Film festivals are no longer intimate gatherings of “industry” people and film buffs. Nowadays, almost everyone is aware of Sundance, Cannes, even Tribecca. Not as well-known is our own film festival, right in the movie capital of the world.

The Los Angeles Film Festival is starting up for it’s 14th annual run on June 19th through the 29th in Westwood Village. It has something for everyone: red carpet galas, award ceremonies, narrative features, documentaries, short films and music videos. There will also be conversations with filmmakers and free parties as well. Everyone is invited!

With so many screenings and events going on, the best thing to do is pick out what you want to see and participate in beforehand. You can see an online Film Guide (including trailers) here. Most films being screened are new, but you can certainly find classics and iconic films like Scar face, Pulp Fiction and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Here are some screenings and events that get the ydt stamp of approval:

-Pool Side Chats with various filmmakers at the W Hotel.
-Feature film narrative, Infinite Border, a Central American immigrant’s story as he risks
everything to make it to the U.S.
-The Lost Boys, the 1987 Teenage Vampire thriller starring Kiefer Sutherland and directed by Joel Schumacher.
-Feature film documentary, Highwater, from surf legend Dana Brown about ten men and women who come to Oahu’s North Shore for big-wave surfing’s ultimate championship.
-Feature film documentary, Encounters at the End of the World, from acclaimed director Werner Herzog, which documents his personal journey to the South Pole.

Last but not least, the Los Angeles Film Festival is implementing numerous changes to produce an Eco-Friendly festival, including the use of biodiesel-fueled generators and recycling food scraps, paper, wood and plastic. Paper products use only recycled paper and eco-friendly ink, and all catering will use locally and organically grown food from within a 150 mile radius of Los Angeles. In addition, TerraPass will offset all carbon emissions created by the festival.

For information on buying passes, individual tickets, and more please see the website: www.lafilmfest.com

Article by Tracy Hepler

Tags: Film Independent, Los Angeles Film Festival, UCLA, Wanted, Werner Herzog, Westwood Village