’While we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished… the truth is that it has struggled to thrive.’
Film Independent said on Wednesday (31) that the La Film Festival will close down after 18 years and be replaced by a series of year-round events.
Programmes will include a number of new initiatives to be announced in coming months as well as several that have traditionally taken place during the festival, among them Vr and immersive storytelling showcase The Portal, produced in partnership with Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television.
Events include a two-day event centred on inclusion in the film industry,...
Film Independent said on Wednesday (31) that the La Film Festival will close down after 18 years and be replaced by a series of year-round events.
Programmes will include a number of new initiatives to be announced in coming months as well as several that have traditionally taken place during the festival, among them Vr and immersive storytelling showcase The Portal, produced in partnership with Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television.
Events include a two-day event centred on inclusion in the film industry,...
- 10/31/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Los Angeles Film Festival is no more. Film Independent announced today that this year’s edition, which ran from September 20–28, will be its last and that the organization (which also hosts the Spirit Awards) will now focus on year-round events. 2018 marked a turning point for Laff, which had traditionally taken place in the summer.
“We took a hard look at the healthy growth of Film Independent’s year-round programs and events over the past six years: the Spirit Awards, our film series curated by Elvis Mitchell, membership, labs, workshops, filmmaker grants and international programs,” Mary Sweeney, Chair of the Film Independent Board of Directors, said in a statement. “In the end, we concluded that the organization should explore a more nimble, sustainable form of exhibiting and celebrating independent film artists year round.”
“While we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished with the La Film Festival over the past eighteen years,...
“We took a hard look at the healthy growth of Film Independent’s year-round programs and events over the past six years: the Spirit Awards, our film series curated by Elvis Mitchell, membership, labs, workshops, filmmaker grants and international programs,” Mary Sweeney, Chair of the Film Independent Board of Directors, said in a statement. “In the end, we concluded that the organization should explore a more nimble, sustainable form of exhibiting and celebrating independent film artists year round.”
“While we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished with the La Film Festival over the past eighteen years,...
- 10/31/2018
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
After 18 years under Film Independent, the Los Angeles Film Festival is no more.
Film Independent announced Wednesday that it was ending the festival — which had been moved this year from June to September — and replace it with year-round events aimed at building community and broadening its support of visual storytellers. Josh Welsh, president of the nonprofit, admitted that the event had “struggled to thrive.”
“We took a hard look at the healthy growth of Film Independent’s year-round programs and events over the past six years: the Spirit Awards, our film series curated by Elvis Mitchell, membership, labs, workshops, filmmaker grants and international programs,” said Mary Sweeney, chair of the Film Independent board of directors. “In the end, we concluded that the organization should explore a more nimble, sustainable form of exhibiting and celebrating independent film artists year round.”
Film Independent assumed control of the festival in 2001 after it first...
Film Independent announced Wednesday that it was ending the festival — which had been moved this year from June to September — and replace it with year-round events aimed at building community and broadening its support of visual storytellers. Josh Welsh, president of the nonprofit, admitted that the event had “struggled to thrive.”
“We took a hard look at the healthy growth of Film Independent’s year-round programs and events over the past six years: the Spirit Awards, our film series curated by Elvis Mitchell, membership, labs, workshops, filmmaker grants and international programs,” said Mary Sweeney, chair of the Film Independent board of directors. “In the end, we concluded that the organization should explore a more nimble, sustainable form of exhibiting and celebrating independent film artists year round.”
Film Independent assumed control of the festival in 2001 after it first...
- 10/31/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The L.A. Film Festival will end after 18 years and will be replaced by “year-round events aimed at building community and broadening its support of visual storytellers,” Film Independent announced Wednesday.
“We took a hard look at the healthy growth of Film Independent’s year-round programs and events over the past six years: the Spirit Awards, our film series curated by Elvis Mitchell, membership, labs, workshops, filmmaker grants and international programs,” said Mary Sweeney, chair of the Film Independent board of directors. “In the end, we concluded that the organization should explore a more nimble, sustainable form of exhibiting and celebrating independent film artists year round.”
Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent, added, “While we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished with the La Film Festival over the past 18 years, the truth is that it has struggled to thrive, and the time has come for us to try something new.
“We took a hard look at the healthy growth of Film Independent’s year-round programs and events over the past six years: the Spirit Awards, our film series curated by Elvis Mitchell, membership, labs, workshops, filmmaker grants and international programs,” said Mary Sweeney, chair of the Film Independent board of directors. “In the end, we concluded that the organization should explore a more nimble, sustainable form of exhibiting and celebrating independent film artists year round.”
Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent, added, “While we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished with the La Film Festival over the past 18 years, the truth is that it has struggled to thrive, and the time has come for us to try something new.
- 10/31/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
After 18 years, the La Film Festival is coming to an end.
“While we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished with the La Film Festival over the past eighteen years, the truth is that it has struggled to thrive, and the time has come for us to try something new,” said Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent, which organizes the fest.
Added Welsh, “We are all deeply grateful to [festival director] Jennifer Cochis for her vision, passion, and creativity, and we’re enormously proud of the Festival that she oversaw these past two years....
“While we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished with the La Film Festival over the past eighteen years, the truth is that it has struggled to thrive, and the time has come for us to try something new,” said Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent, which organizes the fest.
Added Welsh, “We are all deeply grateful to [festival director] Jennifer Cochis for her vision, passion, and creativity, and we’re enormously proud of the Festival that she oversaw these past two years....
- 10/31/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
After 18 years, the La Film Festival is coming to an end.
“While we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished with the La Film Festival over the past eighteen years, the truth is that it has struggled to thrive, and the time has come for us to try something new,” said Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent, which organizes the fest.
Added Welsh, “We are all deeply grateful to [festival director] Jennifer Cochis for her vision, passion, and creativity, and we’re enormously proud of the Festival that she oversaw these past two years....
“While we are very proud of what we’ve accomplished with the La Film Festival over the past eighteen years, the truth is that it has struggled to thrive, and the time has come for us to try something new,” said Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent, which organizes the fest.
Added Welsh, “We are all deeply grateful to [festival director] Jennifer Cochis for her vision, passion, and creativity, and we’re enormously proud of the Festival that she oversaw these past two years....
- 10/31/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Andrew Slater set out to make a music documentary, he intended to focus on the electrification of folk music. But through interviews with the likes of David Crosby and Eric Clapton, he ended up creating a film about artists of the 1960s Laurel Canyon music scene and how they impacted one another and the greater music world.
“We found it was the exchange of inspiration between the people who were here and England that helped create the California sound and beginnings of Laurel Canyon,” Slater told Variety. “That dialogue helped change music forever because it impacted what the Beatles were doing, and it impacted what the Beach Boys were doing, and back and forth. And that became the essential theme of the film, the echo of inspiration and creation.”
The resulting documentary is “Echo in the Canyon,” which premiered at the opening of the La Film Festival at the Ford Theatres on Thursday.
“We found it was the exchange of inspiration between the people who were here and England that helped create the California sound and beginnings of Laurel Canyon,” Slater told Variety. “That dialogue helped change music forever because it impacted what the Beatles were doing, and it impacted what the Beach Boys were doing, and back and forth. And that became the essential theme of the film, the echo of inspiration and creation.”
The resulting documentary is “Echo in the Canyon,” which premiered at the opening of the La Film Festival at the Ford Theatres on Thursday.
- 9/21/2018
- by Rachel Yang
- Variety Film + TV
Last year’s annual Los Angeles Film Festival started June 14 with Colin Trevorrow’s ill-fated “The Book of Henry” as its opening-night film, and continued with a program full of emerging independent filmmakers. The result was rock-bottom attendance with minimal press coverage, save from media sponsor The Los Angeles Times.
This year marks its first in a fall slot (September 20-28), a berth between the Toronto and New York film festivals. The opening-night premiere by record exec-turned filmmaker Andrew Slater was La-centric music documentary “Echo in the Canyon;” held at the outdoor John Ford Amphitheater, a balmy Jakob Dylan and Michelle Phillips concert followed.
Is this the vibe that will let Laff finally find its identity? Produced by Film Independent and now in its 24th year, the festival was once a summer home for quality international titles, then a place for world-premiere indie titles and films from under-represented demographics, it...
This year marks its first in a fall slot (September 20-28), a berth between the Toronto and New York film festivals. The opening-night premiere by record exec-turned filmmaker Andrew Slater was La-centric music documentary “Echo in the Canyon;” held at the outdoor John Ford Amphitheater, a balmy Jakob Dylan and Michelle Phillips concert followed.
Is this the vibe that will let Laff finally find its identity? Produced by Film Independent and now in its 24th year, the festival was once a summer home for quality international titles, then a place for world-premiere indie titles and films from under-represented demographics, it...
- 9/21/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Last year’s annual Los Angeles Film Festival started June 14 with Colin Trevorrow’s ill-fated “The Book of Henry” as its opening-night film, and continued with a program full of emerging independent filmmakers. The result was rock-bottom attendance with minimal press coverage, save from media sponsor The Los Angeles Times.
This year marks its first in a fall slot (September 20-28), a berth between the Toronto and New York film festivals. The opening-night premiere by record exec-turned filmmaker Andrew Slater was La-centric music documentary “Echo in the Canyon;” held at the outdoor John Ford Amphitheater, a balmy Jakob Dylan and Michelle Phillips concert followed.
Is this the vibe that will let Laff finally find its identity? Produced by Film Independent and now in its 24th year, the festival was once a summer home for quality international titles, then a place for world-premiere indie titles and films from under-represented demographics, it...
This year marks its first in a fall slot (September 20-28), a berth between the Toronto and New York film festivals. The opening-night premiere by record exec-turned filmmaker Andrew Slater was La-centric music documentary “Echo in the Canyon;” held at the outdoor John Ford Amphitheater, a balmy Jakob Dylan and Michelle Phillips concert followed.
Is this the vibe that will let Laff finally find its identity? Produced by Film Independent and now in its 24th year, the festival was once a summer home for quality international titles, then a place for world-premiere indie titles and films from under-represented demographics, it...
- 9/21/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Coming in the shadow of the big Oscar season-opening fall festival trifecta of Venice, Telluride and Toronto, September squeezes in a new contender on the circuit as the Los Angeles Film Festival takes a big roll of the dice and moves from its longtime June date to the heart of the awards season. It kicked off last night with the sensational 1960s music documentary, Echo in the Canyon and runs through September 28, when it will close with the world premiere of David Raymond’s Nomis starring Henry Cavill, Ben Kingsley and Nathan Fillion.
Thursday night’s opener (there will be an encore showing tonight at the Annenberg in Beverly Hills), which was executive produced by its star and interviewer Jakob Dylan, focuses on the Laurel Canyon sound developed in the mid-’60s and features interviews with the likes of Brian Wilson, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Roger McGuinn, Beck,...
Thursday night’s opener (there will be an encore showing tonight at the Annenberg in Beverly Hills), which was executive produced by its star and interviewer Jakob Dylan, focuses on the Laurel Canyon sound developed in the mid-’60s and features interviews with the likes of Brian Wilson, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Roger McGuinn, Beck,...
- 9/21/2018
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Eight years ago, the La Film Festival hosted June premieres in downtown Los Angeles for a pair of decidedly high-profile movies — “Twilight Saga: Eclipse” and “Despicable Me.”
The festival’s 24th edition, which launches Thursday night, will be very different. Film Independent moved the festival from downtown two years ago to the Arclight venues. Tentpoles are long gone. And it’s moved out of summer and into awards season.
It’s not easy for large-scale, general interest film festivals to make an impact in such a sprawling city, where many people are too busy making movies to watch movies. And some filmgoers focus their attention on the dozens of local niche festivals catering to every interest from horror to French films, with Lgbt-focused Outfest claiming to draw the highest paid attendance of any Los Angeles festival.
The La Film Festival is hoping to regain its place among top local events with more than 200 features,...
The festival’s 24th edition, which launches Thursday night, will be very different. Film Independent moved the festival from downtown two years ago to the Arclight venues. Tentpoles are long gone. And it’s moved out of summer and into awards season.
It’s not easy for large-scale, general interest film festivals to make an impact in such a sprawling city, where many people are too busy making movies to watch movies. And some filmgoers focus their attention on the dozens of local niche festivals catering to every interest from horror to French films, with Lgbt-focused Outfest claiming to draw the highest paid attendance of any Los Angeles festival.
The La Film Festival is hoping to regain its place among top local events with more than 200 features,...
- 9/19/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Henry Cavill’s “Nomis” will close the L.A. Film Festival, “The True Don Quixote” will premiere in New Orleans and BAFTA La honors Cate Blanchett.
Film Festivals
The L.A. Film Festival has selected the thriller “Nomis,” starring Henry Cavill, Ben Kingsley and Alexandra Daddario, as its closing night film on Sept. 28 at the ArcLight Hollywood Cinerama Dome.
The showing will be the world premiere for “Nomis,” which follows American police trapping an online predator, only to realize the depth of his crimes goes far beyond anything they had anticipated. The film also stars Stanley Tucci, Minka Kelly and Nathan Fillion.
“As a festival that has always championed new voices, it is only fitting to be closing this year with the work of a first-time writer-director,” said Jennifer Cochis, La Film Festival director. “In ‘Nomis,’ David Raymond created a thrilling film made all...
Film Festivals
The L.A. Film Festival has selected the thriller “Nomis,” starring Henry Cavill, Ben Kingsley and Alexandra Daddario, as its closing night film on Sept. 28 at the ArcLight Hollywood Cinerama Dome.
The showing will be the world premiere for “Nomis,” which follows American police trapping an online predator, only to realize the depth of his crimes goes far beyond anything they had anticipated. The film also stars Stanley Tucci, Minka Kelly and Nathan Fillion.
“As a festival that has always championed new voices, it is only fitting to be closing this year with the work of a first-time writer-director,” said Jennifer Cochis, La Film Festival director. “In ‘Nomis,’ David Raymond created a thrilling film made all...
- 9/7/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Los Angeles Film Festival will close with the world premiere of first-time writer/director David Raymond’s psychological thriller Nomis, which will screen on Sept. 28 at the Arclight Hollywood Cinerama Dome.
The film focuses on a police trap for online predator Simon Stulls. They soon realize that the extent of his crimes go far beyond that of his own psychological trauma. Nothing quite makes sense – that is, until people involved in the case on both sides of the law start getting murdered. Nomis stars Henry Cavill, Sir Ben Kingsley, Nathan Fillion, Minka Kelly, Alexandra Daddario and Stanley Tucci.
“As a festival that has always championed new voices, it is only fitting to be closing this year with the work of a first-time writer/director,” said Jennifer Cochis, La Film Festival Director. “In Nomis, David Raymond created a thrilling film made all the more terrifying by the performances from his incredible cast.
The film focuses on a police trap for online predator Simon Stulls. They soon realize that the extent of his crimes go far beyond that of his own psychological trauma. Nothing quite makes sense – that is, until people involved in the case on both sides of the law start getting murdered. Nomis stars Henry Cavill, Sir Ben Kingsley, Nathan Fillion, Minka Kelly, Alexandra Daddario and Stanley Tucci.
“As a festival that has always championed new voices, it is only fitting to be closing this year with the work of a first-time writer/director,” said Jennifer Cochis, La Film Festival Director. “In Nomis, David Raymond created a thrilling film made all the more terrifying by the performances from his incredible cast.
- 9/6/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The La Film Festival will hold the world premiere of holiday-season comedy “The Oath,” starring Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz, on Sept. 25 at the ArcLight Hollywood.
“The Oath,” Barinholtz’s directorial debut, centers on a couple whose Thanksgiving takes a turn for the worse when two federal agents wind up being held captive in their living room. Barinholtz also wrote the script. The film also stars John Cho, Carrie Brownstein, Billy Magnussen, Meredith Hagner, Barinholtz’s brother Jon Barinholtz, Nora Dunn, and Chris Ellis.
Roadside Attractions will open “The Oath” on Oct. 12. The movie was one of four gala screenings unveiled Wednesday by the festival, which also announced it will hold the West Coast premiere of Eva Vives’ “All About Nina” on Sept. 23 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts; the Los Angeles premiere of Rupert Everett’s “The Happy Prince” on Sept. 25 at the Annenberg; and the...
“The Oath,” Barinholtz’s directorial debut, centers on a couple whose Thanksgiving takes a turn for the worse when two federal agents wind up being held captive in their living room. Barinholtz also wrote the script. The film also stars John Cho, Carrie Brownstein, Billy Magnussen, Meredith Hagner, Barinholtz’s brother Jon Barinholtz, Nora Dunn, and Chris Ellis.
Roadside Attractions will open “The Oath” on Oct. 12. The movie was one of four gala screenings unveiled Wednesday by the festival, which also announced it will hold the West Coast premiere of Eva Vives’ “All About Nina” on Sept. 23 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts; the Los Angeles premiere of Rupert Everett’s “The Happy Prince” on Sept. 25 at the Annenberg; and the...
- 8/22/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
“Echo in the Canyon,” a documentary on the Laurel Canyon music scene, is set to open the La Film Festival on September 20. Andrew Slater’s film about artists including the Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield and the Mamas & the Papas will screen at the Ford Theater.
“I’m so proud to be opening the festival with a love song to Los Angeles via Andrew Slater’s Echo in the Canyon,” said Jennifer Cochis, festival director. “We are committed to showcasing documentaries, and premiering this work at the Ford Theatres to be followed by a live musical performance is going to be a once in a lifetime experience.”
The festival will feature premieres of films including “Kate Nash: Underestimate the Girl,” “Good Girls Get High,” “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” and Roger Michell’s “Tea With the Dames,” featuring Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith.
“I’m so proud to be opening the festival with a love song to Los Angeles via Andrew Slater’s Echo in the Canyon,” said Jennifer Cochis, festival director. “We are committed to showcasing documentaries, and premiering this work at the Ford Theatres to be followed by a live musical performance is going to be a once in a lifetime experience.”
The festival will feature premieres of films including “Kate Nash: Underestimate the Girl,” “Good Girls Get High,” “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” and Roger Michell’s “Tea With the Dames,” featuring Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith.
- 8/16/2018
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Film Independent’s Los Angeles event boasts 42% female-directed entries.
Film Independent’s La Film Festival has unveiled the line-ups for five of its sections, with Gregory Dixon’s Olympia, Alex Moratto’s Socrates and Linda Midgett’s Same God among the world premieres.
The festival, which runs from September 20 to 28 this year in Los Angeles, announced 40 features, 41 shorts and 10 episodic shorts from a total of 26 countries.
In competition categories, 42% of the festival titles are directed by women and 39% by people of colour, said Film Independent, the non-profit that also produces the Spirit Awards.
Scroll down for full line-up
Jennifer Cochis,...
Film Independent’s La Film Festival has unveiled the line-ups for five of its sections, with Gregory Dixon’s Olympia, Alex Moratto’s Socrates and Linda Midgett’s Same God among the world premieres.
The festival, which runs from September 20 to 28 this year in Los Angeles, announced 40 features, 41 shorts and 10 episodic shorts from a total of 26 countries.
In competition categories, 42% of the festival titles are directed by women and 39% by people of colour, said Film Independent, the non-profit that also produces the Spirit Awards.
Scroll down for full line-up
Jennifer Cochis,...
- 8/1/2018
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Film Independent’s La Film Festival has just announced the official lineup of films in competition for its anticipated 2018 iteration. This year’s fest, running Sept. 20–28 all over Los Angeles, features a heftier slate of programming, including plenty of opportunities for working filmmakers to connect with those in their field. The official U.S. Fiction, Documentary, World Fiction, La Muse and Nightfall selections were revealed, offering festival attendees 24 world premieres and a wide array of stories. This year’s U.S. Fiction category, which recognizes efforts from both new and established American filmmakers, features nearly all world premieres: Benjamin Francis Kasulke’s “Banana Split,” Ann Lupo’s “In Reality,” Gregory Dixon’s “Olympia,” Sara Zandieh’s “Simple Wedding,” Jordan Blady’s “Softness of Bodies,” Mark Jackson’s “This Teacher,” and Rob Schulbaum’s “The Wrong Todd.” “Our mission of finding fresh new voices from different geographical and cultural axes remains true,...
- 7/31/2018
- backstage.com
The La Film Festival has placed a heavy emphasis on diversity in its competition film slate, with 42% of the films directed by women and 39% helmed by people of color.
The 24th edition of the festival is also positioning itself as an event for unveiling lesser-known talent. It will take place Sept. 20-28 as it moves from its traditional June slot to the fall awards season.
The Los Angeles event follow the Venice International Film Festival, which begins in late August; the Telluride Film Festival, which runs over Labor Day; and the Toronto Intl. Film Festival, which starts on Sept. 6. The festival will end just as the New York Film Festival begins.
“Our mission of finding fresh new voices from different geographical and cultural axes remains true,” said L Film Festival director Jennifer Cochis. “These storytellers are united by their ability to transport, impact and inspire audiences with the power of their craft.
The 24th edition of the festival is also positioning itself as an event for unveiling lesser-known talent. It will take place Sept. 20-28 as it moves from its traditional June slot to the fall awards season.
The Los Angeles event follow the Venice International Film Festival, which begins in late August; the Telluride Film Festival, which runs over Labor Day; and the Toronto Intl. Film Festival, which starts on Sept. 6. The festival will end just as the New York Film Festival begins.
“Our mission of finding fresh new voices from different geographical and cultural axes remains true,” said L Film Festival director Jennifer Cochis. “These storytellers are united by their ability to transport, impact and inspire audiences with the power of their craft.
- 7/31/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Forty feature films including 24 world premieres highlight the official La Film Festival competition lineup in the fest’s move into the crowded fall festival corridor, away from their previous early-summer perch.
Among the movies in competition is the highly regarded Swedish film Border (Grans) from director Ali Abbasi, a Neon pickup out of Cannes that took the top prize in that festival’s No. 2 competition, Un Certain Regard. It is listed as a “California Premiere,” which means it likely will show up first in Telluride, Toronto or both before Laff, which runs September 20-28. It will play in the World Fiction Competition across a field of categories that also include U.S. Fiction, Documentary, La Muse, Nightfall. Short Films, and Episodes: Indie Series from the web.
“Our mission of finding fresh new voices from different geographical and cultural axes remains true,” Laff Director Jennifer Cochis said. “These storytellers are united by their ability to transport,...
Among the movies in competition is the highly regarded Swedish film Border (Grans) from director Ali Abbasi, a Neon pickup out of Cannes that took the top prize in that festival’s No. 2 competition, Un Certain Regard. It is listed as a “California Premiere,” which means it likely will show up first in Telluride, Toronto or both before Laff, which runs September 20-28. It will play in the World Fiction Competition across a field of categories that also include U.S. Fiction, Documentary, La Muse, Nightfall. Short Films, and Episodes: Indie Series from the web.
“Our mission of finding fresh new voices from different geographical and cultural axes remains true,” Laff Director Jennifer Cochis said. “These storytellers are united by their ability to transport,...
- 7/31/2018
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
For its 24th edition, Film Independent’s newly configured Los Angeles Film Festival has revealed its first fall lineup (September 20 – 28), the second under the leadership of Festival Director Jennifer Cochis. The date moves Laff into awards season and direct competition with AFI Fest (November 8 – 15), the last of the fall festivals. This year’s Laff program includes 40 feature films, 41 short films, and 10 short episodic works representing 26 countries. Across the competition categories 42 percent of the films are directed by women and 39 percent are directed by people of color.
The festival remains committed to a diverse lineup of feature films, shorts and episodic series for its U.S. Fiction (“original voices with distinct visions from emerging and established American independent filmmakers”), Documentary (“character-driven non-fiction films from the U.S. and around the world”), World Fiction (“unique fiction films from around the world by emerging and established filmmakers”), La Muse (“fiction and documentary films...
The festival remains committed to a diverse lineup of feature films, shorts and episodic series for its U.S. Fiction (“original voices with distinct visions from emerging and established American independent filmmakers”), Documentary (“character-driven non-fiction films from the U.S. and around the world”), World Fiction (“unique fiction films from around the world by emerging and established filmmakers”), La Muse (“fiction and documentary films...
- 7/31/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
For its 24th edition, Film Independent’s newly configured Los Angeles Film Festival has revealed its first fall lineup (September 20 – 28), the second under the leadership of Festival Director Jennifer Cochis. The date moves Laff into awards season and direct competition with AFI Fest (November 8 – 15), the last of the fall festivals. This year’s Laff program includes 40 feature films, 41 short films, and 10 short episodic works representing 26 countries. Across the competition categories 42 percent of the films are directed by women and 39 percent are directed by people of color.
The festival remains committed to a diverse lineup of feature films, shorts and episodic series for its U.S. Fiction (“original voices with distinct visions from emerging and established American independent filmmakers”), Documentary (“character-driven non-fiction films from the U.S. and around the world”), World Fiction (“unique fiction films from around the world by emerging and established filmmakers”), La Muse (“fiction and documentary films...
The festival remains committed to a diverse lineup of feature films, shorts and episodic series for its U.S. Fiction (“original voices with distinct visions from emerging and established American independent filmmakers”), Documentary (“character-driven non-fiction films from the U.S. and around the world”), World Fiction (“unique fiction films from around the world by emerging and established filmmakers”), La Muse (“fiction and documentary films...
- 7/31/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
In any previous year, the annual La Film Festival would have been over a month ago, but now in what is certainly, at least partially, a bid to be taken more seriously as a real player on the fest circuit — in the very backyard where Oscar hopefuls get birthed — the Film Independent-produced fest is looking to be a much bigger part of the conversation than its past placement in June ever allowed. Scheduled now to run September 20-28, the new date puts it in the forefront of the season, if still in the rearview mirror of Venice, Telluride and Toronto, but closing on the opening day of the 56th New York Film Festival. The BFI London Film Festival is right on Nyff’s heels, opening October 10 with the announced international premiere of Steve McQueen’s Widows.
Although all these fests boast a diversified slate and not just awards contenders, they...
Although all these fests boast a diversified slate and not just awards contenders, they...
- 7/17/2018
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Event occupies new awards season slot of September 20-28.
Former AFI Fest director Jacqueline Lyanga has been named La Film Festival guest director of Vr and immersive storytelling as festival brass unveiled elements of the roster as the event moves into its new September slot.
The 24th edition comprises a strong inclusion component, with plans for We The People, an inclusion-focused summit, a partnership with the International Documentary Association’s Getting Real ’18 conference, and a benefit dinner celebrating 25 years of Project Involve.
The La Film Festival runs this year in the awards season corridor of September 20-28. In previous years it occupied June slot,...
Former AFI Fest director Jacqueline Lyanga has been named La Film Festival guest director of Vr and immersive storytelling as festival brass unveiled elements of the roster as the event moves into its new September slot.
The 24th edition comprises a strong inclusion component, with plans for We The People, an inclusion-focused summit, a partnership with the International Documentary Association’s Getting Real ’18 conference, and a benefit dinner celebrating 25 years of Project Involve.
The La Film Festival runs this year in the awards season corridor of September 20-28. In previous years it occupied June slot,...
- 7/17/2018
- by Jenn Sherman
- ScreenDaily
Preparing for the newly configured Los Angeles Film Festival September 20-28, the Laff scooped up recently departed AFI Fest director Jacqueline Lyanga as guest director for Vr and Immersive Storytelling. This is the festival’s first foray into that emerging arena, which is part of a new partnership with Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television.
This will be the 24th installment of the Laff. This fall, its second under the leadership of Festival Director Jennifer Cochis and the first in its new time slot. The date moves Laff into direct competition with AFI Fest (November 8-15), the last of the fall festivals.
Other Laff projects include partnering with the International Documentary Association’s biannual conference, Getting Real ’18; expanding its inclusion summit We the People at the Writers Guild this September, and is mounting a benefit dinner celebrating 25 years of Project Involve, honoring alumni Effie T. Brown, Jon M. Chu,...
This will be the 24th installment of the Laff. This fall, its second under the leadership of Festival Director Jennifer Cochis and the first in its new time slot. The date moves Laff into direct competition with AFI Fest (November 8-15), the last of the fall festivals.
Other Laff projects include partnering with the International Documentary Association’s biannual conference, Getting Real ’18; expanding its inclusion summit We the People at the Writers Guild this September, and is mounting a benefit dinner celebrating 25 years of Project Involve, honoring alumni Effie T. Brown, Jon M. Chu,...
- 7/17/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Preparing for the newly configured Los Angeles Film Festival September 20-28, the Laff scooped up recently departed AFI Fest director Jacqueline Lyanga as guest director for Vr and Immersive Storytelling. This is the festival’s first foray into that emerging arena, which is part of a new partnership with Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television.
This will be the 24th installment of the Laff. This fall, its second under the leadership of Festival Director Jennifer Cochis and the first in its new time slot. The date moves Laff into direct competition with AFI Fest (November 8-15), the last of the fall festivals.
Other Laff projects include partnering with the International Documentary Association’s biannual conference, Getting Real ’18; expanding its inclusion summit We the People at the Writers Guild this September, and is mounting a benefit dinner celebrating 25 years of Project Involve, honoring alumni Effie T. Brown, Jon M. Chu,...
This will be the 24th installment of the Laff. This fall, its second under the leadership of Festival Director Jennifer Cochis and the first in its new time slot. The date moves Laff into direct competition with AFI Fest (November 8-15), the last of the fall festivals.
Other Laff projects include partnering with the International Documentary Association’s biannual conference, Getting Real ’18; expanding its inclusion summit We the People at the Writers Guild this September, and is mounting a benefit dinner celebrating 25 years of Project Involve, honoring alumni Effie T. Brown, Jon M. Chu,...
- 7/17/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
The La Film Festival, under the leadership of festival director Jennifer Cochis, is adding new diversity initiatives to its programming slate in its new fall slot from September 20-28.
The festival will launch an immersive storytelling program curated by Jacqueline Lyanga, guest director, Vr and immersive storytelling, in partnership with Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television. The section is set to showcase daring new work in a variety of new media platforms including Vr, AI, and Ar. The two-day experience will be free to the public and take place September 22-23 at the new Lmu Playa Vista Campus.
Of Jacqueline Lyanga, Cochis said: “She is a talented and distinguished tastemaker in our global festival community. The pieces and experiences she will curate are not just of the moment; these are the storytellers of the future.”
The fest is also debuting “We the People,” a two-day summit committed...
The festival will launch an immersive storytelling program curated by Jacqueline Lyanga, guest director, Vr and immersive storytelling, in partnership with Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television. The section is set to showcase daring new work in a variety of new media platforms including Vr, AI, and Ar. The two-day experience will be free to the public and take place September 22-23 at the new Lmu Playa Vista Campus.
Of Jacqueline Lyanga, Cochis said: “She is a talented and distinguished tastemaker in our global festival community. The pieces and experiences she will curate are not just of the moment; these are the storytellers of the future.”
The fest is also debuting “We the People,” a two-day summit committed...
- 7/17/2018
- by Tara Bitran
- Variety Film + TV
Jacqueline Lyanga, the former director of AFI Fest, will serve as guest director of a new Vr and immersive storytelling program at the rival La Film Festival. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television, she will curate a two-day showcase of new media platforms, including Vr, AI and Ar, that will be free to the public and take place Sept. 22-23 at the new Lmu Playa Vista campus.
Laff, headed by director Jennifer Cochis and presented by Film Independent, is moving to a new fall berth this year, Sept. 20-28. In addition to the immersive ...
Laff, headed by director Jennifer Cochis and presented by Film Independent, is moving to a new fall berth this year, Sept. 20-28. In addition to the immersive ...
- 7/17/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Jacqueline Lyanga, the former director of AFI Fest, will serve as guest director of a new Vr and immersive storytelling program at the rival La Film Festival. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television, she will curate a two-day showcase of new media platforms, including Vr, AI and Ar, that will be free to the public and take place Sept. 22-23 at the new Lmu Playa Vista campus.
Laff, headed by director Jennifer Cochis and presented by Film Independent, is moving to a new fall berth this year, Sept. 20-28. In addition to the immersive ...
Laff, headed by director Jennifer Cochis and presented by Film Independent, is moving to a new fall berth this year, Sept. 20-28. In addition to the immersive ...
- 7/17/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film Independent has finally succumbed to the challenges of mounting a world-class film festival in the summer. After 23 years, the festival is moving from June to September. The next installment, in continued partnership with L.A.’s Arclight Cinemas, will be held September 20-28, 2018.
Clearly, the festival calendar was unforgiving, leaving Laff an also-ran following Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca and Cannes, among other festivals on the international circuit. By June, filmmakers were waiting for the higher-profile fall festivals and the siren call of award season. The new late September dates fall right between two competitive fall festivals, Toronto and New York, which if held at the same time next year would overlap. Will there be enough left over for La? Certainly, many Academy members live in Hollywood, but the L.A. awards festival berth has become AFI Fest, which has benefited from late-breaking awards contenders like “American Sniper” and “Selma.”
Amazon...
Clearly, the festival calendar was unforgiving, leaving Laff an also-ran following Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca and Cannes, among other festivals on the international circuit. By June, filmmakers were waiting for the higher-profile fall festivals and the siren call of award season. The new late September dates fall right between two competitive fall festivals, Toronto and New York, which if held at the same time next year would overlap. Will there be enough left over for La? Certainly, many Academy members live in Hollywood, but the L.A. awards festival berth has become AFI Fest, which has benefited from late-breaking awards contenders like “American Sniper” and “Selma.”
Amazon...
- 10/18/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Film Independent has finally succumbed to the challenges of mounting a world-class film festival in the summer. After 23 years, the festival is moving from June to September. The next installment, in continued partnership with L.A.’s Arclight Cinemas, will be held September 20-28, 2018.
Clearly, the festival calendar was unforgiving, leaving Laff an also-ran following Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca and Cannes, among other festivals on the international circuit. By June, filmmakers were waiting for the higher-profile fall festivals and the siren call of award season. The new late September dates fall right between two competitive fall festivals, Toronto and New York, which if held at the same time next year would overlap. Will there be enough left over for La? Certainly, many Academy members live in Hollywood, but the L.A. awards festival berth has become AFI Fest, which has benefited from late-breaking awards contenders like “American Sniper” and “Selma.”
Amazon...
Clearly, the festival calendar was unforgiving, leaving Laff an also-ran following Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca and Cannes, among other festivals on the international circuit. By June, filmmakers were waiting for the higher-profile fall festivals and the siren call of award season. The new late September dates fall right between two competitive fall festivals, Toronto and New York, which if held at the same time next year would overlap. Will there be enough left over for La? Certainly, many Academy members live in Hollywood, but the L.A. awards festival berth has become AFI Fest, which has benefited from late-breaking awards contenders like “American Sniper” and “Selma.”
Amazon...
- 10/18/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Directors Patty Jenkins, Greta Gerwig and Ava DuVernay will be featured speakers at the Women in Entertainment Third Annual Summit, the organization announced Monday. SAG-aftra president Gabrielle Carteris will also speak at the event, as well as Margie Cohn, head of television at DreamWorks Animation, Marta Fernandez, Svp of original programming at Starz, Ellen McGirt, senior editor at Fortune Magazine, and film producer Jennifer Cochis. The third annual summit will be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 2 of this year. Throughout the day, powerful keynotes, panel discussions and chats will be held, designed to address issues that affect women in.
- 10/9/2017
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
The 2017 L.A. Film Festival closed with the Los Angeles premiere of Matt Spicer’s Aubrey Plaza– and Elizabeth Olsen–starring “Ingrid Goes West” after its award ceremony, which took place earlier in the day on June 22. The festival, which kicked off June 14, featured 37 world premieres, two international premieres and nine North American premieres. It boasted impressive stats related to diversity, with 42 percent of the films directed by women and 40 percent by people of color. Festival highlights included the world premiere of Colin Trevorrow’s “The Book of Henry,” plus Sofia Coppola’s “The Beguiled,” Ric Roman Waugh’s “Shot Caller,” Dave McCary’s “Brigsby Bear,” and the prestigious award ceremony. Of this year’s festivities, director Jennifer Cochis said in a statement, “This year the L.A. Film Festival stretched all across our city, from downtown to the beach. We’re so grateful to the film lovers who packed our theaters in support of our storytellers.” L.A. Now Casting: ‘Million Pieces' Music Video + More Gigs The jury bestowed a wide variety of awards on a multitude of films. The U.S.
- 6/23/2017
- backstage.com
Five competition sections drew 42% female, 40% non-white directors.
Becks (pictured) directed by Elizabeth Rohrbaugh and Daniel Powell won the U.S. Fiction Award. Lena Hall and Mena Suvari star in the drama about a singer-songwriter who moves in with her ultra-Catholic mother after a break-up and strikes up an unexpected friendship with the wife of an old nemesis.
Mexico’s The Night Guard (El Vigilante) by Diego Ros earned the World Fiction Award and tells of a security guard who becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding a crime at the construction site he is paid to patrol. Leonardo Alonso, Ari Gallegos,...
Becks (pictured) directed by Elizabeth Rohrbaugh and Daniel Powell won the U.S. Fiction Award. Lena Hall and Mena Suvari star in the drama about a singer-songwriter who moves in with her ultra-Catholic mother after a break-up and strikes up an unexpected friendship with the wife of an old nemesis.
Mexico’s The Night Guard (El Vigilante) by Diego Ros earned the World Fiction Award and tells of a security guard who becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding a crime at the construction site he is paid to patrol. Leonardo Alonso, Ari Gallegos,...
- 6/22/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Becks, the musical drama directed by Elizabeth Rohrbaugh and Daniel Powell starring Lena Hall, won the La Film Festival’s U.S. Fiction Award today, while Karen Moncrieff’s The Keeping Hours took the Audience Award for a fiction feature. Those winners were among the awards announced today at the festival’s Awards Reception by Festival Director Jennifer Cochis and Film Independent President Josh Welsh (see the complete list below). Festival Guest Director Miguel Arteta (Beat…...
- 6/22/2017
- Deadline
At this year’s Los Angeles Film Festival, which kicked off June 14 with the debut of Colin Trevorrow’s The Book of Henry and continues through Thursday, 42 percent of the films have been directed by women and 40 percent have been directed by people of color.
“The festival is part of Film Independent, so it is specific in what it does in terms of amplifying underrepresented voices,” says Jennifer Cochis, who has been with the fest for three years, having served as creative director before being promoted in October to festival director. “Our having that many women and...
“The festival is part of Film Independent, so it is specific in what it does in terms of amplifying underrepresented voices,” says Jennifer Cochis, who has been with the fest for three years, having served as creative director before being promoted in October to festival director. “Our having that many women and...
- 6/17/2017
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Los Angeles Film Festival starts June 14 with Colin Trevorrow’s “The Book of Henry” as its opening-night film, but in its 23rd year the festival still hasn’t found its proper place on the film calendar.
Produced by Film Independent, Laff has always been something of a feathered fish. Some of this stems from its summer timeframe: It arrives at mid-year, more than two months before new awards contenders reveal themselves at Telluride and long after acquisitions festivals like Toronto and Sundance have done their work (with support from SXSW and Tribeca that follow) .
Laff has tried to make lemons into organic lemonade: Under the direction of recently departed Stephanie Allain, the Laff moved away from the quality international fare favored by former programmer David Ansen to embrace its indie roots and chase world premieres from under-represented demographics.
It’s a worthy-minded strategy, but the result was a lineup...
Produced by Film Independent, Laff has always been something of a feathered fish. Some of this stems from its summer timeframe: It arrives at mid-year, more than two months before new awards contenders reveal themselves at Telluride and long after acquisitions festivals like Toronto and Sundance have done their work (with support from SXSW and Tribeca that follow) .
Laff has tried to make lemons into organic lemonade: Under the direction of recently departed Stephanie Allain, the Laff moved away from the quality international fare favored by former programmer David Ansen to embrace its indie roots and chase world premieres from under-represented demographics.
It’s a worthy-minded strategy, but the result was a lineup...
- 6/14/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Los Angeles Film Festival starts June 14 with Colin Trevorrow’s “The Book of Henry” as its opening-night film, but in its 23rd year the festival still hasn’t found its proper place on the film calendar.
Produced by Film Independent, Laff has always been something of a feathered fish. Some of this stems from its summer timeframe: It arrives at mid-year, more than two months before new awards contenders reveal themselves at Telluride and long after acquisitions festivals like Toronto and Sundance have done their work (with support from SXSW and Tribeca that follow) .
Laff has tried to make lemons into organic lemonade: Under the direction of recently departed Stephanie Allain, the Laff moved away from the quality international fare favored by former programmer David Ansen to embrace its indie roots and chase world premieres from under-represented demographics.
It’s a worthy-minded strategy, but the result was a lineup...
Produced by Film Independent, Laff has always been something of a feathered fish. Some of this stems from its summer timeframe: It arrives at mid-year, more than two months before new awards contenders reveal themselves at Telluride and long after acquisitions festivals like Toronto and Sundance have done their work (with support from SXSW and Tribeca that follow) .
Laff has tried to make lemons into organic lemonade: Under the direction of recently departed Stephanie Allain, the Laff moved away from the quality international fare favored by former programmer David Ansen to embrace its indie roots and chase world premieres from under-represented demographics.
It’s a worthy-minded strategy, but the result was a lineup...
- 6/14/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Premiere and Buzz Categories are also revealed for the festival that runs June 14-22.
The La Film Festival has announced that the closing night film will be Matt Spicer’s Ingrid Goes West.
Neon acquired the film following its world premiere in Sundance. It stars Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Wyatt Russell, Billy Magnussen and Pom Klementieff and joins the previously announced opening night film The Book Of Henry.
The Buzz showcase will feature the La premieres of eight films including The Big Sick from Michael Showalter, My Friend Dahmer from Marc Meyers and Keep the Change from Rachel Israel.
The Premieres category features 10 world premieres including Sam Hoffman’s Humor Me, The Song of Sway Lake from Ari Gold and Jay Bulger’s CounterPunch.
The festival will also feature a world premiere gala screening of Ric Roman Waugh’s Shot Caller starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Omari Hardwick, Lake Bell, [link...
The La Film Festival has announced that the closing night film will be Matt Spicer’s Ingrid Goes West.
Neon acquired the film following its world premiere in Sundance. It stars Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Wyatt Russell, Billy Magnussen and Pom Klementieff and joins the previously announced opening night film The Book Of Henry.
The Buzz showcase will feature the La premieres of eight films including The Big Sick from Michael Showalter, My Friend Dahmer from Marc Meyers and Keep the Change from Rachel Israel.
The Premieres category features 10 world premieres including Sam Hoffman’s Humor Me, The Song of Sway Lake from Ari Gold and Jay Bulger’s CounterPunch.
The festival will also feature a world premiere gala screening of Ric Roman Waugh’s Shot Caller starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Omari Hardwick, Lake Bell, [link...
- 5/16/2017
- ScreenDaily
Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival, slated to take place June 14–22, has announced its much-anticipated competition lineup. Joining the previously announced opening night film, Colin Trevorrow’s “The Book of Henry,” will be 48 feature films, 51 short films, 15 high school short films, and 10 short episodic works representing 32 countries. You can check out the list here. L.A. Now Casting: Leading Role in a Music Video + More SoCal Jobs The La Film Festival is an important qualifying festival for Film Independent’s Spirit Awards in the fall, and hands out awards in U.S. fiction, world fiction, and more categories. Speaking on this year’s selections, festival director Jennifer Cochis said, “Our competitions reflect who Film Independent is as an organization. Within each section you’ll find discovery, diversity, and promising talent both in front of and behind the camera.” The festival boasts an impressive 37 world premieres, two international premieres, and...
- 5/10/2017
- backstage.com
This year’s Los Angeles Film Festival, better known as Laff if you’re fun, has unveiled its full slate of 2017 offerings, including new offerings from Vincent Grashaw, Leena Pendharkar, Hong Sangsoo, Lea Thompson and many more. The slate includes 48 feature films, 51 short films, 15 high school short films and 10 short episodic works representing 32 countries. The festival’s five competitions feature 37 World Premieres, 2 International Premieres and 9 North American Premieres. Across the competition categories, 42% of the films are directed by women and 40% are directed by people of color.
“Our competitions reflect who Film Independent is as an organization,” said La Film Festival Director Jennifer Cochis. “Within each section you’ll find discovery, diversity, and promising talent both in front of and behind the camera.” Programming Director Roya Rastegar added, “The films curated for the 2017 competition reflect the changing political climate’s impact on emerging independent filmmakers, who are compelled to tell stories about the power of conviction,...
“Our competitions reflect who Film Independent is as an organization,” said La Film Festival Director Jennifer Cochis. “Within each section you’ll find discovery, diversity, and promising talent both in front of and behind the camera.” Programming Director Roya Rastegar added, “The films curated for the 2017 competition reflect the changing political climate’s impact on emerging independent filmmakers, who are compelled to tell stories about the power of conviction,...
- 5/9/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Slate includes 48 films. The Book Of Henry to open festival as previously announced.
The 2017 La Film Festival has unveiled the official Us Fiction, Documentary, World Fiction, La Muse and Nightfall sections.
The festival’s slate consists of 48 feature films, 51 short films, 15 high school shorts and 10 short episodic works representing 32 countries. The festival is set to run from June 14-22 in Los Angeles.
Leena Pendharkar’s 20 Weeks (Us), Paul Briganti’s Village People (Us), and Camille Thoman’s Never Here (Us) are among the Us Fiction Competition entries, with each having their world premiere.
The World Competition includes the world premieres of Vashti Anderson’s Moko Jumbie (pictured, Trinidad & Tobago) by Vashti Anderson and Catching Feelings (South Africa) from director Kagiso Lediga, while Arshad Khan’s Abu (Canada) plays in the Documentary Competition.
Mark Hayes’ Skid Row Marathon (Us) and Brandon Buczek’s Your Own Road (Us) will play in the La Muse section, while [link=nm...
The 2017 La Film Festival has unveiled the official Us Fiction, Documentary, World Fiction, La Muse and Nightfall sections.
The festival’s slate consists of 48 feature films, 51 short films, 15 high school shorts and 10 short episodic works representing 32 countries. The festival is set to run from June 14-22 in Los Angeles.
Leena Pendharkar’s 20 Weeks (Us), Paul Briganti’s Village People (Us), and Camille Thoman’s Never Here (Us) are among the Us Fiction Competition entries, with each having their world premiere.
The World Competition includes the world premieres of Vashti Anderson’s Moko Jumbie (pictured, Trinidad & Tobago) by Vashti Anderson and Catching Feelings (South Africa) from director Kagiso Lediga, while Arshad Khan’s Abu (Canada) plays in the Documentary Competition.
Mark Hayes’ Skid Row Marathon (Us) and Brandon Buczek’s Your Own Road (Us) will play in the La Muse section, while [link=nm...
- 5/9/2017
- ScreenDaily
The days are getting longer and the nights are getting warmer, which means that we're edging ever closer to this year's La Film Festival. Taking place June 14th–22nd, the La Film Festival's 2017 competition lineup has been unveiled, and of particular interest for genre fans is the Nightfall section, which includes Colin Minihan's It Stains the Sands Red, Julius Ramsay's Midnighters, and Amanda Evans' Serpent.
Press Release: Los Angeles (May 9, 2017)— Today the La Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that also produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, unveiled the official U.S. Fiction, Documentary, World Fiction, La Muse and Nightfall sections. The 2017 La Film Festival will screen a diverse slate of feature films, shorts and episodic series, along with programs such as Coffee Talks and Future Filmmakers Showcase. The La Film Festival takes place June 14 – June 22, 2017 headquartered at ArcLight Cinemas Culver City, with additional screenings at ArcLight Hollywood,...
Press Release: Los Angeles (May 9, 2017)— Today the La Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that also produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, unveiled the official U.S. Fiction, Documentary, World Fiction, La Muse and Nightfall sections. The 2017 La Film Festival will screen a diverse slate of feature films, shorts and episodic series, along with programs such as Coffee Talks and Future Filmmakers Showcase. The La Film Festival takes place June 14 – June 22, 2017 headquartered at ArcLight Cinemas Culver City, with additional screenings at ArcLight Hollywood,...
- 5/9/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Focus Features to release drama on June 16.
The La Film Festival will open with the world premiere of Colin Trevorrow’s The Book Of Henry starring Naomi Watts, Jaeden Lieberher, and Jacob Tremblay.
Sarah Silverman, Lee Pace, Maddie Ziegler and Dean Norris round out the key cast on the Focus Features drama from Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and Double Nickel Entertainment.
The Book Of Henry centres on a single mother of a genius boy who plans to help a classmate with a dangerous secret. Gregg Hurwitz wrote the screenplay. Focus Features will release theatrically on June 16.
“We are so happy to be opening the Festival with The Book of Henry – it’s a touching story about friendship, community and redefining family,” festival director Jennifer Cochis said. “
“The Book of Henry embodies our mission via onscreen representation in highlighting a woman’s journey with a powerful turn by Naomi Watts.”
The festival will also feature the gala screening of Cannes...
The La Film Festival will open with the world premiere of Colin Trevorrow’s The Book Of Henry starring Naomi Watts, Jaeden Lieberher, and Jacob Tremblay.
Sarah Silverman, Lee Pace, Maddie Ziegler and Dean Norris round out the key cast on the Focus Features drama from Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and Double Nickel Entertainment.
The Book Of Henry centres on a single mother of a genius boy who plans to help a classmate with a dangerous secret. Gregg Hurwitz wrote the screenplay. Focus Features will release theatrically on June 16.
“We are so happy to be opening the Festival with The Book of Henry – it’s a touching story about friendship, community and redefining family,” festival director Jennifer Cochis said. “
“The Book of Henry embodies our mission via onscreen representation in highlighting a woman’s journey with a powerful turn by Naomi Watts.”
The festival will also feature the gala screening of Cannes...
- 5/2/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Spirit Awards, announced today that Festival Director Stephanie Allain will be exiting the position and will be replaced by Jennifer Cochis, who previously served as… Continue Reading →...
- 10/14/2016
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
Film Independent announced the promotion on Friday.
Cochis replaces outgoing Los Angeles Film Festival director Stephanie Allain, who is moving on to focus on producing.
Cochis herself is a producer who has worked with Drake Doremus and James Ponsoldt and she also served as the festival’s creative director.
“Jennifer Cochis is a brilliant new force on the festival scene and I am extremely happy to have her step into this new role,” said Film Independent president Josh Welsh. “She brings so much experience, intelligence and passion to everything she does.
“She’s worked closely with the mighty Stephanie Allain on the festival for the past two years, first as senior programmer and then as creative director, turning the festival into a powerful platform for discovering new and diverse talent.”
“Jennifer is a secret weapon and I expect exciting things for the La Film Festival from her,” said Film Independent board chair Mary Sweeney.
“It has been...
Cochis replaces outgoing Los Angeles Film Festival director Stephanie Allain, who is moving on to focus on producing.
Cochis herself is a producer who has worked with Drake Doremus and James Ponsoldt and she also served as the festival’s creative director.
“Jennifer Cochis is a brilliant new force on the festival scene and I am extremely happy to have her step into this new role,” said Film Independent president Josh Welsh. “She brings so much experience, intelligence and passion to everything she does.
“She’s worked closely with the mighty Stephanie Allain on the festival for the past two years, first as senior programmer and then as creative director, turning the festival into a powerful platform for discovering new and diverse talent.”
“Jennifer is a secret weapon and I expect exciting things for the La Film Festival from her,” said Film Independent board chair Mary Sweeney.
“It has been...
- 10/14/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Stephanie Allain era of Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival is over.
The prolific producer (“Beyond the Lights”) is leaving her role of five years as director of the summer festival to spend more time on her first avocation. She will be replaced by another independent producer, Jennifer Cochis (“Smashed”), who for the past two years worked closely as Creative Director with Allain on all aspects of the festival.
Allain is currently in production on Justin Simien’s Netflix series “Dear White People,” in post-production on Gerard McMurray’s “Burning Sands” and prepping Clark Johnson’s “Juanita,” set to star Alfre Woodard.
Film Independent President Josh Welsh has watched Cochis move up from Senior Programmer to Creative Director, he said in a statement. Working with Allain, she was instrumental in “turning the Festival into a powerful platform for discovering new and diverse talent.”
Promoting Allain’s protege suggests...
The prolific producer (“Beyond the Lights”) is leaving her role of five years as director of the summer festival to spend more time on her first avocation. She will be replaced by another independent producer, Jennifer Cochis (“Smashed”), who for the past two years worked closely as Creative Director with Allain on all aspects of the festival.
Allain is currently in production on Justin Simien’s Netflix series “Dear White People,” in post-production on Gerard McMurray’s “Burning Sands” and prepping Clark Johnson’s “Juanita,” set to star Alfre Woodard.
Film Independent President Josh Welsh has watched Cochis move up from Senior Programmer to Creative Director, he said in a statement. Working with Allain, she was instrumental in “turning the Festival into a powerful platform for discovering new and diverse talent.”
Promoting Allain’s protege suggests...
- 10/14/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Stephanie Allain era of Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival is over.
The prolific producer (“Beyond the Lights”) is leaving her role of five years as director of the summer festival to spend more time on her first avocation. She will be replaced by another independent producer, Jennifer Cochis (“Smashed”), who for the past two years worked closely as Creative Director with Allain on all aspects of the festival.
Allain is currently in production on Justin Simien’s Netflix series “Dear White People,” in post-production on Gerard McMurray’s “Burning Sands” and prepping Clark Johnson’s “Juanita,” set to star Alfre Woodard.
Film Independent President Josh Welsh has watched Cochis move up from Senior Programmer to Creative Director, he said in a statement. Working with Allain, she was instrumental in “turning the Festival into a powerful platform for discovering new and diverse talent.”
Promoting Allain’s protege suggests...
The prolific producer (“Beyond the Lights”) is leaving her role of five years as director of the summer festival to spend more time on her first avocation. She will be replaced by another independent producer, Jennifer Cochis (“Smashed”), who for the past two years worked closely as Creative Director with Allain on all aspects of the festival.
Allain is currently in production on Justin Simien’s Netflix series “Dear White People,” in post-production on Gerard McMurray’s “Burning Sands” and prepping Clark Johnson’s “Juanita,” set to star Alfre Woodard.
Film Independent President Josh Welsh has watched Cochis move up from Senior Programmer to Creative Director, he said in a statement. Working with Allain, she was instrumental in “turning the Festival into a powerful platform for discovering new and diverse talent.”
Promoting Allain’s protege suggests...
- 10/14/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Film Independent has named Jennifer Cochis director of the Los Angeles Film Festival, the non-profit organization announced in a statement on Friday. Cochis has served as the festival’s creative director and senior programmer, working with outgoing director Stephanie Allain the last two years. Allain is stepping down to focus on producing. She is currently in production on the Netflix series “Dear White People,” in post-production on “Burning Sands” and preparing “Juanita,” which will star Alfre Woodard. “Jennifer Cochis is a brilliant new force on the festival scene and I am extremely happy to have her step into this new role,...
- 10/14/2016
- by Matt Pressberg
- The Wrap
Los Angeles Film Festival director and indie producer Stephanie Allain, in production on Justin Simien's Netflix series Dear White People, is stepping down from the fest, with creative director Jennifer Cochis promoted to the top spot. The change-up was announced today by Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the festival and the Spirit Awards. Cochis is “collaborating with outgoing Festival Director Stephanie Allain on all aspects of the…...
- 10/14/2016
- Deadline TV
Los Angeles Film Festival director and indie producer Stephanie Allain, in production on Justin Simien's Netflix series Dear White People, is stepping down from the fest, with creative director Jennifer Cochis promoted to the top spot. The change-up was announced today by Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the festival and the Spirit Awards. Cochis is “collaborating with outgoing Festival Director Stephanie Allain on all aspects of the…...
- 10/14/2016
- Deadline
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