‘The Last Repair Shop,’ about LAUSD music program, wins Oscar

On Sunday evening, amidst the glamour and fanfare of the 96th Academy Awards, an unsung story from the heart of Los Angeles’ educational system captured the spotlight. “The Last Repair Shop,” a documentary that highlights the determination of a small group of individuals maintaining over 130,000 musical instruments for LAUSD students at no cost, clinched the coveted Oscar for Best Documentary (Short Form).

The film, co-directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, weaves a narrative that is a testament to the vitality of arts and music education in public schools. Previously in an interview with FOX 11, upon receiving their Oscar nomination, Proudfoot emphasized the film is “a celebration of music, and it’s a call to arms to support arts and music education in our public schools.”

Notably, the LAUSD’s instrument repair shop, operating since 1959, is one of the last remaining in the nation. With a focus on the shop’s employees, the students’ stories culminate in an orchestral performance featuring both current students and alumni. Standing tall among her peers, 12-year-old Porche Brinker took the stage alongside Proudfoot and Bowers upon the film’s triumph.

On X, formerly Twitter, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho celebrated the win: “Thank you for sharing this inspirational story with the world. We are beyond proud of our @LASchools craftspeople and students.”

In the spirit of the film, Bowers shared thoughtful words as part of the acceptance: “‘The Last Repair Shop’ is about the heroes in our schools who often go unsung, unthanked and unseen,” he said. “Tonight, you are sung, you are thanked and you are seen.”

Backstage, Proudfoot announced a campaign to continue funding the program. “So, we’re thrilled to announce a $15 million capital campaign to help shore up the repair shop. You can go to thelastrepairshop.com right now. Everybody watching – – $5, you know, $10, anything — everything helps, and I think it goes to show the power of the short documentary.”

As reported by foxla.com.