The Oscar-winning short film, “The Last Repair Shop,” exemplifies how something seemingly small can have a profound impact, akin to the ripple caused by a stone skipping across a pond.
Directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers and co-distributed by L.A. Times Studios and Searchlight, the charming film clinched the prize in the documentary short category at the Oscars on Sunday. It highlights the unsung heroes in our schools, often overlooked and underappreciated, yet instrumental in shaping young lives. Anyone who has ever played an instrument knows the life-changing power of music.
In an intimate exploration, “The Last Repair Shop” invites viewers into a seemingly unassuming workshop, where miracles unfold as skilled technicians revive broken instruments, serving thousands of students in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Notably, this school system stands out as one of the nation’s few to provide musical equipment to students free of charge, emphasizing the transformative influence of music education on young minds.
Proudfoot previously won an Oscar for the short film “The Queen of Basketball,” while he and Bowers were nominated in the same category for co-directing “A Concerto Is a Conversation.” On the Oscar stage, Bowers emphasized that music education isn’t just about creating incredible musicians but also about nurturing incredible human beings.
Here is what Oscar winners Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers had to share on winning the Oscar for “The Last Repair Shop,” co-distributed by L.A. Times Studios and Searchlight, currently available for streaming on Netflix.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
KRIS BOWERS:
I attended Juilliard, and my roommate shared a poignant story with me. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago, and his mom couldn’t afford therapy, so she bought him a $99 guitar. That guitar became his therapy throughout much of his childhood. Many of the kids in our films share similar experiences. They talk about how their instruments help them with depression, anxiety, and self-confidence. We truly believe that these instruments can have a profound impact on children, especially those in underserved communities. Ensuring they have access to music can potentially change their lives, and that’s incredibly important.
ON THE POSITIVE IMPACT THE SHORT FILM HAS MADE
BEN PROUDFOOT AND KRIS BOWERS:
We are delighted to announce a $15 million capital campaign aimed at supporting the repair shop. You can visit thelastrepairshop.com today. Every contribution, whether it’s $5, $10, or any amount, makes a difference. This underscores the power of the short documentary. We produced this film independently over the course of four years. Witnessing its impact on students’ lives is truly remarkable. We hope that this film leaves a lasting impression, both in Los Angeles and beyond.
ON REALIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SHORT DOC
KB: And so, for me, the moment that Ben [Proudfoot] told me about it was the moment that I felt like this was a story that needed to be told. I grew up in LA. And for me, the music rooms in my schools meant so much to me. I never thought about how [the instruments] were being repaired.
ON EVERYONE HAVING A STORY
KB: The question centered on the significance of each individual’s story and its worthiness to be shared. Our approach to discovering these narratives exemplifies this belief. When Ben initially proposed the idea of creating this film and approached the repair shop, there was some hesitancy due to past negative experiences with the media. However, Ben delivered a compelling speech, reminiscent of a ‘Jerry Maguire’ moment, rallying support. Four individuals from the repair shop volunteered to participate, and their stories became the heart of the film. Importantly, we didn’t know their stories until they sat in front of the camera. This underscores the notion that within every individual lies a compelling and impactful story waiting to be uncovered.
ON LOOKING AT THE NEXT GENERATION
BP: Another dimension of this film addresses the multitude of programs, foundations, and individuals dedicated to discovering the next musical prodigy. They strive to nurture talent and guide individuals towards becoming exceptional musicians. However, beyond seeking professional musicians, there exists an invaluable social benefit to music education for everyone. Personally, I experienced the transformative power of learning to play the piano. It taught me discipline, harmony, listening skills, collaboration, and more. This film emphasizes the importance of providing access to music education for all, regardless of background or circumstance. It underscores the idea that music is accessible to everyone, regardless of their story or origins.
“The Last Repair Shop” is now available to watch on Disney+ and Hulu as well as on the Los Angeles Times’ YouTube channel and latimes.com, as part of the L.A. Times Short Docs series.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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