrew Kortschak, Lisa Ciuffetti, Thérèse Ryan-Van Green, Oliver Hermanus, Zhang Xin
 

Registration Information

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

All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting at 12:00 pm PT on Tuesday, September 2. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration.
 

Tickets/Parking

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.

CHECK-IN / WRISTBAND PICK-UP: Please check in by the Dueling Dino exhibit upon arrival to receive your wristband – required for entry and to remain on the premises. Wristbands may be picked up beginning at 5:30 pm.

PARKING: Parking is available in the NHM Car Park located at 3724 Bill Robertson Ln, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Parking for cars is $20. Please bring your ticket with you and pay at the kiosks before entering the museum for faster exit. No cash payment will be accepted.

After parking in the NHM Car Park, take the pedestrian walkway toward the museum’s atrium and walk through the gift shop. Staff will be on hand to direct you to the check-in table.

Once NHM Car Park reaches capacity, guests will be directed to the Blue Lot/Structure, located at 550 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037 (approx. 5 minute walk to NHM). Parking is $24. Pay directly at the Blue Lot upon entrance or exit. NHM kiosks will not accept Blue Lot tickets. No cash payment will be accepted.

AFTER-HOURS MUSEUM ACCESS: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Galleries include Grand Foyer, African Mammal Hall, North American Mammal Hall, Judith Perlstein Welcome Center, and the Theater Gallery

FOOD & BEVERAGE: South LA Cafe in the Welcome Center is open until 7:00 pm. Items purchased are permitted in the theater (drinks must have lids). No outside food or drinks.

ADMISSION: Admission lines will begin forming at 6:40 pm. Active KCRW Members, Film Independent Members, and NHMLA guests receive priority admission until 7:00 pm. After 7:00 pm, all guests must join the General Admission line.

Please remember, to accommodate as many people as possible, all free screenings are overbooked to account for no-shows.
 

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 individual, per event.

Attendees 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/access to future events.

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