In this engaging conversation, Founding Curator of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Museum, Ellen Harrington, shares her extensive experience in the film and museum sectors, emphasizing the importance of direct experience over mediated interactions. She discusses the evolving role of museums, the power of storytelling in cinema, and the impact of technology on how stories are told and consumed. Harrington advocates for a more authentic engagement with art and culture, encouraging individuals to seek out direct experiences and to understand the context behind the stories they encounter. The dialogue also touches on the responsibilities of cultural institutions in presenting challenging content and the necessity of curating smarter rather than less.