Today the Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by Film Independent, in conjunction with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times and Host Partner L.A. LIVE, announced its annual Sunday‘Coffee Talks’ programming for June 15. The four talks will take place over the course of one day and feature Directors, Actors, Composers and Screenwriters, including Demian Bichir (The Heat, A Better Life), Alfred Molina (An Education, Spider-Man 2), Olivia Munn (The Newsroom, Magic Mike), Mark Isham (42, A River Runs Through It), John Ottman (X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Usual Suspects), Aaron Zigman (The Other Woman, Sex and the City), Susannah Grant(The Soloist, Erin Brockovich), Max Borenstein (Godzilla, Seventh Son), Ed Solomon (Now You See Me, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure) and more. Scheduled for June 14 are the Diversity Speaks Panels, which bring together network executives, independent filmmakers, rising Internet sensations and aspiring artists to discuss an array of topics in an effort to further promote inclusivity in the industry. The inaugural Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Awardconferred to Festival Guest Director Lisa Cholodenko. For more information on general ticketing/programming, please visit www.lafilmfest.com.
“Maria Bozzi and her team have once again done an amazing job bringing together some of the best crafts people in Los Angeles for our ‘Coffee Talks’ programming, “ said Stephanie Allain, Festival Director. “We are also thrilled to be embarking on a relationship with Jaeger-LeCoultre for the inaugural Glory to the Filmmaker Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival. They have shown outstanding taste in selecting Lisa Cholodenko as this year’s recipient. We look forward to a long collaboration for many years to come championing innovative filmmakers.”
Maria Raquel Bozzi, Senior Director of Education at Film Independent adds, “If you’ve ever wanted to eavesdrop on conversations between some of the most talented artists in our city, the ‘Coffee Talks’ are your chance. Over the years, this signature program has gathered the brightest minds in our industry to talk freely with their peers about their craft, careers and everything in between."
On Sunday June 15 the Los Angeles Film Festival will hold its annual Sunday “Coffee Talks”. The Festival’s popular series returns with four sessions featuring some of today’s most interesting film figures discussing their craft with their peers in fun and freewheeling conversations:
Directors
Sponsored by Directors Guild of America
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Panelists TBA
Actors
Sponsored by SAGindie
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Panelists include: Demian Bichir (The Heat, A Better Life), Alfred Molina (An Education, Spider-Man 2), Olivia Munn (The Newsroom, Magic Mike), other panelists TBA.
Composers
Sponsored by BMI
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Panelists include: Mark Isham (42, A River Runs Through It), John Ottman (X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Usual Suspects), Aaron Zigman (The Other Woman,Sex and the City). The panel is moderated by Doreen Ringer Ross (BMI)
Screenwriters
Sponsored by Writers Guild of America, West
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Panelists include: Max Borenstein (Godzilla, Seventh Son), Susannah Grant (The Soloist, Erin Brockovich), Ed Solomon (Now You See Me, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure), other panelists TBA.
At the Diversity Speaks panels, taking place on June 14 at The Conga Room at L.A. LIVE, content creators of color who embody innovation will discuss how they manage to combine their passions for storytelling, entrepreneurship and their cultural identities into success stories. Panels include A Singleton Perspective, a conversation with Oscar® nominated filmmaker/producer John Singleton (Boyz n the Hood, Shaft, Four Brothers, 2 Fast 2 Furious) on his career and the state of film today. This event will be moderated by Elvis Mitchell, Curator, Film Independent at LACMA and Guest Curator of LA Muse. Cine-Sounds is a music video showcase that highlights innovative filmmakers and artists of color who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling through their collaborations. Panelists include Tyler The Creator and Luis Perez, with additional panelists to be announced. Rounding out the day’s programming is Leveling The Playing Field, a panel featuring a group of this year’s Festival Filmmakers and Film Independent Fellows sharing their experiences launching their films and careers with the support of Film Independent and other like-minded media arts organizations that offer resources for emerging filmmakers. All of the Diversity Speaks panels are free and open to the public. Diversity Speaks is supported by Yvonne Huff and Jason Delane.
For the first time at the Los Angeles Film Festival, Jaeger-LeCoultre will pay tribute to the creative ingenuity of filmmakers by conferring the Jaeger-LeCoutlre Glory to the Filmmaker Award to a personality who has brought great innovation to contemporary cinema. This year’s recipient is filmmaker Lisa Cholodenko, the Festival’s Guest Director. At the Venice International Film Festival, the list of past recipients includes Takeshi Kitano (2007), Abbas Kiarostami (2008), Agnès Varda (2008), Sylvester Stallone (2009), Mani Ratnam (2010), Al Pacino (2011), Spike Lee (2012), followed in 2013 by Ettore Scola. This year marks the first time the Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award has been given to a filmmaker at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
Passes are currently on sale to Film Independent members and the general public. In addition to screenings and events, Festival passes provide access to a series of networking receptions and entry to the Festival Lounge, where Festival pass holders can interact with Festival filmmakers and professionals in the film community. General admission tickets to individual films go on sale beginning today, May 20. Contact the Ticket Office for passes, tickets and event information by calling 866.FILM.FEST (866.345.6337) or visit LAFilmFest.com.
For the ninth year, the Los Angeles Times will serve as the Festival’s Presenting Media Sponsor and will produce the Festival Guide, the comprehensive source for all movie info, screenings, locations and related special events. The Festival Guide will top the paper on Sunday, June 8 in Los Angeles and Orange County, and will be made available throughout downtown Los Angeles during the nine-day event.
Additional Films & Programming
Programming:
Diversity Speaks Panels – June 14
“Coffee Talks” Directors/Actors/Screenwriters/Composers – June 15
PLEASE REFERENCE THE ADDENDUM FOR ALL FILM TITLES, SYNOPSES, CAST AND CREDITS FOR ALL FEATURE FILMS.
PROGRAM LINE-UP ADDENDUM
OPENING NIGHT:
Snowpiercer – South Korea/USA/France/Czech Republic (DIRECTOR/WRITER Bong Joon-Ho PRODUCER Park Chan-Wook CAST Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Song Kang-Ho, Ed Harris, Octavia Spencer, Jamie Bell, John Hurt) – Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris and Octavia Spencer head an all-star cast in Bong Joon-ho’s wild, visionary post-apocalyptic thriller, where the frozen planet’s only survivors are thrown together on a train that endlessly circles the globe. North American Premiere
CLOSING NIGHT:
Jersey Boys – USA (DIRECTOR Clint Eastwood PRODUCERS Clint Eastwood, Graham King, Robert Lorenz WRITERS Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice CAST John Lloyd Young, Erich Bergen, Michael Lomenda, Vincent Piazza, Christopher Walken) – Clint Eastwood brings the Broadway musical sensation to the big screen, with John Lloyd Young reprising his Tony Award-winning portrayal of Frankie Valli, the legendary lead singer of The Four Seasons, and Christopher Walken as the mobster who owed him a debt. Premiere
SPECIAL PRE-FESTIVAL SCREENINGS:
22 Jump Street – USA (DIRECTORS Phil Lord, Christopher Miller PRODUCERS Neal H. Moritz, Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum WRITERS Michael Bacall, Oren Uziel, Rodney Rothman CAST Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare, Ice Cube) – After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko—played by Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum —when they go deep undercover at a local college.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Dean DeBlois PRODUCER Bonnie Arnold CAST Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, Djimon Hounsou, Kit Harington) – The thrilling second chapter of the epic How to Train Your Dragon trilogy returns to the fantastical world of the heroic Viking Hiccup and his faithful dragon Toothless. The inseparable duo must protect the peace – and save the future of men and dragons from the power-hungry Drago.
SPECIAL SCREENINGS:
Earth to Echo – USA (DIRECTOR Dave Green PRODUCER Andrew Panay WRITER Henry Gayden CAST Teo Halm, Brian "Astro" Bradley, Reese Hartwig, Ella Linnea Wahlested) – Looking for one final adventure together, a trio of inseparable friends discover something beyond their wildest imaginations: hiding in the darkness is a mysterious being, stranded on Earth and wanted by the government. World Premiere.
GALA SCREENINGS:
Dear White People – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Justin Simien PRODUCERS Effie T. Brown, Ann Le, Julia Lebedev, Angel Lopez, Lena Waithe CAST Tyler James Williams, Tessa Thompson, Teyonah Parris, Brandon Bell) – When a riot breaks out over a popular “African American” themed party thrown by a white fraternity, four black students at Winchester University are provoked to take divergent actions in Justin Simien’s breakthrough satire.
Love Is Strange – USA (DIRECTOR Ira Sachs PRODUCERS Lucas Joaquin, Jay Van Hoy, Ira Sachs, Jayne Baron Sherman WRITERS Ira Sachs, Mauricio Zacharias CAST John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei, Darren Burrows, Charlie Tahan, Cheyenne Jackson) – John Lithgow and Alfred Molina play longtime companions who finally get to marry, only to be separated when they’re forced out of their New York apartment in Ira Sachs’ beautiful ode to love, family ties and big city life.
The Two Faces of January – UK/USA/France (DIRECTOR/WRITER Hossein Amini PRODUCERS Tom Sternberg, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Robyn Slovo, Tim Bricknell, Max Minghella, Ron Halpern CAST Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, Oscar Isaac) Greece. Summer. 1962. Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst and Oscar Isaac are three Americans abroad caught in a web of murder and deceit in this taut, stylish adaptation of a Patricia Highsmith thriller.
NARRATIVE COMPETITION:
10 Minutes – South Korea (DIRECTOR Lee Yong-Seung PRODUCERS Kim Dong-Ho, Kim Gi-Cheol WRITER Kim Da-Hyun CAST Baek Jong-Hwan, Kim Jong-Gu, Jung Hi-Te) – When a young man vies for a promotion against a more inexperienced co-worker, things grow cutthroat in the cubicles. A barbed look at office politics, this award-winning directorial debut subtly captures the charged dynamics of workplace rivalries. North American Premiere
Comet – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Sam Esmail PRODUCERS Farnaz Fahid, Chad Hamilton, Lee Clay CAST Emmy Rossum, Justin Long) – Hurtling back and forth in time over six years of a passionate, complicated relationship, this high style L.A. love story crackles with brilliant repartee and dynamite performances by Emmy Rossum and Justin Long. World Premiere
Lake Los Angeles – USA (DIRECTOR Mike Ott PRODUCERS Drea Clark, Fred Thornton, Atsuko Okatsuka, Trinity Shi, Alex Gioulakis, Athina Rachel Tsangari WRITERS Mike Ott, Atsuko Okatsuka CAST Roberto Sanchez, Johanna Trujillo, Eloy Mendez) – Abandoned after crossing the U.S. border, young Cecilia’s only salvation is her vivid imagination and Francisco, a lonely Cuban immigrant. Writer/director Mike Ott returns to the Los Angeles Film Festival with a gorgeous tale of two strangers brought together in the barren Southern California desert. World Premiere
Man From Reno – USA (DIRECTOR Dave Boyle PRODUCER Ko Mori WRITERS Dave Boyle, Joel Clark, Michael Lerman CAST Ayako Fujitani, Pepe Serna, Kazuki Kitamura, Yasuyo Shiba, Hiroshi Watanabe, Tetsuo Kuramochi) – A Japanese crime novelist and a small town sheriff are lured into the same strange murder mystery in this idiosyncratic and engrossing neo-noir. Unfolding on the backstreets and outskirts of San Francisco, Man from Reno is sinister and seductive by turns. World Premiere
Recommended By Enrique – USA/Argentina/France (DIRECTORS/WRITERS Rania Attieh, Daniel Garcia PRODUCERS Ivan Eibuszyc, Mahalia Cohen, Alice Kharoubi CAST Lino Varela, Sarah Swinwood) – An aspiring Hollywood actress and a mysterious cowboy find themselves trapped in a small Texas border town where time seems to stand still. Based on a bizarre true story that they delight in elaborating on, filmmakers Rania Attieh and Daniel Garcia weave a mesmerizing, witty fable about dreams and reality. World Premiere
Runoff – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Kimberly Levin PRODUCER Kurt Pitzer CAST Joanne Kelly, Neal Huff, Alex Shaffer, Darlene Hunt, Tom Bower, Kivlighan De Montebello, Joseph Melendez, Brad Koed) – The matriarch of an American farming family on the brink of losing everything is forced to make an unthinkable decision. Set against gorgeous Kentucky farmland, writer/director Kimberly Levin’s beautifully crafted, emotionally gripping first feature asks: How far will we go to save our families? World Premiere
Someone You Love – Denmark (DIRECTOR Pernille Fischer Christensen PRODUCERS Vinca Wiedemann, Sisse Graum Jørgensen WRITERS Kim Fupz Aakeson, Pernille Fischer Christensen CAST Mikael Persbrandt, Trine Dyrholm, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Sofus Rønnov, Eve Best) – In award-winning director Pernille Fischer Christensen’s moving family drama, a famous, reclusive Danish singer-songwriter returns to his homeland, after years in L.A., to record a new album. His self-absorption, his sobriety and his solitude are threatened, however, when he’s forced to take care of an 11-year-old grandson he’s never met. North American Premiere
Uncertain Terms – USA (DIRECTOR Nathan Silver PRODUCERS Chloe Domont, Richard Peete, Josh Mandel WRITERS Nathan Silver, Chloe Domont, Cody Stokes CAST India Menuez, David Dahlbom, Tallie Medel, Gina Piersanti, Hannah Gross, Adinah Dancyger, Cindy Silver) – After a falling out with his wife, Robbie retreats to the countryside, where his well meaning, off-beat aunt runs a home for pregnant girls. There he meets Nina, who has charm beyond her years and issues of her own in this understated drama from acclaimed filmmaker Nathan Silver. World Premiere
The Young Kieslowski – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Kerem Sanga PRODUCERS Seth Caplan, Danny Leiner, Dave Hunter, Ross Putman CAST Ryan Malgarini, Haley Lu Richardson, Joshua Malina, Melora Walters, James Le Gros, Osric Chau, Jessica Lu, John Redlinger) – Nothing says coming-of-age like getting a girl pregnant the first time you have sex. Such is the sorry lot of socially awkward Brian Kieslowski, who comically demonstrates just how daunting rites of passage can be when you have all the wrong moves. World Premiere
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION:
Billy Mize and the Bakersfield Sound – USA (DIRECTOR/PRODUCER/WRITER William J. Saunders FEATURING Billy Mize, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Dave Alvin, Gerald Haslam, Bret Neals, Barry Mozar, Scott Bomar, Martha Mize, Karen Saunders, Marji Banda, Buddy Mize) – In the late ’50s, Billy Mize helped define the Bakersfield Sound, the exhilarating, innovative movement that changed country music forever. Now Mize’s inspiring, tragic and little known story is brought to light through archival clips and interviews with legends Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Ray Price and Mize himself. World Premiere
The Life and Mind of Mark DeFriest – USA/Canada (DIRECTOR/WRITER Gabriel London PRODUCERS Daniel Chalfen, Charlie Sadoff, Gabriel London FEATURING Mark DeFriest, Scoot McNairy, Shea Whigham) One of the American correctional system's most notorious escape artists, Mark DeFriest now yearns for his rightful release. This compelling documentary revisits DeFriest's outlaw exploits, delves into his troubled psyche and takes serious issue with the descriptor “correctional.”
US Premiere
Meet the Patels – USA/India (DIRECTORS Geeta V. Patel, Ravi V. Patel PRODUCERS Janet Eckholm, Geeta V. Patel WRITERS Ravi V. Patel, Geeta V. Patel, Billy McMillin, Matthew Hamachek, FEATURING Ravi V. Patel, Vasant K. Patel, Champa V. Patel) – Resolutely unlucky at love, L.A. native Ravi Patel decides to put his dating life in the hands of his more traditional Indian mom and dad. This uproarious documentary charts Ravi's misadventures as he endeavors to find a soulmate while striving not to break his parents' hearts. US Premiere
My Name Is Salt – Switzerland/India (DIRECTOR/WRITER Farida Pacha PRODUCER Lutz Konermann FEATURING Sanabhai Pagi, Devuben Pagi) – This visually striking verité documentary witnesses the efforts of a salt farmer and his family as they use traditional methods that stretch back generations to draw delicate salt crystals from the barren landscape of an Indian desert. North American Premiere
Out in the Night – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER blair dorosh-walther PRODUCERS blair dorosh-walther, Giovanna Chesler, Mridu Chandra , Yoruba Richen FEATURING Renata Hill, Patreese Johnson, Terrain Dandridge, Venice Brown) – After defending themselves from a vicious assault, four gay African-American women were branded a “lesbian wolf pack” and left to rot in prison. This incendiary documentary reveals the prejudiced media coverage and dubious police work that contributed to this miscarriage of justice. World Premiere
Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER N.C. Heikin PRODUCERS James Egan, Su Kim FEATURING Frank Morgan, George Cables, Ron Carter, Mark Gross, Grace Kelly, Delfeayo Marsalis, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Angela Morgan Walker, Rosalinda Kolb, Clora Bryant, Florette Morgan, Ed Reed, Gary Giddins, Kirk Silsbee) – This soulful tribute to L.A. alto sax legend Frank Morgan traces his hell-and-back career from Charlie Parker’s prodigal protégé to heroin addict, con man and San Quentin convict to a now revered jazz icon. World Premiere
Stray Dog – USA (DIRECTOR Debra Granik PRODUCER Anne Rosellini FEATURING Ron “Stray Dog” Hall, Alicia Soriano Hall, Felipe de Angel Padilla Soriano, Felipe de Jesús Padilla Soriano) – At first glance, Ron “Stray Dog” Hall seems like one scary redneck biker, but Winter’s Bone director Debra Granik’s powerful, stereotype-shattering documentary debut reveals the big, wounded heart of this Vietnam vet in all its ragged glory. World Premiere
Walking Under Water – Poland/Germany/UK (DIRECTOR/WRITER Eliza Kubarska PRODUCER Monika Braid FEATURING Sari, Alexan) – Remarkable underwater cinematography anchors this lyrical documentary about the Badjao, oceanic nomads who have lived off the coast of Borneo in harmony with the sea for generations, who are now struggling to preserve their traditions in the modern world. US Premiere
LA MUSE:
Dreams Are Colder Than Death – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Arthur Jafa PRODUCERS Onye Anyanwu, Kahil Joseph, Alexandra Johnes, Asa Mader, Arthur Jafa FEATURING Hortense Spillars, Fred Moten, Saidiya Hartman, Kathleen Cleaver, Kara Walker, Arthur Fielder, Jr., Nicole Fleetwood, Samuel Young, Wangechu Mutu) – This visually hypnotic investigation of contemporary Black America contrasts the faded utopian desires of the Civil Rights generation with a landscape of post-apocalyptic terrors and diminished expectations and is narrated by artistic and intellectual visionaries, including Hortense Spillers, Fred Moten, Charles Burnett and Wangechi Mutu. World Premiere
Eat With Me – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER David Au PRODUCERS Joyce Liu-Countryman, Michelle Ehlen CAST Sharon Omi, Teddy Chen Culver, Nicole Sullivan, George Takei, Aidan Bristow, Jamila Alina, Ken Narasaki, Scott Keiji Takeda, Burt Grinstead) – When Emma moves in with her estranged gay son, the pair—both of whom have a stubborn fear of intimacy—must learn to reconnect through food where words fail, while facing the foreclosure of the family’s Chinese restaurant. World Premiere
Echo Park – USA (DIRECTOR Amanda Marsalis PRODUCERS Anthony Okungbowa, Eric Hayes WRITER Catalina Aguilar Mastretta CAST Mamie Gummer, Anthony Okungbowa, Maurice Compte, Ricky Rico, Gale Harold, Helen Slater) – A twenty-something woman fed up with her picture-perfect Beverly Hills life moves across town to another world: Echo Park. But will a summer romance with a handsome neighbor and change of Zip code be enough to reinvent herself? World Premiere
The Ever After –USA/Australia (DIRECTOR Mark Webber PRODUCERS/WRITERS Teresa Palmer, Mark Webber CAST Teresa Palmer, Mark Webber, Melissa Leo, Phoebe Tonkin, Joshua Leonard) – A Hollywood marriage teeters between love and apathy when tested by temptation and madness. Mark Webber directs and co-stars with his real-life wife Teresa Palmer. World Premiere
Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey – USA (DIRECTOR Scott Teems PRODUCER Laura D. Smith FEATURING Hal Holbrook, Sean Penn, Martin Sheen, Emile Hirsch, Cherry Jones, Robert Patrick, Annie Potts) – Mark Twain’s critical wit has been brought to life for millions through Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Hal Holbrook’s one-man show. Holbrook’s intense commitment to his craft has been an inspiring force for actors everywhere, but it comes at great personal consequence. Sneak Peek
Inner Demons – USA (DIRECTOR Seth Grossman PRODUCER Robin Schorr WRITER Glenn Gers CAST Lara Vosburgh, Morgan McClellan, Colleen McGrann, Christopher Parker, Brian Flaherty, Kate Whitney, Richard Wilkenson, John Cragen, Susan Ateh, Ashley Sutton) – An Intervention-style reality show crew follows the recovery of a religious teenage heroin addict who once cured, suspects she's suffering from something far more sinister. World Premiere
Los Ángeles – Mexico/Germany (DIRECTOR/WRITER Damian John Harper PRODUCERS Jonas Weydemann, Jakob D. Weydemann CAST Mateo Bautísta Matías, Marcos Rodriguez Ruíz, Lidia García, Daniel Bautista, Donaciano Bautista Matías) – In a Zapotec village in southern Mexico, journeying north to the City of Angels is a rite of passage into manhood. But when 17-year old Mateo betrays a local gang leader, he risks his future on both sides of the border. International Premiere
Nightingale – USA (DIRECTOR Elliott Lester PRODUCERS Josh Weinstock, Katrina Wolfe, Elliott Lester WRITER Frederick Mensch CAST David Oyelowo) – David Oyelowo morphs before our eyes as he leads us down the rabbit hole of Paul Snowden’s traumatized psyche as a veteran unraveling thread by thread. The first script to be produced from Hollywood’s Black List, Nightingale is a bold feature from Elliot Lester and a tour du force for Oyelowo.
The Road Within – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Gren Wells PRODUCERS Bradley Gallo, Michael A. Helfant, Robert L. Stein, Brent Emery, Guy J. Louthan CAST Robert Sheehan, Dev Patel, Zoe Kravitz, Kyra Sedgwick, Robert Patrick) – Three afflicted teenagers—one suffering from Tourette Syndrome, one OCD and one anorectic—meet at rehab and bond on a road trip. One of Variety’s “10 Directors to Watch,” Gren Wells walks the line between comedy and drama with her directorial debut.
Supremacy – USA (DIRECTOR Deon Taylor PRODUCER Roxanne Avent WRITER Eric J. Adams CAST Joe Anderson, Dawn Olivieri, Danny Glover, Lela Rochon, Anson Mount, Evan Ross, Derek Luke) – In this thriller based on true events, an Aryan Brotherhood fugitive and his ruthless girlfriend take a Black family hostage, only to find their wits matched by a bitter ex-con hell bent on proving that everything is not black and white. World Premiere
Trouble Dolls – USA (DIRECTORS/WRITERS Jennifer Prediger, Jess Weixler PRODUCERS Kim Leadford, Daniel McCarney, Felipe Dieppa CAST Jennifer Prediger, Jess Weixler, Will Forte, Megan Mullally, Jeffrey Tambor) – Evicted from their New York City apartment, two codependent best girlfriends flee to L.A. seeking sunshine and respite from their troubles, until their friendship is tested by a shot at fame, a fortune teller and a rich, lustful aunt. World Premiere
INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE:
Club Sandwich – Mexico (DIRECTOR/WRITER Fernando Eimbcke PRODUCERS Christian Valdelièvre, Jaime B. Ramos CAST María Renée Prudencio, Lucio Giménez Cacho, Danae Reynaud) – On their summer vacation, single mom Paloma and her teenage son Hector’s unique friendship is tested when Jazmin, a young stranger, vies for Hector’s affections. In his hilarious and touching third feature, acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Fernando Eimbcke explores the growing pains of parenthood and adolescence.
The Great Museum – Austria (DIRECTOR Johannes Holzhausen PRODUCER Johannes Rosenberger WRITER Johannes Holzhausen, Constantin Wulff) – With both poker-faced humor and deep appreciation, this documentary goes behind the scenes of the world-renowned Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna to capture, in sumptuous images, the loving relationship between the museum staff and the art under its care.
Han Gong-Ju – South Korea (DIRECTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER Lee Sujin CAST Chun Woohee, Jung Insun, Kim Soyoung, Lee Younglan) – One of the most successful Korean independent films on record, this award-winning directorial debut is the harrowing tale of a high school girl struggling to build a future for herself while battling the traumas of her past.
Joy of Man's Desiring – Canada (DIRECTOR/WRITER Denis Côté PRODUCERS Sylvain Corbeil, Nancy Grant FEATURING Guillaume Tremblay, Emilie Sigouin, Hamidou Savadogo, Ted Pluviose, Cassandre Emmanuel, Olivier Aubin) – The latest from Quebecois auteur Denis Côté, this mesmerizing, poetic exploration of the relationship between factory workers and the industrial machines they labor at combines artifice and documentary for an experience of pure cinema. US Premiere
The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq – France (DIRECTOR/WRITER Guillaume Nicloux PRODUCER Sylvie Pialat CAST Michel Houellebecq, Luc Schwarz, Mathieu Nicourt, Maxime Lefrançois, François Lebrun) – In this droll cinematic speculation that recalls the work of Charlie Kauffman, French author and provocateur Michel Houllebecq plays himself in a comedy that imagines what might have happened when the author disappeared for a few days during a 2011 book tour.
The Liberator – Venezuela/Spain (DIRECTOR Alberto Arvelo PRODUCERS Alberto Arvelo, Winfried Hammacher, Ana Loehnert WRITER Timothy J. Sexton CAST Édgar Ramírez, Erich Wildpret, María Valverde) – Édgar Ramírez plays the legendary South American liberator Simón Bolívar in this gorgeously produced epic that traces his transformation from dashing 19th century aristocrat to charismatic, embattled revolutionary. US Premiere
Natural Sciences – Argentina/France (DIRECTOR/PRODUCER Matías Lucchesi WRITERS Matías Lucchesi, Gonzalo Salaya CAST Paula Hertzog, Paola Barrientos, Alvin Astorga, Arturo Goetz, Sergio Boris, Vanesa Wainber, Eugenia Alonso) – In the dead of winter, 12-year-old Lila tries to escape from her remote Argentinian boarding school on horseback. Her teacher stops her, but Lila’s determination wins her over, and together, they set out on a journey to track down the father Lila never knew.
Of Horses and Men – Iceland/Germany (DIRECTOR/WRITER Benedikt Erlingsson PRODUCERS Fridrik Thór Fridriksson, Christoph Thoke CAST Ingvar Eggert Sigurdsson, Steinn Ármann Magnússon, Helgi Björnsson, Charlotte Bøving, Atli Rafn Sigurdarson, Halldóra Geirhardsdóttir, Kjartan Ragnarsson) – You’ll never look at horses—or men—in quite the same way after seeing this strikingly original, visually stunning Icelandic saga, a darkly humorous look at the complex interrelationship between two and four-legged beasts.
Starred Up – Northern Ireland/UK (DIRECTOR David Mackenzie PRODUCER Gillian Berrie WRITER Jonathan Asser CAST Jack O'Connell, Ben Mendelsohn, Rupert Friend) – A volatile young offender—played by astonishing newcomer Jack O'Connell—must hone his survival skills when incarcerated in the same brutal correctional facility that's home to his estranged father, played by the mesmerizing Ben Mendelsohn. This bruising, brilliantly rendered drama will leave a mark.
Stream of Love – Hungary (DIRECTOR/WRITER Àgnes Sòs PRODUCERS Àgnes Sòs, Hanka Kastelicová, Julianna Ugrin) – A tiny Hungarian-speaking village in Transylvania, where the median age hovers around 80, is the setting for this lyrical, lusty and funny exploration of love and sexuality. Revealing their most intimate secrets to director Àgnes Sòs’ sympathetic camera, this fascinating community of octogenarians proves age is simply a state of mind.
Violette – France (DIRECTOR Martin Provost PRODUCERS Miléna Poylo, Gilles Sacuto WRITERS Martin Provost, Marc Abdelnour, René de Ceccatty CAST Emmanuelle Devos, Sandrine Kiberlain, Olivier Gourmet, Jacques Bonnaffe) – Emmanelle Devos shines as the volatile, bisexual, pioneering feminist writer Violette Leduc, protégé of Simone de Beauvoir—with whom she was obsessed—in this striking period biopic from the director of Seraphine.
SUMMER SHOWCASE:
1,000 Times Good Night – Ireland/Norway/Sweden (DIRECTOR Erik Poppe PRODUCERS Finn Gjerdrum, Stein B. Kvae WRITERS Erik Poppe, Harald Rosenløw-Eeg CAST Juliette Binoche, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) – A heralded, obsessive war photographer—played by the great Juliette Binoche—puts her life on the line to capture the horrors of war, but at what price to her husband and daughters? Game of Thrones’ Nickolaj Coster-Waldau co-stars in this provocative drama that ranges from the bloody streets of Kabul to the bucolic Irish countryside.
The Battered Bastards of Baseball – USA (DIRECTORS/WRITERS Chapman Way, Maclain Way PRODUCERS Juliana Lembi, Nancy Schafer FEATURING Kurt Russell, Todd Field, Rob Nelson, Frank Peters, Caren Woods) – In the freewheeling '70s, character actor Bing Russell singlehandedly relaunched independent baseball with his unruly, unkempt Portland Mavericks. This rousing documentary celebrates these storied underdogs and shines a light on the major league's distaste for outsiders.
Cut Bank – USA (DIRECTOR Matt Shakman PRODUCERS Laura Rister, Edward Zwick, Mark C. Manuel, Ted O'Neal, Dan Cohen, Mickey Barold WRITER Robert Patino CAST Liam Hemsworth, Teresa Palmer, Billy Bob Thornton, John Malkovich, Bruce Dern, Michael Stuhlbarg, Oliver Platt) – Handsome young Dwayne McLaren, yearning to escape small town Montana life, concocts a get-rich-quick scheme that goes from bad to worse to deadly in this Americana noir thriller featuring Liam Hemsworth, Bruce Dern, Billy Bob Thornton, Oliver Platt and John Malkovich. World Premiere
Evolution of a Criminal – USA (DIRECTOR Darius Clark Monroe PRODUCERS Jen Gatien, Spike Lee FEATURING Darius Clark Monroe, Dante E. Clark, Vladimi Versailles, Jeremie Harris, Rosalyn Coleman, Benton Greene, Ellie Foumbi, Yvette Ganier, Frances Lozada, Max B. Young, Nedra McClyde, Obatala Mawusi) – As a 16-year-old honors student, Darius Clark Monroe orchestrated a daring armed robbery. Having paid his debt to society, he now makes audacious use of the documentary form to assess the emotional damage done to his family and victims.
Frank – Ireland/UK (DIRECTOR Lenny Abrahamson PRODUCERS Ed Guiney, Stevie Lee, David Barron WRITERS Jon Ronson, Peter Straughan CAST Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Domhnall Gleeson, Scoot McNairy) – A comedy of musical genius and paper-maché, Frank follows a band of outsiders, lead by a frontman who always wears an oversized fake head, on and off stage, as they attempt to record the greatest album ever made.
Harmontown – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Neil Berkeley PRODUCER David Heiman FEATURING Dan Harmon, Jeff B. Davis, Erin McGathy, Spencer Crittenden) – After being fired from the show he created, NBC’s Community, writer/producer Dan Harmon hits the road with his popular podcast, accompanied by his co-hosts, his girlfriend and a whole lot of baggage.
Jimi: All Is By My Side – USA/Ireland (DIRECTOR/WRITER John Ridley PRODUCERS Sean McKittrick, Jeff Culotta, Danny Bramson, Brandon Freeman, Anthony Burns, Tristan Orpen Lynch, Nigel Thomas CAST André Benjamin, Hayley Atwell, Imogen Poots, Andrew Buckley, Ruth Negga) – Hip hop star André Benjamin is transcendent as a young Jimi Hendrix in Academy Award-winner John Ridley’s inspired biopic. Chronicling the year in London leading up to Hendrix’s groundbreaking performance at the Monterey Pop Festival, the movie reveals a complex, vulnerable free spirit on the brink of greatness.
Land Ho! – USA/Iceland (DIRECTORS/WRITERS Martha Stephens, Aaron Katz PRODUCERS Mynette Louie, Sara Murphy, Christina Jennings CAST Paul Eenhoorn, Earl Lynn Nelson, Karrie Crouse, Elizabeth McKee, Alicia Olivia Clarke, Emmsje Gauti) – Bored by retirement and stinging from a recent divorce, two seventy-something friends take an impromptu trip to Iceland in this surprising, unhurried comedy of life and how to live it.
Last Days in Vietnam – USA (DIRECTOR Rory Kennedy PRODUCERS Rory Kennedy, Keven McAlester WRITERS Mark Bailey, Keven McAlester) – With access to a treasure trove of never-before-seen archival footage, Rory Kennedy immerses us in the desperate final hours of the Vietnam war, as the U.S. scrambles to evacuate Saigon. It’s a saga of folly and heroism that unfolds with heart-stopping urgency.
The Last Time You Had Fun – USA (DIRECTOR Mo Perkins PRODUCER Drea Clark WRITER Hal Haberman CAST Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Eliza Coupe, Demetri Martin, Kyle Bornheimer, Charlyne Yi) – A chance encounter in an eastside wine bar leads to a night of ill advised misadventures and half-baked debauchery for four 30-somethings trying to ignore their adult troubles for one night and prove they still have what it takes to have a good time. World Premiere
The Overnighters – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Jesse Moss PRODUCERS Jesse Moss, Amanda McBaine FEATURING Jay Reinke) – A driven, compassionate Lutheran pastor offers shelter to the horde of rough-hewn migrant oil workers who descend on the boom-town of Williston, North Dakota. As this electrifying documentary reveals, his one-man crusade has repercussions no one could have foreseen.
COMMUNITY SCREENINGS:
La Bamba (1987) – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Luis Valdez PRODUCERS Bill Borden, Taylor Hackford CAST Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Elizabeth Peña) – The acclaimed story of the rise from nowhere of early rock and roll singer Ritchie Valens, who died at age 17 in a plane crash with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. Director and cast will be on hand to introduce the film.
I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story – USA (DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS Dave LaMattina, Chad Walker WRITER Dave LaMattina FEATURING Caroll Spinney, Frank Oz, Sonia Manzano, Jerry Nelson, Bob McGrath, Emilio Delgado, Dr. Loretta Long, Joan Ganz Cooney) – For over 40 years, Caroll Spinney has been the puppeteer behind Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. In this touching documentary, comprised largely of highlights from his incredible home videos, Spinney reflects on his career, the dark periods of his life and the beloved characters he’s brought to life.
Limited Partnership – USA (DIRECTOR Thomas G. Miller PRODUCERS Kirk Marcolina, Thomas G. Miller WRITERS Thomas G. Miller, Kirk Marcolina, Carl Pfirman, Monique Zavistovski FEATURING Anthony Sullivan, Richard Adams, Lavi S. Soloway, Clela Rorex, Cathy Adams) – When Tony first saw Richard in 1971 at an L.A. gay bar called The Closet, it was love at first sight, and in 1975 they married in one of the first highly publicized same sex weddings in the US. Limited Partnership documents their 40 years of love and their long, brave legal battle for marriage equality.
Sherlock Jr. (1924) – USA (DIRECTOR Buster Keaton PRODUCERS Joseph M. Schenk, Buster Keaton WRITERS Clyde Bruckman, Jean Havez, Joseph Mitchell CAST Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Ward Crane, Joseph Keaton) – Two of Buster Keaton’s silent comic masterpieces—Sherlock Jr. and the short Cops – will be shown with an original score performed live by the acclaimed French garage rockers Magnetix. Bring the family and prepare for hilarity.
THE BEYOND:
Giuseppe Makes a Movie – USA (DIRECTOR Adam Rifkin PRODUCERS Mike Plante, Adam Rifkin WRITERS David Nordstrom, Mike Plante, Adam Rifkin FEATURING Giuseppe Andrews, Big Ed, Mary, Vietnam Ron, Miles Dougal, Walt Dongo, Tyree, Walter Patterson, Tiffany, Sir Bigfoot George, Spit, Bill Nowlin, Gayle Wells) – Once a successful child actor, Giuseppe Andrews now lives to make films – lots of them – in his Southern California trailer park. Cast with a brilliantly funny, eccentric collection of characters, Guisseppe’s films are cheap, beguiling and unconventional. This is the story of how one got made – in a day and a half. US Premiere
Jossy's (Josizu) – Japan (DIRECTOR/WRITER Yuichi Fukuda PRODUCERS Atsushi Moriyama, Yoshihisa Yamashita, Shinzo Matsuhashi CAST Mirei Kiritani, Mina Fujii, Mitsuki Takahata, Kasumi Arimura, Mizuki Yamamoto) – Five young women reluctantly agree to join a secret team of super heroes and battle intergalactic evils in this broad parody of Japanese sentai shows like Kamen Rider and Power Rangers. International Premiere
The Well – USA (DIRECTOR Tom Hammock PRODUCERS Seth Caplan, Chris Harding WRITER Jacob Forman CAST Haley Lu Richardson, Booboo Stewart, Max Charles, Nicole Fox, Michael Welch, Jon Gries, Michael Massee, Rena Owen, Leo Lee, Barbara Crampton, Michael McCartney, Jacqueline Emerson) – In this post-apocalyptic thriller, a young girl must fight for her survival in an arid wasteland where it hasn’t rained in over a decade and blood is spilled more easily than water. World Premiere
THE FILM THAT GOT AWAY:
Caterpillar (2010) – Japan (DIRECTOR Koji Wakamatsu PRODUCER Takafumi Ohigata WRITERS Hisako Kurosawa, Masao Adachi CAST Shinobu Terajima, Keigo Kasuya, Sabu Kawahara) – Winner of the 2010 Berlin Film Festival's Silver Bear for lead actress Shinobu Terajima, this late-career triumph from legendary Japanese director Koji Wakamatsu uses the ordeal of a faithful war widow forced to care for her mutilated husband to deliver a searing broadside against Japan's militaristic past.
RETRO:
Friday (1995) – USA (DIRECTOR F. Gary Gray PRODUCER Patricia Charbonnet WRITERS Ice Cube, DJ Pooh CAST Ice Cube, Chris Tucker, Nia Long, Tiny Lister Jr., John Witherspoon, Anna Maria Horsford, Regina King) – Join special guests as we revisit one of our favorite Los Angeles films and two of our favorite neighborhood stoners, Craig and his best friend Smokey, as they hang out on their porch in South Central, smoking and drinking and passing the day into night. Pre-screening conversation with Ice Cube.
Repo Man (1984) – USA (DIRECTOR/WRITER Alex Cox PRODUCERS Jonathan Wacks, Peter McCarthy CAST Harry Dean Stanton, Emilio Estevez, Tracey Walter, Olivia Barash, Sy Richardson, Susan Barnes) – “The life of a repo man is always intense.” Celebrate Alex Cox’s cult classic of punk rock, generic beer and mysterious Chevy Malibus with this special thirtieth anniversary screening
SHORT FILMS:
Shorts Program 1-4
FUTURE FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE:
Future Filmmakers 1-2
Black Rock Creek – USA – DIRECTOR Malone Lumarda
Burning – USA – DIRECTOR Mida Chu
Carry Over – USA – DIRECTOR Ryan Hopkinson
City Limits – USA – DIRECTOR Kevin Muñoz
Cookie Wars – USA – DIRECTOR Natasha Lasky
Drawn to Friends – USA – DIRECTOR Rebecca Maltby
The Edge – Canada – DIRECTOR Jonah Haber
Epitaph – USA – DIRECTOR Charles Blecker
Fear The Movie – USA – DIRECTOR Sanghyun Ahn
Iceberg – USA – DIRECTOR Rachel Lin
Inside The Ring – USA – DIRECTORS Darian Henry, Imani Peterkin
International Boulevard A Documentary – USA – DIRECTORS Rebecca Dharmapalan, Zoe Yi
Just Play – USA – DIRECTOR Andrys Omar-Galanl
Life's A Dive – USA – DIRECTOR John Taschner
Little Green – Taiwan – DIRECTOR Yu-hsuan Tseng
Mission ImPROMAble – USA – DIRECTOR Clio Gevirtz
A Noble Fisherman – USA – DIRECTOR Maxwell Geoffrey
Overflow – USA – DIRECTOR Ruby Drake
PenDemonium – USA – DIRECTOR Wesley Hayes
A Pizza the Size of the Sun – USA – DIRECTOR Dora Palmer
Proud to Be Loud – USA – DIRECTOR Jeremie Sunico
Pumpkin – USA – DIRECTOR Minu Jun
Re-Invent Education – USA – DIRECTORS Lilia Pankers, Jake Fernandez, Matthew Martinez, Molly Myman, Milo Schureman, Alexis Keys
Relapse – USA – DIRECTOR Brendyn Gilbert
Screenwriter's Block – USA – DIRECTOR James Tralie
Space Girl – USA – DIRECTORS Sam Gorman, Si Affron, Daniel McCrystal, Madeline Hunter
The Waiting Game – USA/The Netherlands – DIRECTOR Maria Alvarez
Weird Mob – Rarebit Fiends – USA – DIRECTORS Elizabeth Culbertson, Gabriella Streit, Grace Logan Harmon, Wyatt Stoneking
Wings of Peace – Laos/USA – DIRECTOR Danielle Stolz
MUSIC VIDEOS & INTERACTIVE:
Let’s Play
140: Techno Buffalo – GAME DEVELOPER Jeppe Carlsen LET’S PLAY CREATOR Jon Rettinger
Happy Wheels: Captain Sparklez – GAME DEVELOPER Jim Bonacci LET’S PLAY CREATOR Jordan Maron
Illusion-Ghost Killer: Nilesy – GAME DEVELOPER Incrible Games LET’S PLAY CREATOR Liam J. Mackay
McPixel: Cupquake – GAME DEVELOPER Mikolaj "Sos" Kaminski LET’S PLAY CREATOR Tiffany Herrera
Mount Your Friends: Inside Gaming – GAME DEVELOPER Daniel Steger LET’S PLAY CREATORS James Willems, Bruce Greene, Adam Kovic
Proteus: Nerd Cubed – GAME DEVELOPERS Ed Key & David Kanaga LET’S PLAY CREATOR Daniel Hardcastle
Slender the Arrival: Game Society Pimps – GAME DEVELOPER Blue Isles Studios Inc. LET’S PLAY CREATOR Aaron Yonda
Stick it to the Man: Gadget Girl Kylie – GAME DEVELOPERS Zoink! Studios & Ripstone Games LET’S PLAY CREATOR Gadget Girl Kylie
The Stanley Parable: Toby Games – GAME DEVELOPER Davey Wreden LET’S PLAY CREATOR Toby Turner
I See Music: Exploring Beyonce’s Visual Album
Pretty Hurts – DIRECTOR Melina Matsoukas
Ghost – DIRECTOR Pierre Debusschere
Haunted – DIRECTOR Jonas Akerlund
Drunk In Love f. Jay Z – DIRECTOR Hype Williams
Blow – DIRECTOR Hype Williams
No Angel – DIRECTOR @lilinternet
Yonce – DIRECTOR Ricky Saiz
Partition – DIRECTOR Jake Nava
Jealous –DIRECTOR Todd Tourso
Rocket – DIRECTORS Ed Burke & Bill Kirstein
Mine f. Drake – DIRECTOR Pierre Debusschere
XO – DIRECTOR Terry Richardson
***Flawless f. Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche – DIRECTOR Jake Nava
Superpower f. Frank Ocean – DIRECTOR Jonas Akerluna
Heaven – DIRECTOR Todd Tourso
Blue f. Blue Ivy – DIRECTORS Ed Burke & Bill Kirstein
Grown Woman – DIRECTOR Jake Nava
Eclectic Mix 1 & 2
Animal Dreams: The Zoltars – DIRECTOR Clay Liford
Anything Made of Paper: Bill Carter – DIRECTORS Brandon Ray, Pat Kondelis
Change: Mikal Cronin – DIRECTOR Claire Marie Vogel
Cindy + Me: Caged Animals – DIRECTOR Carlos Lopez Estrada
Cold Front: Laura Welsh – DIRECTORS Daniel Cloud Campos, Tamara Levinson-Campos
Crazy: Au Revoir Simone – DIRECTORS Alex Braverman, Poppy de Villeneuve
Cruel City: Augustines – DIRECTOR Bryan Schlam
Evil Eye: Franz Ferdinand – DIRECTOR Diane Martel
Fol Chen: The False Alarms – DIRECTOR Keith Musil
Gun: Chvrches – DIRECTOR Pen$acola
High Road: Cults – DIRECTOR Hiro Murai
Higher: Just Blaze X Baauer ft. Jay Z – DIRECTOR Nabil
If I Could Change Your Mind: Haim – DIRECTOR Warren Fu
Ingenue: Atoms for Peace – DIRECTOR Garth Jennings
Keeping Time: Royal Forest – DIRECTOR Cody Ground
Lilies: Bat For Lashes – DIRECTOR Peter Sluszka
Move On: Garden City Movement – DIRECTORS Michael Moshonov, Lael Utnik, Mayan Toledano
My Recurring Dream: Cold Mailman – DIRECTOR Andre Chocron
Overgrown: James Blake– DIRECTOR Nabil
Paris: Magic Man – DIRECTOR Mimi Cave
Ping: Hauschka – DIRECTOR Christoph Kuchinke
Pursuit: Gesaffelstein – DIRECTORS Fleur & Manu
Sacrilege: Yeah Yeah Yeahs – DIRECTOR Megaforce
So Make It Worthy: Luke J Christie & The Held Breath – DIRECTOR Jonny Kight
The Future: Five Knives – DIRECTOR Lance Drake
The Initiation: Mykki Blanco – DIRECTOR Ninian Doff
Thor’s Stone: Forest Swords – DIRECTOR Dave Ma
Turn Down For What: Lil Jon and DJ Snake – DIRECTOR DANIELS
Void: Superchunk – DIRECTOR Scott Jacobson
Water Me: FKA twigs – DIRECTOR Jesse Kanda
Wishes: Beach House – DIRECTOR Eric Wareheim
Without You: Dillon Francis – DIRECTORS Mister Whitmore, Devon Gibbs
Wor: Django Django – DIRECTOR Jim Demuth
You Can’t Be My Girl: Darwin Deez – DIRECTOR Keith Schofield
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING LINE-UP
FESTIVAL CONVERSATIONS:
Dolby Institute’s The Sound of Your Story:
A Case Study of Comet – The Dolby Institute invites you to join us for a case study of this year’s festival film Comet, with director Sam Esmail and his sound team. The panel will take us through the process of designing and creating the exquisite soundtrack for the film. Panelists include writer/director Sam Esmail, producer Farnaz Fahid and sound designer Steven Iba. Moderated by Glenn Kiser of the Dolby Institute.
ESPN Nine for IX series: Short Takes on the Power of Women Athletes
– A screening of ESPN's latest series of shorts that shine the spotlight on the challenges and triumphs of women athletes followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.
Brittney Griner: Life Size – (DIRECTOR Melissa Johnson) – Life Size is a rite of passage story chronicling Brittney’s inaugural season with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls where she grows up.
Unchartered Waters – (DIRECTOR Tina Cerbone) – In 1995, Bill Koch revamped the program to begin the first all-female, America's Cup boat, Mighty Mary. This is their story.
Think Normal – (DIRECTOR Nikki Reed) – A look at Jason McElwain’s mother, Debbie, who provided her autistic son with the strength and confidence to step onto his high school basketball court and hit six three pointers in a row causing an international buzz. Think Normal looks at the woman behind the inspiring J-Mac.
Play A Round With Me – (DIRECTOR Jessica Wolfson) – In 1974, Australian golf prodigy Jan Stephenson came to the USA and shook up the staid, conservative LPGA by using sex appeal to market her image, most famously posing naked in a bathtub filled with golf balls.
Untitled Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey – (DIRECTORS The Mundo Sisters) – This short film takes an inside look at the extreme physical challenges and emotional strength required to be the world’s greatest female fighter. Rousey made history by becoming UFC’s first female Bantam Weight Champion and the #1 female MMA fighter in the world.
Funny or Die’s Make ‘em LAFF Showcase – Funny Or Die is joining forces with the Festival this year to host a mash-up comedy extravaganza celebrating diverse, unique and authentic voices in the comedy world. Featuring comedians such as Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley, Portlandia) and Jerrod Carmichael (Lucas Bros Moving Co) with additional performers to be announced. Hosted by Hasan Minhaj.,Select videos from the Make ‘em LAFF competition will screen as part of the showcase. A jury comprised of Hannibal Buress, Kumail Nanjiani, Chris Henchy, Issa Rae and Elvis Mitchell, has selected the winner who will be announced live at the event. The winner will have their next video produced by Funny Or Die and receive a talent hold deal with a cash prize presented by Fox Audience Strategy.
Love Letters to Los Angeles: Michael Connelly – A conversation with author and writer Michael Connelly about his work creating quintessential Los Angeles novels. Connelly will also reveal some of his cinematic inspirations and talk about his upcoming television series Bosch.
The Spirit of Independence Award: Sony Pictures Classics – Sony Pictures Classics co-heads Tom Bernard and Michael Barker will be presented The Spirit of Independence Award and discuss their work in a conversation with festival Artistic Director David Ansen. Followed by a screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Women Who Call the Shots: A Celebration of Women Directors & Showrunners – Esteemed women directors and showrunners share their experiences creating acclaimed shows, documentaries and narrative films, and provide insight on the state of affairs for women in the industry. Panelists include: writer/directors Nicole Holofcener (Enough Said, Lovely & Amazing), Debra Granik (Stray Dog, Winter’s Bone), Gina Prince-Bythewood (Blackbird, Love & Basketball), and showrunner Marta Kauffman (co-creator/executive producer, Friends, Grace and Frankie), with additional speakers to be announced.
DIVERSITY SPEAKS PANELS:
Diversity Speaks at the Los Angeles Film Festival Hosted by Blackhouse:
A Singleton Perspective – A conversation with Oscar® nominated filmmaker/producer John Singleton (Boyz N The Hood, Shaft, Four Brothers, 2 Fast 2 Furious) on his career and the state of film today. Moderated by Elvis Mitchell, Curator, Film Independent at LACMA.
Diversity Speaks at the Los Angeles Film Festival Hosted by Blackhouse:
Cine-Sounds – a music video showcase that highlights innovative filmmakers and artists of color who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling through their collaborations. Panelists include: Tyler The Creator and Luis Perez.
Diversity Speaks at the Los Angeles Film Festival Hosted by Blackhouse:
Leveling The Playing Field – A group of this year’s Festival Filmmakers and Film Independent Fellows, alumni of our signature diversity program, Project Involve, and Producing/Directing/Screenwriting Labs share their experiences launching their films and careers with the support of Film Independent and other like-minded media arts organizations that offer resources for emerging filmmakers. These programs have made an impact in many filmmakers careers, leading to a more leveled playing field for entering the industry. Moderated by Elvis Mitchell, Curator, Film Independent at LACMA.
MASTER CLASSES:
Costume Builds Character: Costume Design with Arianne Phillips and James Mangold – A special Master Class with esteemed costume designer Arianne Phillips and director James Mangold. Ms. Phillips has garnered two Oscar® nominations for her work in Madonna’s W.E. and Mangold’s Walk The Line. Moderated by Elvis Mitchell, Curator, Film Independent at LACMA. Supported by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
Music in Film: A Sound Journey with Atticus Ross – An evening of electronic music and conversation with Oscar® winning composer Atticus Ross (The Social Network, The Book of Eli , The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) Moderated by Elvis Mitchell, Curator, Film Independent at LACMA Supported by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
Re-Imagining L.A.: Production Design with K.K. Barrett and Jeannine Oppewall – A special Master Class with Oscar® nominated production designers KK Barrett (HER) and Jeannine Oppewall (L.A. Confidential) who will reveal how they created distinct images of Los Angeles for the screen, thus projecting iconic visions of our city into the world. Moderated by Mary Sweeney, producer/editor, Mulholland Drive.
MUSIC IN FILM AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM®:
Frank Morgan Tribute – This soulful jam session pays tribute to alto sax legend Frank Morgan, whose hell-and-back career from prodigy to heroin addict, con man and San Quentin convict to his inspirational comeback as a jazz icon is the focus of Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story. Featuring jazz greats: George Cables, piano; Ron Carter, bass; Mark Gross, alto sax; Grace Kelly, alto sax; Roy McCurdy, drums.
Intersection: Music & Film – Join us for an afternoon of music featuring actress Jena Malone's and Lem Jay Ignacio’s improvisational music project, The Shoe, and more to come.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING
Black List Live!: A Staged Reading – Join us for this one night only reading of Stephany Folsom’s 2013 Black List script 1969: A Space Odyssey, or How Kubrick Learned to Stop Worrying and Land on the Moon about a White House public affairs assistant who convinces Stanley Kubrick to fake the moon landing, just in case something goes wrong during that one small step.
Gravity Falls Live! – Actors Jason Ritter and Kristen Schaal and creator/executive producer Alex Hirsch of the hit Disney Television Animation series Gravity Falls will perform a live reading of a scene from an upcoming episode, reveal a sneak peek of season two and do an audience Q&A. Panelists include: Jason Ritter (Parenthood), Kristen Schaal (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) and Alex Hirsch. Moderated by: Doug Jones, Associate Director of Programming, Los Angeles Film Festival
Coffee Talks: The four talks will take place over the course of one day and feature Directors, Actors, Composers and Screenwriters, including; Demian Bichir (The Heat, A Better Life), Alfred Molina (An Education, Spider-Man 2), Olivia Munn (The Newsroom, Magic Mike), Doreen Ringer Ross (BMI), Mark Isham (42, A River Runs Through It), John Ottman (X-Men: Days of Future Past, The Usual Suspects), Aaron Zigman (The Other Woman, Sex and the City), Susannah Grant (The Soloist, Erin Brockovich), Ed Solomon (Now You See Me, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure) and others TBD
About The Los Angeles Film Festival
Now in its 20th year, the Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by Film Independent, showcases diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision in new American and international cinema, and provides the movie-loving public with one-of-a-kind events featuring critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world. The Festival’s signature programs include the Filmmaker Retreat, Music in Film at The GRAMMY Museum®, Celebrating Women Filmmakers, Master Classes, Spirit of Independence Award, LA Muse and more. Over 200 features, shorts, and music videos, representing more than 40 countries, make up the main body of the Festival. The Festival also screens short films created by high school students and a special section devoted to music videos. The Festival hosts juried cash awards for best narrative and documentary features, best narrative, documentary and animated short film, and a jury award for best performance in the narrative competition. Audience awards are presented to best documentary, narrative and international feature, short film and music video. The Los Angeles Film Festival is presented in conjunction with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times. The Official Host Venue is Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14. Subaru is the Official Automotive Sponsor. Relativity is a Principal Sponsor. Platinum Sponsors include HBO, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Stella Artois Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Canon U.S.A., Inc. and EFILM. The University Sponsor is Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television. Renwood Winery is the Official Wine Provider. Tanqueray is the Official Gin Provider. The Los Angeles Athletic Club is the Official Host Hotel. WireImage is the Official Photography Agency and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent. More information can be found at lafilmfest.com.
About Film Independent
Film Independent is a non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional or a film lover. Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.
With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry. For more information or to become a member, visit filmindependent.org.
About The Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of 1.5 million and 2.6 million on Sunday, more than 22 million unique latimes.com visitors monthly and a combined print and online local weekly audience of 4 million. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Times has been covering Southern California for more than 132 years.
The Los Angeles Times Media Group (LATMG) businesses and affiliates also include The Envelope, Times Community News, and Hoy Los Angeles, which, combined with the flagship Los Angeles Times, reach approximately 5.2 million or 38% of all adults in the Southern California marketplace. LATMG also owns California Community News, LLC, operates Tribune Direct LA, and is part of Tribune Company, one of the country’s leading media companies with businesses in publishing, the Internet and broadcasting. Additional information is available at latimes.com/aboutus.
About L.A. LIVE
L.A. LIVE is a 4 million square foot / $3 billion downtown Los Angeles sports and entertainment district adjacent to STAPLES Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center featuring Club Nokia, a 2,300 capacity live music venue, Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, a 7,100-seat live theatre, a 54-story, 1001-room convention “headquarters” destination (featuring The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE hotels and 224 luxury condominiums – The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE – all in a single tower), The GRAMMY Museum®, the 14-screen Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 theatre, broadcast facilities for ESPN along with entertainment, residential, restaurant and office space. Developed by Los Angeles-based AEG, L.A. LIVE, considered to be the nation’s most active ‘live content and event campus,’ also features 260,480 sf of conference center and ballroom facilities, a 100,000 sf special events deck, the famous Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge, the celebrity owned Conga Room, a one-of-a-kind GRAMMY Museum®, saluting the history of music and the genre’s best known awards show all centered around Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE, a 40,000 sf outdoor event space. L.A. LIVE showcases more events, award shows, sporting competitions, concerts and hospitality options than any other destination in the world. Visit L.A. LIVE today at http://www.lalive.com.
