LOS ANGELES (November 3, 2015)— The LA Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards as well as the Festival, today announced a major new partnership with ArcLight Cinemas. The 22nd edition of the LA Film Festival will take place June 1 – June 9, 2016 at ArcLight Cinemas around the city, including ArcLight Hollywood and the brand new ArcLight Santa Monica. The Festival headquarters will be at ArcLight Culver City. The 2016 call for submissions is now open.
“We are so happy to be launching this partnership with ArcLight Cinemas,” said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. “The ArcLight Cinemas are known for the highest quality projection and sound that will delight filmmakers and audiences alike. We share a mutual audience of filmmakers and film lovers who revel in unique cinematic experiences. Under Stephanie Allain’s leadership, the Festival has found its voice in echoing Film Independent’s mission to showcase diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the LA Film Festival, such a dynamic forum for filmmakers in Los Angeles,” said Gretchen McCourt, Executive Vice President, Cinema Programming, ArcLight Cinemas. “We understand and share Stephanie’s focus on diversity and showcasing female filmmaking voices. We are happy to be the new home for the LA Film Festival.”
Festival Director Stephanie Allain also announced today the promotion of Roya Rastegar to Director of Programming and the full-time hire of Jennifer Cochis as Creative Director. Elvis Mitchell continues in his role as Film Independent Curator.
“Thanks to the efforts of the programming team this past year, 40% of the feature films in the Festival were directed by women and over 30% were directed by filmmakers of color,” says Allain. “Celebrating the city of Los Angeles is a central part of the Festival’s mission and thanks to our new partnership, we’re delighted to bring our discoveries to an ArcLight near you. The 2016 call for submissions is now open!”
The Los Angeles Film Festival’s mission is to showcase diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision in independent American and international cinema. The early deadline for submissions is November 20, the official deadline is December 14, and the late deadline is January 15, 2016. Please visit www.lafilmfestival.com for submission guidelines and forms.
ABOUT THE LA FILM FESTIVAL
The Los Angeles Film Festival is a key part of the exhibition arm of Film Independent, showcasing new American and international cinema that embraces diversity, innovation and unique perspectives. The Festival produces one-of-a-kind events featuring critically acclaimed filmmakers, industry professionals, and award-winning talent from Los Angeles and around the world. The Festival’s signature programs include the Filmmaker Retreat, Music in Film, Celebrating Women Filmmakers, Master Classes, Spirit of Independence Award, Coffee Talks, LA Muse and more. The Festival also screens short films created by high school students and a special section devoted to expanded storytelling across the web, TV and gaming. Principal Sponsor is Jaeger-LeCoultre. Platinum Sponsor is EFILM | Company 3. The University Sponsor is Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television. WireImage is the Official Photography Agency. More information can be found at lafilmfestival.com.
ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is the 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 LA 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 ARCLIGHT CINEMAS
ArcLight Cinemas, created by Pacific Theatres, a privately owned, Los Angeles based company with 60 years of theatrical exhibition history throughout California, Hawaii and Washington is a premiere moviegoing experience with an unparalleled commitment to bringing a variety of rich cinematic content to moviegoers in all markets. ArcLight Cinemas operates nine theaters in California including Hollywood, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, El Segundo, Culver City and La Jolla, as well as one theater in Bethesda, Md, Glenview, Ill, and Chicago, Ill. Additional theaters opening this year include Santa Monica, CA. ArcLight also owns and operates the historic Cinerama Dome and programs the TCL Chinese Theatre and IMAX in Hollywood. Pacific Theatres currently operates theaters in Los Angeles that include The Grove and The Americana at Brand in Glendale, Calif. Additional information about ArcLight Cinemas is available at www.arclightcinemas.com/
