The UCLA Film & Television Archive, a cultural gem that turns 60 in 2025, ushers in the new year with an enticing winter lineup of public programs. These events offer a unique opportunity for audiences to connect with the past and revel in the art of storytelling. From classic gems to international cinema and everything in between, this season has something for everyone.

Uniting Past and Present through Film and Television

Marking 60 Years: A Journey through Time

The UCLA Film & Television Archive's 60th anniversary in 2025 is a momentous occasion. It has been a custodian of cinematic history, preserving and sharing stories that have shaped our cultural landscape. This anniversary celebration is a testament to its enduring commitment to the art form.The winter lineup is a diverse tapestry of public programs. It includes rarely screened classic gems that take audiences on a journey through different eras of filmmaking. Retrospectives pay homage to influential filmmakers like Luc Moullet, while family flicks provide a delightful cinematic experience for families. International cinema expands our horizons, and TV treasures offer a glimpse into the golden age of television.

Engaging Public Programs: A Celebration of Creativity

The Archive's commitment to sharing stories is evident in the various programs it presents. The "Celebrating Ivan Dixon" series honors a prolific actor, director, and producer who fought for more professional opportunities. The world premiere restorations of his works are a testament to the Archive's dedication to preserving cinematic heritage.The "Luc Moullet: A Retrospective" is one of the season's highlights. Moullet's early recognition for his insights into pulpy masters laid the foundation for his successful career as a director. The new digital restorations of his films bring his works to life in a new light.Peter Falk's "Columbo" episodes are a beloved part of television history. The Archive's screening of these classic episodes, along with rare commercials and Falk's Emmy acceptance speech, is a treat for fans.The "Family Flicks" series continues to provide a haven for families, showcasing new and classic family-friendly films from around the world. It creates a sense of togetherness and shared experiences.

Spotlight on Ida Lupino: A Trailblazing Career

Ida Lupino's unique career is celebrated in the "Spotlight on Ida Lupino" weekend. Her contributions as an actor and director are showcased through rare screenings and in-person Q&As. The restoration world premiere of her noir television drama is a significant event that highlights her artistic vision.The "Archive Talks: No Way Out" discussion accompanies the screening of a pioneering film that explored controversial themes. The in-person Q&A with the author provides new insights and interpretations.

Documenting Michelle: Uncovering Hidden Treasures

The "Documenting Michelle" program shines a light on the remarkable career of Michelle Parkerson. Her work, often overlooked, explores the lives of Black women in the arts. Her Q&A sessions offer a rare opportunity to hear from an influential artist.The "Legacy Project Screening Series" presents works from the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project, the largest publicly accessible collection of LGBTQ+ films. The screening of various camp classics and in-person Q&As add depth to the series.

Disclosure: Trans Re-Reading of American Cinema

The "Disclosure: A Trans Re-Reading of American Cinema" series examines transgender depictions in television. In-person appearances by key figures like Tre'vell Anderson and Zackary Drucker bring a new perspective to the screen.

The Genius of Jay Ward: Rocky, Bullwinkle, and Beyond

Animation enthusiasts are treated to a mega-mix tribute to Jay Ward. The screening of beloved characters like Rocky, Bullwinkle, and Super Chicken, along with rare gems, showcases the genius of this iconic producer.

A Tribute to Bob Rosen: A Legacy Remembered

The Archive pays tribute to the late Robert "Bob" Rosen with a screening of "Kiss Me Deadly." His significant impact on the film community is remembered, and his contributions are celebrated.

Food and Film: A Culinary and Cinematic Delight

The season concludes with the "Food and Film" series, partnering with Alice Waters. The screening of "The Automat" captures the nostalgia of a famous restaurant chain and fosters a sense of community.Screenings held at the Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum are free through June 2025, thanks to an anonymous donor. This makes these cinematic experiences accessible to a wider audience.The UCLA Film & Television Archive's winter lineup is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and cultural heritage. It invites audiences to immerse themselves in the world of film and television and discover the stories that have shaped our lives.

Britain's TV industry stands at a crucial crossroads. As Lisa Nandy warns, unless it undergoes significant diversification, it risks losing viewers to streaming services. The last survey on class revealed a stark disparity, with only 8% of the industry being self-defined as working-class compared to around 45-50% of the population. And when it comes to race, the statistics are even more disheartening, with only approximately 3% of directors coming from a black background.

Preserving Britain's TV Industry through Diversity

Impact of Streaming on TV

Nandy fears that if people continue to rely on streaming services, Britain will become a fragmented society. When the shows they make don't mirror and resonate with the country, and don't directly connect with people, they'll switch off. This is evident as we see people leaving TV for streaming or online platforms. It's not just detrimental to the TV industry but to the nation as a whole, as it leads to atomization. She emphasizes that TV won't survive without addressing this issue.

For instance, consider a popular drama series that fails to represent the diverse backgrounds of the country. Viewers from different walks of life may feel excluded, leading them to seek entertainment elsewhere. This shows the importance of having a diverse range of shows that can connect with everyone.

Government's Role in Addressing Diversity

This is not the first time Nandy has warned TV industry leaders about the lack of diversity. She admits that the government's information on diversity within the industry is "very, very poor" due to the large number of freelancers. As part of her three-step plan, she hopes to bolster statistics on the industry's workforce, making it difficult for industry leaders to make excuses when the data is clear.

She also aims to expand the government's "creative careers programme," which has already been initiated under Labour. This programme, designed and led by the industry and funded by the government, raises awareness about the various jobs available. Since 2023, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has provided funding to enable insiders to work with teachers, parents, and careers advisers to help young people from non-industry backgrounds find their way in.

Diversity in the Creative Industries

Younger adults from working-class backgrounds are four times less likely to work in the creative industries compared to their middle-class peers, according to the Sutton Trust. The charity's research also highlights the extent of the problem in the UK's arts and music industries. For example, 43% of Britain's bestselling classical musicians and 35% of Bafta-nominated actors attended private schools, while only 7% of the British population does.

This emphasizes the need to go to schools and help young people not only acquire the necessary skills but also instill the belief that the industry is accessible to them. Attracting diverse young people into the industry is one thing, but ensuring their progress is another challenge.

National Story Initiative

As part of the final step in her plan, Nandy hopes her national story project will thrive. It serves as a means to bring in thoughtful individuals for a better debate on how to address long-standing problems that governments have promised to solve but haven't.

She believes that governments don't change things alone; people do, but they need government support. By promoting this initiative, she aims to create a more inclusive and diverse creative environment.

Funding for Grassroots Music Venues

Addressing concerns about funding for grassroots music venues, Nandy wants to implement statutory levies on arena and stadium tickets to raise funds. However, she first wants to see if the industry can "get its own house in order." The voluntary levies are showing promising signs of success, as she has met with musician Ed Sheeran and other industry leaders to discuss this.

The Commons culture, media and sport committee has welcomed the government's backing for a levy but has called for a clear deadline for the industry to act. If no significant progress is made, a hearing with the sector will be held in six months.

Nandy also notes that the government is considering various funding models to assist struggling freelancers in the industry, given the prevalence of unpaid internships.