WHIRLYBIRD (2000) + Q&A w/ Filmmaker Matt Yoka Moderated by Tom Carroll

As part of YesterdayLA, the Philosophical Research Society’s monthlong exploration of Los Angeles history, 7th House and Hollywood Entertainment are excited to present an extra special screening of the 2020 documentary WHIRLYBIRD. Director Matt Yoka will be joining us in person to discuss the film with Tom Carroll of "Tom Explores LA"!

"A Sprawling LA Story"

Flying high above Los Angeles in a whirling news helicopter, husband-and-wife team Marika Gerrard and Zoey Tur (then known as Bob) covered some of the city’s most dramatic events and changed breaking news forever. An entirely unique view of Los Angeles presented through stunning aerial footage and remarkable home videos, WHIRLYBIRD reframes many of the city’s pivotal moments, including the L.A. riots and the O.J. Simpson pursuit.

MATT YOKA

Matt Yoka is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker. His debut film, Whirlybird, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. His music videos for artists like Ty Segall and Thee Oh Sees have been featured in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and Indiewire. He produced several TV shows for VICE including Vice on HBO, Epicly Later'd, Huang's World, and Vice Does America. He also moonlights as a lyricist, co-writing Ty Segall's 2025 album, Possession.

TOM CARROLL

Tom Carroll is a content creator for 404 by L.A. Times. Before joining The Times in 2022, he created, produced and hosted the web series “Tom Explores Los Angeles.” He has produced stories for NPR and Gimlet. His documentary, “Charlie’s Lot,” won Best Short Doc at the 2020 Arizona International Film. A fourth-generation Southern Californian, he is a graduate of Occidental College and the University of Southern California.