Film fanatics rejoice because it’s that time of year again! The Los Angeles Film Festival is coming to downtown L.A. from June 13 to June 23, and with its stellar line-up, it’s sure to be amazing.
Film Independent is bringing the movie festival to the Regal Cinemas’ L.A. Live Stadium 14, as well as other locales, for a 10-day film frenzy, complete with outdoor screenings, master classes and intimate conversations with the best in the business. Past guests of the festival have included big names such as Kathryn Bigelow, George Lucas, Jodie Foster and Christopher Nolan, just to list a few.
The Los Angeles Film Festival brings members of the film industry and the public together through the appreciation of the cinematic arts. The festival showcases a variety of American and International films and gives the public access to filmmakers, industry professionals and emerging new talent. While you can check online to see the complete schedule of events during the festival, here are some highlights that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Films: The Los Angeles Film Festival features more than 100 American and International movies, short films and music videos. Genres range from thrilling narratives and intense documentaries, to knee-slapping comedies. Here are some of the films to make sure to catch.
Only God Forgives (Thursday, June 20): An American drug-smuggler operating in underground Bangkok finds himself caught in the middle of a violent situation when he is coerced to avenge his brother’s recent death.
Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas, Yayaying Rhatha Phongam
For fan of: Drive, Looper, The Town
Crystal Fairy (Friday, June 14 and Tuesday, June 18): Two teenagers embark on a psychedelic journey to find a legendary hallucinogenic cactus.
Directed by: Sebastián Silva
Starring: Michael Cera, Gabby Hoffmann, Agustín Silva
For fans of: Pineapple Express
The Act of Killing (Friday, June 14 and Sunday, June 16) A shocking documentary focusing on the Indonesian death squad leaders through re-enactments of their brutal mass-killings during the 1960s.
Directed by: Joshua Oppenheimer,
For fans of: Tears of Gaza, Restrepo, Taxi to the Dark Side.
Special Pre-Screenings: See some of the summer’s hottest hits before anyone else! The Los Angeles Film Festival is hosting advanced screenings for two major Hollywood blockbusters.
Man of Steel (Wednesday, June 12): A new take on the classic comic book story of young man who discovers he has extraordinary powers.
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe
For fans of: The Amazing Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America: The First Avenger.
Monsters University (Tuesday, June 18): See monsters Mike and Sully meet each other for the first time as college roommates, in the prequel to Pixar’s hit, Monsters, Inc.
Directed by: Dan Scanlon
Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi
For Fans of: Toy Story, Ice Age, Wreck-It-Ralph.
Conversations: Some of the most acclaimed filmmakers attend the festival to speak to the audience about the ups, downs and everything in between of the film industry. Speakers include directors Spike Jonze of Being John Malkovich and Where The Wild Things Are fame, and Film Independent’s Spirit of Independence Award recipient David O. Russel, the man behind Silver Linings Playbook.
Coffee Talks (Sunday, June 16): This year’s annual Sunday “Coffee Talks” include four sessions featuring some of today’s most interesting directors, actors, composers and screenwriters as they discuss their crafts in a fun and freewheeling discussion.
Individual ticket prices range from $5 to $20 depending on the event, but for everyone trying to save a little cash on movie tickets, have no fear – there’s something for you as well! The Los Angeles Film Festival is hosting several FREE screenings and panels throughout the week, so close your wallet and head on over.
Outdoor Community Screeings
Dazed and Confused (Friday, June 14)
Brasslands (Saturday, June 15) World Premiere)
Hairspray (Friday, June 21) at Grand Park
Inequality For All (Saturday, June 22 at the California Plaza): A documentary focusing on the widening economic income gap in America.
Life of a King (Saturday, June 22 at L.A. Live Stadium 14): Cuba Gooding Jr. stars in the world premiere of the inspiring true-story of an ex-convict who sets out on a mission to change the lives of inner-city kids, giving them the future he never had.
Diversity Speaks (Saturday, June 15): A variety of panels discussing topics ranging from television development to the expansion of diversity in the film industry. Several directors and storytellers sit down to engage in dialogue. Writer Issa Rae, the creator of the “Awkward Black Girl” web series, social activist Grace Lee Boggs and multiple HBO programming executives are among the panelists scheduled to attend.
With all these events, and more, the LA Film Fest will have something for everyone’s film needs. Don’t forget your popcorn!
For more information on the Los Angeles Film Festival, click here.
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