Today, the LA Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, (the nonprofit arts organization that also produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards) unveiled the official US Fiction, Documentary, World Fiction, LA Muse and Nightfall sections. These films include a diverse slate of 40 features, 41 shorts, and 10 short episodic works representing 26 countries. 42% this year's films across the competition categories are directed by women, and 39% are directed by people of color. More special screenings and programs will be announced in the coming weeks in addition to Opening and Closing Nights and Galas. The LA Film Festival will screen the impressive array of films September 20-28, 2018.
The LAFF is a key part of the exhibition arm of the nonprofit arts organization Film Independent. What distinguishes LA from other festivals is that it was developed to showcase new American and international cinema with an emphasis on diversity, innovation and unique perspectives. In addition, the festival produces one-of-a-kind events featuring critically acclaimed filmmakers, industry professionals and award-winning talent from Los Angeles (including Hollywood) and around the world. “Our mission of finding fresh new voices from different geographical and cultural axes remains true,” said LA Film Festival Director Jennifer Cochis. “These storytellers are united by their ability to transport, impact and inspire audiences with the power of their craft.”
Which I can say from first hand experience, is very true indeed. The diversity of subjects and quality of filmmaking is absolutely beyond belief. I have yet to attend a film at this festival that wasn't intriguing, entertaining, and worth my precious time to watch. And there are classic anniversary screenings, as well as FREE public showings. Although, with the change of venue from last year's downtown location I don't see how they're going to pull that off with the same panache as the previous open air showings.
The US Fiction Competition includes 7 films featuring original voices with distinct visions from emerging and established American independent filmmakers. The Documentary Competition highlights 10 films that are compelling, character-driven non-fiction films from the US and around the world. In the World Fiction Competition, 7 unique fiction films from around the world by emerging and established filmmakers have been especially curated for LA audiences.
The LA Muse section will screen 10 fiction and documentary films that capture the spirit of Los Angeles. Those familiar with the festival know that the Nightfall category showcases everything from the bizarre to the horrifying, these 6 films are definitely meant to be watch after dark. There are 41 Short Films this year from over 3,100 submissions, with the short films selected representing 14 countries. And the final category, Episodes: Indie Series from the Web, has 10 examples of independently crafted web series, celebrating rising creators whose work and subjects are innovative and unfiltered. That's a whole lot of film!
Passes are on sale now and only Film Independent Members get early access and save up to 25% and gets you in to screenings and conversations (even after they sell out). General admission tickets to individual films go on sale to Film Independent Members beginning Tuesday, August 14 and to the general public beginning Tuesday, August 21. Contact the Festival Box Office for passes, tickets and event information by calling 866.FILM.FEST (866.345.6337) or visit lafilmfestival.com by using the image above as a link.