'The Last Repair Shop’ is an Oscar-winning ode to craftsmanship and compassion

In mainstream modern cinema, spectacle often trumps substance. The Last Repair Shop flips this script and emerges as a beacon of hope and humanity. Directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, this Canadian-American production recently secured an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film at the 96th Oscars, a recognition that highlights the film's exceptional quality and profound impact on audiences and critics alike.

"The Last Repair Shop" delves into the heart of Los Angeles, showcasing the dedication of a small but committed group of craftsmen at a unique repair shop notable for maintaining some 80,000 musical instruments and providing them to LA public school students at no cost. The documentary shines a light on the lives and stories of these unsung heroes whose work fosters the dreams of young musicians. Among them is the Armenian-American Steve Bagmanyan, the shop's manager, whose personal journey from Baku to the United States weaves a powerful narrative of resilience and contribution to the arts. Facing ethnic persecution in Azerbaijan in the late 1980s and after losing his father to an anti-Armenian hate crime, he is forced to flee his native Azerbaijan. The tale of his former boss taking a chance on Bagmanyan as a first-time piano tuner is especially inspiring. This opportunity not only empowered Steve but also paved the way for him to deeply impact the lives of countless students.

Yet, Steve's story is just one thread in the tapestry of "The Last Repair Shop." Alongside him stand Dana Atkinson, Paty Moreno, and Duane Michaels, each a master artisan in their own right. From Dana's voyage of self-discovery to Paty's pursuit of the American dream as a single mother and immigrant and Duane's unexpected rise from buying a $20 fiddle to performing on the same stage as Elvis, their narratives intertwine to reveal the complex fabric of human experience.

What sets "The Last Repair Shop" apart is its ability to capture the essence of its subjects with sincerity and depth. The film avoids grandiose over-adornment, presenting its stories with clarity and authenticity. Its cinematography, marked by crisp visuals, brings to life the intricate work of repairing musical instruments and changing lives in the process. These sequences are visually arresting and symbolize the care and dedication that go into preserving the art of music for future generations.

The documentary's narrative is enriched by its focus on the personal stories of the craftspeople and students' lives touched by the repair shop's work. These accounts highlight the importance of access to music education and the arts, themes that resonate universally. Bagmanyan's story will resonate, especially within the Armenian community, at this critical juncture for the Armenian nation. His journey adds a layer of cultural and historical depth to the film, making it especially poignant not only for Armenian viewers but also for those interested in stories of forced migration and resilience.

Beyond its artistic merits, "The Last Repair Shop" reminds us of the significance of community service and the impact of giving back, and its success at the Academy Awards underscores the film's appeal and the relevance of its message. It speaks to the universal language of music and the shared human experience of overcoming adversity to create something beautiful and everlasting.

"The Last Repair Shop" celebrates the individuals behind the scenes who, through their skill and dedication, enable the next generation of artists to flourish. In an era where the ephemeral often overshadows the enduring, "The Last Repair Shop" is a refreshing ode to the timeless value of art, the importance of community support, and the indomitable spirit of those who transform lives in unseen ways. It is a film that entertains and enlightens, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers and serving as a source of inspiration for artists and non-artists alike.

Experience the heartfelt story of "The Last Repair Shop" for yourself by tuning in to the Los Angeles Times YouTube channel, where this moving documentary is available for free. ֎

***

The Last Repair Shop. 39 mins.
Directors: Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers
Producers: Breakwater Studios, LA Times Studios, Searchlight Pictures
Starring: Dana Atkinson, Paty Moreno, Duane Michaels, Steve Bagmanyan
Cinematography: David Feeney-Mosier
Editing: Nick Garnham Wright
Music: Katya Richardson, Kris Bowers

(Photo: Steve Bagmanyan tunes a Steinway and Sons piano at the LAUSD Music Repair Shop; Photo by: Grant Slater/KPCC)