{"id":12161,"date":"2015-06-10T03:18:49","date_gmt":"2015-06-10T10:18:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/moviesharkdeblore.com\/site\/?p=12161"},"modified":"2015-06-10T10:45:34","modified_gmt":"2015-06-10T17:45:34","slug":"los-angeles-film-festival-2015-must-see-festival-films","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/behindthelensonline.net\/site\/festivals\/los-angeles-film-festival-2015-must-see-festival-films\/","title":{"rendered":"LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL 2015: MUST SEE FESTIVAL FILMS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hard to believe that LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL<\/strong> is entering its third decade as one of the crown jewels of film festivals but, officially running June 10th through 18th after a couple pre-fest sneak peaks at DOPE<\/strong> and Pixar’s upcoming INSIDE OUT<\/strong>, that\u2019s exactly what\u2019s happening.\u00a0 And right along with LAFF, is my 21st year of bringing you opening day \u201cMust See Festival Films\u201d coverage.<\/p>\n

\"LAFF15_24x36_Poster_102914_v10.1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kicking off the 21st LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL<\/strong> is none other than Lily Tomlin and her latest film GRANDMA<\/strong>.\u00a0 Tomlin, this year\u2019s Spirit of Independence recipient, is always a thrill to see and here is no different.\u00a0 Filled with piss and vinegar, Tomlin plays Elle, a once lauded poet now reduced to the poverty of academia.\u00a0 Going through the throws of a break-up with a much younger girlfriend after the death of her partner of 38 years, leave it to Elle\u2019s high school granddaughter Sage to give her something else to worry.\u00a0 Sage is pregnant and needs $600 for an abortion – today – money GRANDMA doesn\u2019t have.\u00a0 Needless to say, as is usually the case in life, it\u2019s GRANDMA to the rescue which sets the wheels of comedy in motion.\u00a0 Joining Tomlin with some heartfelt moments and laughs of their own are Judy Greer, Laverne Cox, Marcia Gay Harden and Sam Elliott, among others.\u00a0 In one of her final screen appearances, longtime friend and supporter to LAFF and Film Independent, Elizabeth Pena also graces the screen.\u00a0 Written and Directed by Paul Weitz, GRANDMA will undoubtedly get Los Angeles Film Festival off to a riotous start!<\/p>\n

\"LAFF<\/a>
Grandma<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And where there is a beginning, there must be an ending and Los Angeles Film Festival is no exception.\u00a0 Capping off the Festival on June 18th, for the first time in its 21 year history, LAFF will include a Live Read presentation when writer\/director\/producer\/actor Eli Roth directs a Live Read of \u201cFast Times at Ridgemont High.\u201d\u00a0 Although the cast has not yet been announced, check Twitter and @LAFilmFest for the surprise announcements during the Fest.\u00a0 (How fun would it be to have a surprise appearance by Sean Penn?)<\/p>\n

But before we get to the end, there\u2019s plenty of things to see and do, so let\u2019s head to Downtown Los Angeles.\u00a0 For the sixth year the LAFF main venue is at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live Stadium 14, with events once again held \u201coff campus\u201d throughout Los Angeles, making this a truly LA-centric event.\u00a0 And hand-in-hand with that is the returning LA Muse Section focusing on the heartbeat of Los Angeles with its eclectic and diverse cultural and ethnic fabric and the filmmakers it inspires.<\/p>\n

\"I<\/a>
I Am Thalente<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This year, the Festival has stirred the pot a bit, realigning cinematic categories for competition, introducing new ones, and shifting its focus to also include the burgeoning digital media\u00a0 platform.\u00a0 New this year are the U.S. Fiction and World Fiction Competitions, as well as Launch, Buzz, Nightfall and Zeitgeist programs which join old friends LA Muse and Documentary categories.\u00a0 Perhaps one of the most interesting and diverse categories is the Launch section which showcases independent storytelling through digital media, including podcasts, digital activism shorts, music videos, web series and interactive games.\u00a0 Of the six competition categories this year, LAFF boasts 53 Premieres, 39 World Premieres, six International Premieres, four North American Premieres and four U.S. Premieres. Of these, 26 of the World, International and North American Premieres are in the U.S. Fiction, Documentary and World Fiction competition categories.\u00a0 All told, Los Angeles Film Festival 2015 boasts a truly international slate of 74 feature films, 60 short films and over 50 new media works.\u00a0 Just to show you how universal the language of film is, Los Angeles Film Festival is presenting films spanning 35 countries around the globe, including but not limited to, Cuba, the Russian Federation, Iran (yes, Iran!), Colombia, South Korea, Japan, a joint venture film between Palestine, Israel and the United Kingdom, Sweden, Mexico, Senegal, Australia and Norway!<\/p>\n

\"French<\/a>
French Dirty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning this year is the ever popular Coffee Talks.\u00a0 With four sessions on Saturday, June 13th, you\u2019ll hear from some of the best and brightest in the film industry today, including director Colin Trevorrow, actors Kathryn Hahn, David Koechner, Bryce Dallas Howard and Alfre Woodard, writers David S. Goyer, Meg LeFauve and Melisa Wallack.\u00a0 Having interviewed all of these panelists but for one over the years, I can honestly say the Coffee Talks are \u201cMust See\u201d events!<\/p>\n

And be on the lookout for those Centerpiece Galas which include the World Premiere of THE FINAL GIRLS<\/strong>, the premiere of the new MTV and Dimension TV\u2019s SCREAM<\/strong> based on the horror film franchise of the same name, and SEOUL SEARCHING<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Out<\/a>
Out of My Hand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And of course, who doesn\u2019t like free stuff!\u00a0 (Just ask any press person out there!)\u00a0 Los Angeles Film Festival knows you do and fills that hunger with some terrific FREE programming.\u00a0 A top pick is on Saturday, June 13th, head on over to FIG at 7th for an 8pm screening of LOVE & BASKETBALL<\/strong>.\u00a0 Filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood will be on hand along with her cast for this 15th anniversary screening.\u00a0\u00a0 And who doesn\u2019t love Roger Rabbit?\u00a0 Relive all the fun and frolic of Roger, Jessica Rabbit, Eddie Valiant and Judge Doom with a free screening of WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT?<\/strong> at Union Station on Friday, June 12th at 8pm.\u00a0\u00a0 Fun for the whole family!\u00a0 But a\u00a0 real \u201cMust See\u201d for Angelenos is BRIDGING THE DIVIDE: TOM BRADLEY AND THE POLITICS OF RACE<\/strong>.\u00a0 Making its World Premiere on Sunday, June 14th at 1:30 at the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live, director Lyn Goldfarb traces the history of Tom Bradley and his bridging of the racial divide by becoming the first black mayor elected by an overwhelming white voting population.\u00a0 A panel discussion on police and citizen relations follows.\u00a0 In these politically and racially charged times, you can count on this being a full house!<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Confines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A category often overlooked is that of the Future Filmmakers Showcase.\u00a0 This year LAFF will be screening 27 short films from high school students from around the country.\u00a0 Key to the continuance of cinematic excellence in future generations, it\u2019s these budding filmmakers that will be the Spielbergs, Scorseses, Lucases and Hitchcocks of tomorrow.\u00a0 Making Future Filmmakers particularly dear to me is that this year marks the first awarding of the Ed Elias Future Filmmaker Awards.\u00a0 Created in honor of my father, a 60 year\u00a0 broadcast television veteran whose work dates back to the late 1940’s, and who was an untold source of support and hands-on instruction throughout my career, both behind the camera and as a film critic, this is my way of paying it forward with support to a new generation.\u00a0 Three high school filmmakers will be the recipients of these awards on Saturday, June 13th following a day of Future Filmmaker screenings.<\/p>\n

I suspect that the Launch Section will prove a new Festival favorite with events that include things like \u201cMaking Cool Sh*t: The Music Videos of OK Go\u201d (a showcase of OK Go music videos and Q&A with Damian Kulash), \u201cEpisodes: Indie Series from the Web\u201d, \u201cMovies For Your Ears: Making Picture-less Films\u201d on the art of the podcast courtesy of Jonathan Mitchell and his podcast The Truth, \u201cInteractive Storytelling: IndieCade Gaming Favorites\u201d, \u201c#BlackLifeBlackProtest\u201d, plus multiple ways of making you laugh with \u201cJASH Presents: An Evening of Buh Comedy\u201d and the comedy showcase \u201cFunny or Die\u2019s Make \u2018em LAFF Showcase\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Manson<\/a>
Manson Family Vacation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This year\u2019s U.S. Fiction Competition has 10 contenders vying for a Jury Prize of which 9 are World Premieres:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 3rd Street Blackout, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 A Country Called Home, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Bastards Y Diablos, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 The Girl in the Book, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 How He Fell in Love, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 It\u2019s Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Mekko, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Out of My Hand, N. American Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Puerto Ricans in Paris, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Too Late, World Premiere<\/p>\n

The Documentary Competition is tighter than ever with 12 films slated and again, 7 are World Premieres.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 A New High, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 The Babuskhas of Chernobyl, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Be Here Now (The Andy Whitfield Story), World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Catching the Sun, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 In a Perfect World, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Incorruptible, International Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Love Between the Covers, U.S. Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Maiko: Dancing Child, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Missing People, U.S. Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 My Love, Don\u2019t Cross That River, U.S. Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Oriented, International Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Treasure; From Tragedy to Trans Justice, Mapping a Detroit Story, World Premiere<\/p>\n

Not to be outdone, the World Fiction Competition has 8 entries this year:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0 Atomic Heart, North American Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Ayanda and the Mechanic, World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Elvira, Te Daria Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando (Elvira, I\u2019d Give You My Life But I\u2019m Using It), International Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Flocking (Flocken), North American Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Las Malas Lenguas (Sweet and Vicious), World Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 A Midsummer\u2019s Fantasia, U.S. Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 Sin Alas (Without Wings), International Premiere
\n\u2022\u00a0 White Moss (Belyy Yagel), International Premiere<\/p>\n

\"LAFF<\/a>
Ayanda<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A standout \u201cMust See\u201d in the World Fiction Competition is AYANDA AND THE MECHANIC<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Directed by Sara Blecher from script by Trish Malone, this is the story of a young Afro-hipster in Johannesburg, South Africa.\u00a0 Gifted in restoration and turning old things or junk into something of value by \u201cbringing them back to love\u201d, Ayanda eventually decides to focus her attention on saving her deceased father\u2019s beloved auto garage and fulfill her dreams of auto restoration while preserving her father\u2019s legacy.\u00a0 With singular focus, she plows forward enlisting the help of two trusted friends while ignoring those around her, including her mother, who holds the key to Ayanda\u2019s future if Ayanda will only take time to look at the past.<\/p>\n

A beautifully lensed film courtesy of cinematographer Jonathan Kovel, AYANDA celebrates and captures the cultural and regional vibrancy while infusing the film with a unique and infectious energy.\u00a0 Whimsical touches of animated Ayanda\u2019s \u201cdesign boards\u201d serve as charming flashback and scene transitions.\u00a0 Malone delivers a nuanced script with strongly detailed characters that come to life through some well oiled, fresh\u00a0 performances.\u00a0 Fulo Moguvhani is nothing short of luminous. in the title role with strong supporting performances.<\/p>\n

Take a ride to the Regal and visit with AYANDA AND THE MECHANIC on Saturday, June 13the at 4:15pm.\u00a0 The cast and crew will be on hand for a post-screening Q&A.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"LAFF<\/a>
The Diary of a Teenage Girl<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This year\u2019s Buzz Section spotlights Los Angeles premieres of celebrated and award-winning favorites from around the world.\u00a0 One of my \u201cMust See\u201d faves in Buzz is the soon to be released THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL<\/strong> from director Marielle Heller.\u00a0 Written by Heller from Phoebe Gloeckner\u2019s novel of the same name, this is a unique coming of age story circa 1976.\u00a0 16-year old Minnie is in lust and having an affair with her mom\u2019s boyfriend; and she\u2019s keeping a daily cassette taped diary of her adventures – in a box – under her bed.<\/p>\n

Boasting a strong cast with Kristen Wiig, Alexander Skarsgard and as the \u201cteenage girl\u201d Minnie, Bel Powley,\u00a0 Powley is the heart of the film and carries its weight well.\u00a0 An emotional powerhouse, with a gift for emotive expressiveness, Powley can turn on a dime from a childish, coquettish uncertain innocence to self-perceived maturity without missing a beat.\u00a0 Skarsgard is simply divine while Wiig, as Minnie\u2019s mother Charlotte, adds a welcoming depth and layering to her performance we have only recently started to see from her.<\/p>\n

Reminiscent in some respects of \u201cFish Tank\u201d, an indie film which helped launch Michael Fassbender, Heller avoids the pitfalls of thematic darkness and adds a layer of lightness thanks to fantasy animations and dreamlike diary entries that enchant and entertain.\u00a0 Brandon Trost\u2019s cinematography is period perfect while embracing Jonah Markowitz\u2019 production design and flawless hair, make-up and costuming.<\/p>\n

One diary you definitely want to \u201cread\u201d, check out THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL on June 13th at 5:45pm in Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE 10.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Jimmy's<\/a>
Jimmy’s Hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There\u2019s also a lot of \u201cbuzz\u201d about Ken Loach\u2019s JIMMY\u2019S HALL<\/strong>.\u00a0 James Gralton remains to this day the only Irishman ever deported from Ireland. An Irish communist\/socialist leader, an activist, Gralton originally traveled to the United States in 1909 where he worked a variety of jobs and learned much of the world.\u00a0 On his return to Ireland in 1921, he built a dance hall for his rural community hometown.\u00a0 The Pearse-Connolly Hall.\u00a0 It became a place where the youth of the rural rolling hills could come to talk, to read, to learn the arts, to socialize and dance.\u00a0\u00a0 Unfortunately, the more popular the Hall became, the more the elders of the community wanted it closed.\u00a0 Eventually the Hall was closed and Gralton forced to flee the country for America.<\/p>\n

Returning home to Ireland a decade later, at the urging of the young people and seeing a need for it, Gralton reopened the Hall.\u00a0 And once again, he faced the wrath of the opposing politicians and the church who deemed the Hall \u201cdangerous\u201d.\u00a0 Determined to close the Hall once and for all, the local priest, and all those in opposition would stop at nothing to destroy the happiness and freedoms found with JIMMY\u2019S HALL.<\/p>\n

Written by Paul Laverty based on Donal O\u2019Kelly\u2019s play and the life of James Gralton, JIMMY\u2019S HALL features indelible performances by Barry Ward and Simone Kirby.\u00a0 As comes as no surprise, the lush greenery bucolic nature of early 20th century rural Ireland is captured in all its rustic beauty both visually and emotionally under the guiding hands of Loach and Laverty.<\/p>\n

A small hidden gem of history, JIMMY\u2019S HALL plays June 15th at 8:45pm in Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE 9.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"People,<\/a>
People, Places, Things<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And catch the delightfully buzzworthy PEOPLE PLACES THINGS<\/strong> now before it releases later this summer.\u00a0 An absolute charmer, PPT bodes a new level of performance for Jemaine Clement who stars as Will Henry, a struggling graphic novelist and college professor.\u00a0 Celebrating his twin daughters\u2019 5th birthday, the atmosphere becomes anything but happy when longtime girlfriend Charlie is caught cheating on Will with their friend Gary, whom she now wants over Will.\u00a0 Fast forward one year and Will, while alone, has an incredible father-daughter relationship with his girls.\u00a0 Pushed by one of his students to \u201cmove on\u201d, she fixes Will up with her mother Diane.\u00a0 As Will tries to navigate the uncharted waters of dating, fatherhood, and fulfilling his own dreams as a graphic novelist, heartfelt humor ensues to delightful result.<\/p>\n

Written and directed by Jim Strouse, Jemaine Clement stars as Will and delivers one of the most thoughtful and engaging performances of his career.\u00a0 With strongly nuanced comedic chemistry, Regina Hall proves a delight as Diane, as we watch the relationship dynamic of Will and Diane, while Stephanie Allyne adds her own comedic notes to Charlie.\u00a0 Sweet whimsy is found from beginning to end, starting with the opening titles and continuing through the film as peppered throughout are charming \u201ccomic book\u201d drawings and panels done by Gray Williams which serve as Will\u2019s artwork and storytelling tools.\u00a0 Icing on the cake is Mark Orton\u2019s score which captures the lighter whimsy of Will.<\/p>\n

PEOPLE PLACE THINGS premieres on June 13th at 5pm in Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE 8.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"In<\/a>
In Football We Trust<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are you ready for some football?\u00a0 IN FOOTBALL WE TRUST<\/strong> is another part of the Buzz line-up.\u00a0 First time feature filmmakers Tony Vainuku and Erika Cohn were given unprecedented access to the Polynesian community in Salt Lake City, Utah to tell the story of what is known in the football world as the \u201cPolynesian Pipeline\u201d.\u00a0 Despite only 240,000 Samoans and Tongans in the United States, they are 28 times more likely to play in the NFL.\u00a0 Seeing themselves as \u201ca line of warriors\u201d, football is taken very seriously in the Polynesian community as it often serves as a gateway out of a somewhat impoverished community and into a better life, particularly in the eyes of the parents.<\/p>\n

Shot over the course of four years, Vainuku and Cohn honed in on four high school players – Harvey Langi, brothers Leva and Vita Bloomfield, and Fihi Kaufusi – and tackled not only their individual journeys, but that of the community, the culture and the individual families.<\/p>\n

A fascinating mix of game and locker room footage, candid interviews with the players and their families, coaches and NFL professionals, we see the unvarnished truth of unfolding events that impact the boys\u2019 futures, making IN FOOTBALL WE TRUST is a \u201cMust See Festival Film.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 And definitely, stay for the credits for some post-script follow-up on the boys.<\/p>\n

IN FOOTBALL WE TRUST scores a touchdown on June 17th at 8pm in Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE 9.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Drew: No Excuse, Just Produce<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If football\u2019s not your thing, how about basketball with THE DREW: NO EXCUSE, JUST PRODUCE<\/strong>?\u00a0 One of my top five \u201cMust See Festival Films\u201d, THE DREW is quintessential Los Angeles and a hot contender in the LA Muse competition.<\/p>\n

Produced, written and directed\u00a0 by former NBA player and Emmy nominated producer Baron Davis and co-directed by Chad Gordon, THE DREW: NO EXCUSE, JUST PRODUCE chronicles the story of one of the most famous pro-am basketball showcases in the country.\u00a0 Founded in South L.A. in 1973, and helmed for decades by Dino Smiley, a ball boy turned commissioner and a pillar in the Los Angeles community, the league has long served not only as a means to hone the skills of players, but it has long given the people of South Central, and particularly the youth, an alternative to gang life and crime.<\/p>\n

THE DREW is a documentary that touches the very core of heart, family, community.\u00a0 Filled with archival footage on and off the court meshed with that of present day, the history of the league and the significance of the recent NBA lockout which served as a league turning point are succinctly interwoven.\u00a0 Interviews with players, community members and even some members from \u201cThe Original Six\u201d are interesting, passionate and compassionate.<\/p>\n

Sanctuary.\u00a0 Redemption.\u00a0 Family.\u00a0 Community. Basketball.\u00a0 That is what THE DREW is all about.<\/p>\n

Good for more than a few three-pointers, THE DREW: NO EXCUSE, JUST PRODUCE scores big with a World Premiere screening on June 13th at 6pm in Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE 11.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Sweet<\/a>
Sweet Micky for President<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How about a little politics to make your film festival?\u00a0 LAFF has two exceptional ones this year.\u00a0 First up,\u00a0 SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT<\/strong>.\u00a0 From its opening titles of vintage travel reels for Haiti, we are swept into the tropical paradise but then quickly shaken from nostalgic slumber with archival news footage of the collapse of democracy with the reign of \u201cPapa Doc\u201d Duvalier\u00a0 and then shaken again with the devastation of the country on January 12, 2010.\u00a0\u00a0 Enter Pras Michel of The Fugees, a Haitian native whose parents emigrated to the United States when he was child.<\/p>\n

10 months after that January earthquake, Michel is concerned for his native country.\u00a0 The country is still in ruins and only the third presidential election in the history of the country is around the country.\u00a0 Due to the ongoing chaos, Michel fears nothing positive will come of the election.\u00a0 That fear serves as the impetus for Michel to get involved and we are introduced to \u201cSweet Micky\u201d aka Michel Martelly, Haiti\u2019s answer to Michael Jackson.<\/p>\n

Joining forces, Michel and Martelly mobilize a presidential campaign for Martelly.\u00a0 With no political experience, a country in turmoil, corrupt government in place, the two face an uphill battle.\u00a0 With additional support from Hollywood powerhouses like Sean Penn and Ben Stiller, Martelly gains traction only to falter in the final days leading up to the election thanks to a new hat thrown in the ring, that of Wyclef Jean, former bandmate of Pras Michel.\u00a0 And then Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the beloved former Haitian president removed from office in a coup d\u2019etat and who has been in exile in Africa for 7 years, appears.<\/p>\n

Directed by Ben Patterson, Pras Michel handles narration of the film.\u00a0 With an effective and engaging ease, Michel personalizes the story while Patterson\u2019s camera mirrors the intimacy.\u00a0 A fascinating documentary that sheds more light on Haiti than just being the benefactor of a post-earthquake George Clooney relief telethon, SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT is an enlightening journey.<\/p>\n

Cast your vote for SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT on June 11th at 8:30pm at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE 11.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"LAFF<\/a>
Incorruptible<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But it\u2019s not just Haiti with an electoral story.\u00a0 Senegal has an equally volatile political tale that grabbed the attention of the world stage in 2012 with the presidential campaigns of incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade and the strongest of 14 opponents, Macky Sall.\u00a0 Competing in the Documentary category, INCORRUPTIBLE<\/strong> lifts the story right from the headlines, creating a clear and cogent timeline of a battle for democracy in an ever increasingly corrupt political machine.\u00a0 With the country\u2019s youth (70% of Senegalese are under age 30) mobilized as Y\u2019en a Marre (\u201cEnough Is Enough\u201d) , protests waged against 12 years of Wade\u2019s corruption.\u00a0 With Sall claiming to want a return to true democracy and various factions and supporters of all concerned pleading their respective cases, director Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and her cameras capture it all, including the military brutality of Wade\u2019s regimen.<\/p>\n

Raw visceral footage rocks you to the core as the camera shakes when the police throw bombs into mosques during prayer time or randomly shoot and kill citizens attending a political rally.\u00a0 Bombings become commonplace during rallies and candidate appearances with all believed at the direction of Wade.\u00a0 Campaign promises are at the ready, but can or will, anyone deliver on them.\u00a0 Thoughtful crafting of the documentary lays out the history, the politics and the socio-economic concerns of the country to give an understanding of the unfolding madness.\u00a0 Particularly effective is the tension felt on election night as votes are coming in.\u00a0\u00a0 The cries for a return to democracy ring loud in what was once one of Africa\u2019s oldest and most stable democracies.<\/p>\n

Addressing questions that confront the country as a whole, INCORRUPTIBLE shows us the unvarnished process of the power of the people and asks today\u2019s question – Where do we go from here?<\/p>\n

INCORRUPTIBLE makes its position known on June 15th at 3:30pm in Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE 1<\/strong>2.<\/p>\n

\"LAFF<\/a>
Catching the Sun<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An exceedingly strong category, another \u201cMust See\u201d documentary is eco-activist Shalini Kantayya\u2019s CATCHING THE SUN<\/strong>.\u00a0 Premised on the need – and race – for clean energy, and positing the question can the US shift to clean energy with solar power AND create jobs for the middle class work force in the process,\u00a0 Kantayya focuses on individuals daring to make a difference in this challenging transition.\u00a0 With everyone from a college dropout turned solar installer to a Green Tea Party activist taking on corporate America deep in the heart of Georgia to a Japanese CEO looking towards the future of global solar markets to the town of Richmond, California in the throes of solar conversion, Kantayya opens our eyes to a brighter – and cleaner future of renewable solar energy, putting the \u201cpower\u201d in the hands of the people.<\/p>\n

LAFF shines a spotlight on CATCHING THE SUN on June 11, 2015 at 6:15 PM at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE 9.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Love<\/a>
Love Between the Covers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the most fascinating documentaries of the fest (and you may be surprised by this) is all about love; well, LOVE BETWEEN THE COVERS,<\/strong> the covers of books that is.\u00a0 A real page turner, director Laurie Kahn takes us into the world of the romance novel.\u00a0 From writing to publishing, art to production, titling to cover direction, writers to fans to the billion dollar a year business of romance and the importance of social media to the process, Kahn leaves no page unturned.\u00a0 Engaging interviews and discussions from romance novelists Nora Roberts, Mary Bly, Beverly Jenkins, Jayen Anne Krentz and others, LOVE BETWEEN THE COVERS trace the enduring appeal of the 1000 year old archetypes that spawn the H.E.A. (Happily Ever After) and the writers\u2019 keys to the \u201clove conquers all\u201d = reader expectation formula.\u00a0 And we meet the readers and learn of their voracity for the genre as well as readers turned writers through the ages.\u00a0 Music is catchy and adds its own layer of fun to the mix.<\/p>\n

See why romance rules with the premiere of LOVE BETWEEN THE COVERS on June 14th at 6:15pm at the Regal L.A. Live.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"SheVenge\"<\/a>
SheVenge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you get a chance to check out some of the short films this year, two are absolute \u201cMust See.\u201d\u00a0 The first is SHEVENGE<\/strong>.\u00a0 Fresh off a sold-out performance at Dances With Films, SHEVENGE is killer!\u00a0 Directed by \u201cBuffy the Vampire Slayer\u2019s Amber Benson, the script is written by David Greenman from a story by Megan Lee Joy and Jessica Sherif.\u00a0 Talk about a fun premise, SHEVENGE follows BFF\u2019s – Sam, Taylor and Charley – as they fantasize and plot revenge on their boyfriends during a wine-laden slumber party.\u00a0 A genre mash-up of horror, fantasy and action, the girls jump in and out of favorite genres through notable tv and film fantasy touchstones. And fear not.\u00a0 It\u2019s clear that Benson learned much from being a player in the World of Whedon.<\/p>\n

Thanks to hilarious tongue-in-cheek dialogue and cinematographer Eric Petersen\u2019s fluidity and creative dutching with eye-popping saturated visuals, the stakes get higher and the laughter greater when you see \u201cGeneral Hospital\u2019s\u201d own Emme Rylan (aka Lulu Spencer) fantasize SHEVENGE on her significant other played by \u201cBones\u201d squintern Eugene Byrd (aka Dr. Clark Addison) in a hilarious vintage send-up.\u00a0 Icing on the cake are some nice scoring notes from Greg Butler.<\/p>\n

SHEVENGE is devilishly delicious fun and plays in the Shorts Programs this weekend!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Also keep your eye out for the Morgan Spurlock produced CRAFTED<\/strong>.\u00a0 A culinary exploration of the craftsmanship of not only food, but of the instruments used in preparation thereto.\u00a0 Focusing on the chefs of Bar Tartine in San Francisco with food preparation, the craftsmen behind Georgia\u2019s Bloodroot Blades and Japan\u2019s Nagatani-en, we are taken around the world and treated to sumptuous visuals lensed with as much care as the painstaking laborious processes of making things one cares about by hand.\u00a0 Harkening to days of yore when everything was made by hand and pride went into every meal cooked, every ceramic pot baked and every knife forged, CRAFTED opens the eyes to \u201cperfection\u201d.<\/p>\n

CRAFTED is part of the two day Shorts Program<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Maiko:<\/a>
Maiko: Dancing Child<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of my top \u201cMust See Festival Films\u201d is found in the Documentary Competition.\u00a0 MAIKO: DANCING CHILD<\/strong> leaps off the screen with visual and emotional beauty and texture, thanks not only to the story of prima ballerina Maiko, but the music of Tchaikovsky and luxurious rich cinematography, particularly during renowned ballet performances.<\/p>\n

Maiko Neshino is the prima ballerina of the Norwegian National Ballet.\u00a0 As a small child, her dream was to dance Swan Lake.\u00a0 Her mother, seeing Maiko\u2019s talent and feeling her passion, sacrificed everything to make Maiko\u2019s dreams come true.\u00a0 Now, as Maiko hears her biological clock ticking, she must decide where her future lies.\u00a0 Will she pay the ultimate sacrifice?\u00a0 Will she\u00a0 forego her dream to dance \u201cSwan Lake\u201d?\u00a0 Or give up her dream of becoming a mother?\u00a0 And an even greater question, can she make the kind of sacrifices her own mother made?<\/p>\n

First time documentarians \u00c5se Svenheim-Drivenes and Anita Rehoff Larsen delve into Maiko\u2019s Japanese upbringing with home videos of her childhood in Japan, and explore its impact on the training and dedication which formed the core of her life, making her the prima ballerina she is today.\u00a0 A tacit study of mother and daughter provides a strong subtext to Maiko\u2019s own values and thought process, shedding light on an insecurity hidden beneath a strong facade.\u00a0 With just snippets of conversations interspersed throughout and no voiceover or narration, the filmmakers allow the music heard during performances and Maiko\u2019s rigorous training to flow and set the pacing and tone of the film.\u00a0 Interesting camera work diverts attention beyond the expected, drawing your eye visually while auditory senses become almost hypnotic as the familiar familiar orchestral strains of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Swan Lake” crescendos speak to the soul.<\/p>\n

Marking its World Premiere at Los Angeles Film Festival, MAIKO: DANCING CHILD dances onto the Regal 10 screen at 3:55pm on June 14th.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"laff<\/a>
Fan Girl<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So let\u2019s not keep you in suspense any longer.\u00a0 My #1 Must See Festival Film for the 21st Annual Los Angeles Film Festival.<\/strong>\u00a0 But there\u2019s a catch to this one.\u00a0 This is a Members Only Screening!\u00a0\u00a0 You must be a member of Film Independent to attend.\u00a0 Not a problem though because you still have time to become a member.\u00a0 Just go to www.filmindependent.org\/membership and join and you can see my #1 pick of LAFF – FAN GIRL!!!\u00a0<\/strong> Directed by Paul Jarret, in his feature debut, from a script by Gina O\u2019Brien in her sophomore outing, FAN GIRL stars Kiernan Shipka who continues on her meteoric on screen rise.\u00a0 Joining her are up and comers\u00a0 Josh Boone, Kara Hayward, Nicole Coulon and Beanie Feldstein along with veterans Meg Ryan and – wait for it – Scott Adsit (better known as \u201cBaymax\u201d) as the high school film teacher everyone of us wishes they had!!\u00a0 A real bonus is the indie rock band All Time Low who deliver some killer performances and a soundtrack that is a \u201cmust have\u201d.<\/p>\n

The story of 15-year old Telulah Farrow obsessed with punk music and making movies, FAN GIRL captures the very spirit of a film festival, culminating in celebratory joy, elation and youthful exuberance.\u00a0 Ironically, Telulah spends the film working towards a final film project that could end up in a film festival AND be judged by none other than Tina Fey.\u00a0 As so many filmmakers do, Telulah tries to meld her loves into her film, with the aid of friends and frenemies, and a perpetual high school senior film partner named Darvan.<\/p>\n

Garcia delivers a smart and witty script perfectly melding high school life, music and film, that is only elevated further with whip smart, fast-talking, rapier performances by Shipka and Josh Boone as Darvan.\u00a0 And it\u2019s not often we get to see Scott Adsit as animated in live action as he is here, but he is not to be missed!\u00a0 From Alexandra Kaucher\u2019s production design to some eye-catching cinematography (and nicely done film-within-a-film moments) from Brian Burgoyne highlighted with Phyllis Housen\u2019s well-paced editing, trust me when I say, you\u2019ll be a huge fan of FAN GIRL by film\u2019s end!<\/p>\n

FAN GIRL screens on Monday, June 15th at 6pm.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Band<\/a>
Band of Robbers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are plenty of films at Los Angeles Film Festival that I am still looking forward to, among them, THE CONFINES<\/strong> with Jason Patric, the modern retelling of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn with BAND OF ROBBERS<\/strong>, A BEAUTIFUL NOW<\/strong> with LAFF alum Abigail Breslin.\u00a0 And yes, while some of the films screened didn\u2019t make the \u201cMust See\u201d list, they have some standout elements.\u00a0 For example, IN THE TREETOPS<\/strong> has some lovely unfettered sound design while OUT OF MY HAND<\/strong> bodes a strong performance from Bishop Blay as well as a cast of newcomers from Liberia.\u00a0 And POCHA (MANIFEST DESTINY)<\/strong> is a powerful emotional thriller.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Film Festival 2015 runs from June 10th to 18th\u00a0 with the majority of screenings and events taking place at Regal Cinemas in the L.A. Live complex in Downtown Los Angeles. Parking is at a special reduced festival rate ($10.00 per day) and tickets and passes are still available!! For complete information on the festival line up and to purchase tickets, go to the festival website at www.lafilmfest.com<\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As always, look for my full reviews of these films and many more, as well as my exclusive 1:1 interviews with the filmmakers, on Adrenaline Radio on \u201cBehind The Lens\u201d, plus in print and online at, among others, www.moviesharkdeblore.com.<\/p>\n

Happy Festing!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hard to believe that LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL is entering its third decade as one of the crown jewels of film festivals but, officially running June 10th through 18th after a couple pre-fest sneak peaks at DOPE and Pixar’s upcoming INSIDE OUT, that\u2019s exactly what\u2019s happening.\u00a0 And right along with LAFF, is my 21st year […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12183,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,54,7],"tags":[2968,2955,2973,2963,2966,2970,2959,2975,2961,2957,106,3801,2901,2969,2954,2974,2958,2971,2964,2967,2960,2972,2956,2962,2965],"class_list":["post-12161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-festivals","category-los-angeles-film-festival","category-news","tag-amber-benson","tag-ayanda-and-the-mechanic","tag-band-of-robbers","tag-baron-davis","tag-catching-the-sun","tag-fan-girl","tag-in-football-we-trust","tag-in-the-treetops","tag-incorruptible","tag-jimmys-hall","tag-laff","tag-los-angeles-film-festival","tag-love-between-the-covers","tag-maiko-dancing-child","tag-must-see-festival-films","tag-out-of-my-hand","tag-people-places-things","tag-pocha-manifest-destiny","tag-pras-michel","tag-shevenge","tag-sweet-micky-for-president","tag-the-confines","tag-the-diary-of-a-teenage-girl","tag-the-drew-no-excuse-just-produce","tag-the-fugees"],"yoast_head":"\nLOS 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