Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards, Los Angeles Film Festival (LAFF), and year-round artist development programs and exhibition events, is bringing the 2010 edition of LAFF to downtown Los Angeles from its prior roost in Westwood, Calif.
LAFF runs from June 17-27 and will encompass venues throughout the City of Los Angeles and be centered at L.A. LIVE. The move is reflective of the LAFF’s continued growth and its efforts to embrace the cultural diversity and energy of Los Angeles. The Festival will present its screenings and events at the new Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14, the REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater), the Downtown Independent, the Soundstage Theatre at the GRAMMY Museum©, JW Marriot Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. Live, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Los Angeles, Orpheum Theatre, and California Plaza. The Festival will also continue its tradition of nighttime screenings at the outdoor John Anson Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood and the Los Angeles Times will again serve as presenting partner, as it has since ’06.
Over the past 16 years, LAFF has grown from being held in one theater with 5,700 attendees to include a sprawling list of event venues that attract more than 85,000 attendees. The Festival moved to Westwood Village in 2006 to accommodate its growing audience, which doubled in the four years it was based there.
“The Festival’s move to downtown Los Angeles allows us a unique opportunity to celebrate the history and future of our City,” said LAFF director Rebecca Yeldham. “Our new location will continue to pave the way for LAFF to realize its potential as an international destination event, and unites our filmmakers and audiences with the diverse arts community that exists downtown.”
More than 200 features, shorts, and music videos from more than 30 countries make up the main body of the Festival. LAFF’s official film selections will be announced in early May.
Robert Eggers and Willem Dafoe Reunite For “Nosferatu”
When Willem Dafoe enjoys working with a filmmaker, he'll often jump at the chance to do it again.
The list of directors with whom the 69-year-old has worked with more than once is extensive, including Wes Anderson,Yorgos Lanthimos,Paul Schrader,Lars von Trier and, now for a third time, Robert Eggers. "If it's good, you come back," Dafoe said plainly.
The pair spoke about Eggers' adaptation of "Nosferatu" that hits theaters Wednesday, some of the challenges they faced making "The Lighthouse" — their first project together released in 2019 — and the unique relationship that exists between actors and directors.
The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Q: Willem, I read that you called Robert after you saw "The Witch." What did you say?
DAFOE: I want to meet you and I want to know who this filmmaker is.
Q: What is it about him that keeps bringing you back?
DAFOE: Well, if it's good, you come back. When I saw "The Witch," I thought, "Wow, this is a film about a period that I'm not particularly knowledgeable about, but I enter it so easily. This is relevant. It's rooted. It's my story. I'm with these people."
That's quite an incredible trick because a lot of period films, they're always pointing to themselves. They're always sending messages. They're always showing. This had a kind of energy and the kind of physicality and sensuality that I thought, "Who does this? I gotta see this guy." And then I had a wonderful experience in "The Lighthouse" and I played a part that was really fun in "The Northman." So, when he wants to do this passion project and offers me this beautiful role of Professor Von Franz, I say,... Read More