The Last Repair Shop | 2024 Oscar-winning Documentary Short

L.A. Times Short Docs & Searchlight Pictures
In a nondescript warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain over 80,000 student musical instruments, the largest remaining workshop in America of its kind. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives have been dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren of the recording capital of the world. Watch "The Last Repair Shop," directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers.

Winner of the the documentary short category at the 2024 Academy Awards.

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LET’S CONNECT:

[krisbowersmusic]

Hey! Kris Bowers here, co-director and co-composer for this film. Please feel free to reply with any questions you have about the filmmaking and/or the music, and I'll do my best to answer them! Thanks for watching.

[danstevens]

I am watching this at my instrument repair bench while I repair a tuba for a public school. After I’m done, I’ll be going to the lesson studio to work with students. I’ve spent 12 years as a repair technician, and this NAILS the “why” and provides terrific insight into how we as instrument techs find meaning in our work. I have donated so much time with the mindset of, “ One broken instrument means a child without an instrument.” Well done to all involved, I feel seen in some small way.

[Perly]

I am a product of LAUSD. I used a school trombone starting in the third grade. I graduated from UCSB with a music performance degree in trombone. I went to Robert Fulton Jr. High and Van Nuys High School. I had exceptional teachers, especially Sid Lasaine at VNHS. Thanks to my LAUSD music teachers and those that repaired my instrument! ♥

[kenbrown]

What a beautiful film. This should be required viewing by school boards and anyone who understands (or doesn't understand) the value of our public schools.

[constancewalsh]

There is a humility in people who fix objects, not found in any other area of life. Without them the stars could not heal and could not shine.
They work in silence, in back rooms, unseen and unheralded, but their co-workers and the people they serve, Know.
I was in tears from start to finish. in awe. Oscar-worthy indeed.

[robbinclose]

It is my life story too. At 9 years old in 4th grade I started taking violin classes at Lockwood Elementary School. My life changed in the class and I too fell in love with the violin and music. I played for the rest of my life. I’m my late 50’s we moved to Santa Fe New Mexico. I founded a violin program for underprivileged children. I raised the money, bought instruments and secured grants from funding trusts in town. I taught violin, we performed all over town. This program expanded to include other instruments and the arts. I gave back what was given to me at 9 in that class. These programs have continued now for over 25 years. It changed the lives of many young people too. Thank you for this beautiful film.

[lovelyskull]

I smiled, I cried and I felt great joy. This is an incredible gift to humanity. I cannot thank you enough.

[javierprieto]

Deserves an Academy Award for best Documentary

[maggieholt]

Gotta say, probably the most worthwhile short film I've ever seen (in 86 years)!

[peteboynton]

As someone who finally got the guts to start playing an instrument at age 54, my hat goes off to these people. Music heals, and gives our lives a true purpose. These folks figured that out a while ago. I wish it hadn't taken me so long.

[notthebees]

As a middle schooler in LAUSD, it was amazing to see not one, but TWO people who go to my school near the end. Awesome documentary!

[hundredsroadwerewolf]

Really lovely testament to the value of public employees and to a diverse US - if you need an antidote to the hateful rhetoric + hopelessness of our current politics, this is an uplifting one.

[mssusanmarie]

Absolutely beautiful. If we are to be a civilized country, one of the things we must ensure is the access to music for every child. Please support the arts at all levels, and wherever it is found.

[MomHon]

I had to watch this after listening to a year end arts wrap up on the NPR show 1a. The critic who chose this movie as his “must see” got choked up talking about it and blurted “I don’t know why I’m getting so emotional! I just loved this movie” and I thought I’ve got to see something that could make a critic feel like that. It didn’t disappoint. Yes, I got emotional, and I just love this movie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥰

[EricRubio]

Spouse and I just finished watching this (over on Hulu, but leaving a comment here). I am a product of a public school music program (suburban Chicago) and spent several years as a school music teacher myself. This film was so moving. THANK YOU to everyone who was part of bringing this story to life. The honors are so well-deserved.

[JusticeConstantine]

Thank you Chris Bowers and L.A. Times for producing this film. As a former music and math teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District, this documentary brought tears to my eyes.

[tubesterini]

I just watched THE LAST REPAIR SHOP and I'm now in tears and covered in goosebumps. What a powerful and important movie!
TO ALL WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE MAKING OF THIS BEAUTIFUL TREASURE ... THANK YOU! 🥰🎶🎹🎻🎵❤

[sharonkatope]

The makers of this film manage to weave together the individual life threads of each student and instrument repair person skillfully and seamlessly. To see the historic references brought to life (former Soviet Bloc countries, Stonewall and the events and times surrounding it) and the impact on each life. The economic, societal and family pressures of everyone who found their people, places and voices in the musical world. It made me want to applaud each and every one. The performance at the end was a beautifully orchestrated allegory of all the lives that were shown before. Each note/person was a story unto itself, but together it created a true work of art. Cheers to the young people who are starting their life journey. Blessings to the former children who rose above painful circumstances and continue to lift up others.

[ddomi]

I’m a music teacher in a neighboring district (different county) Ontario, CA and we see this in our music students. We are 100% title one and the connections made in this documentary is exactly why music education is so important! I am in tears. Thank you for such a wonderful story!

[jonelleringnalda]

Stunning! I'm in tears and smiles. As a retired music educator, I know the power great music has for all of us. I applaud L.A. and all of you who helped put this documentary together -- and who support music in our public schools. Thank you!