{"id":405,"date":"2014-06-11T10:44:49","date_gmt":"2014-06-11T17:44:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/moviesharkdeblore.com\/site\/?p=405"},"modified":"2014-10-08T11:07:51","modified_gmt":"2014-10-08T18:07:51","slug":"los-angeles-film-festival-2014-must-see-festival-films","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/behindthelensonline.net\/site\/festivals\/los-angeles-film-festival-2014-must-see-festival-films\/","title":{"rendered":"LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL 2014: MUST SEE FESTIVAL FILMS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yep.\u00a0 You read it right.\u00a0 This is the 20th Annual Los Angeles Film Festival.<\/strong>\u00a0 Running from June 11th to 19th, this is a big anniversary for LA\u2019s favorite and biggest film fest.\u00a0\u00a0 20 years.\u00a0 When I look over the list of filmmakers and actors presenting films this year, I can\u2019t help but think that some were in diapers when the festival first started and others, not even born yet.\u00a0 Technological advances over the past 20 years have opened up filmmaking, making it more accessible and more economically feasible to all, thus ever enhancing and expanding the cinematic spectrum, something that LAFF encourages and embraces not only with its festival programming, but through special festival events and year long activities and programs through parent sponsor Film Independent.<\/p>\n

\"LAFF<\/p>\n

The 20th Annual Los Angeles Film Festival <\/strong>hits the ground rocking and rolling with the North American premiere of Bong Joon-Ho\u2019s masterful SNOWPIERCER<\/strong>.\u00a0 A post-apocalyptic thriller where Earth is frozen beyond being capable of sustaining any life, thanks to the genius of one man, a rattling, clattering super-train carries not only the last survivors of the human race, but life itself, endlessly circling the planet, just waiting for the day when the world will thaw and man can once again reclaim and rebuild the Earth.\u00a0 Implementing a class system within the structure of the train, delineating the haves from the have-nots, director Bong Joon-Ho delivers an electrifying, Oscar-worthy, visual stunner that will have you on the edge of your seat, fraught with white-knuckling tension, excitement and heart pounding action.\u00a0 Even more powerful than the film\u2019s visuals however, is the underlying environmental, socio-political and geopolitical subtext and tacit commentary.<\/p>\n

\"snowpiercer<\/p>\n

A beautiful metaphor for our world as we know it, SNOWPIERCER<\/strong> warms the soul, blending Biblical end of the world elements of Noah and his two by two survivalist tactics, \u201c2012″ and climate shifting tidal waves with select people placed on floating arks, a world frozen over as in \u201cThe Day After Tomorrow\u201d, all converging within Bong Joon-Ho\u2019s visionary design where visuals meet history meet theology meet politics meet science meet the unpredictability of free will.\u00a0 Boasting an Oscar caliber and winning cast, among them, Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris, Octavia Spencer (who gets to kick some ass!), Jamie Bell, John Hurt and one of the world\u2019s favorite super-heroes, Chris Evans, SNOWPIERCER<\/strong> pierces the senses with Oscar-worthy stylization and performances while opening the eyes to a clarity of thought about the world around us.\u00a0 Wow!<\/p>\n

With almost 200 feature films from more than 40 countries, 35 premieres of which 23 are World Premieres, a terrific assortment of short films and music videos plus special events galore, SNOWPIERCER<\/strong> is only the beginning.\u00a0\u00a0 In celebration of LAFF\u2019s 20th anniversary, taking center stage this year is the LA Muse programming section focusing on the heartbeat of Los Angeles with its eclectic and diverse cultural and ethnic fabric and the filmmakers it inspires.\u00a0 No doubt about it, LAFF is one of the\u00a0 \u201cMust See\u201d Events of the year!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the crown jewels of Film Independent (of which you should be a member), LAFF returns to Downtown Los Angeles with its main venue at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live Stadium 14 but making this a true \u201cLos Angeles Experience\u201d, special events and screenings will light up the nights – and days – at Nokia Plaza, The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live with the always popular \u201cMusic In Film\u201d celebration, Bing Theater at LACMA,\u00a0 California Plaza,\u00a0 and for a real treat this year, Union Station.\u00a0\u00a0 In addition to an exceptional slate of competition films in the both the documentary and narrative categories, the Summer Showcase features are something you don\u2019t want to miss (I know how you love those sneak peek screenings!).\u00a0 And how about those Coffee Talks!\u00a0 Always entertaining, informative and inspiring. While I thought 2013 was a powerhouse year with the International Showcase and Documentary Competition films, the bar is raised even higher for 2014, just making this 20th anniversary all the more special and exceptional.<\/p>\n

With LAFF\u2019s program highlight, a Celebration of Women Filmmakers featuring conversations with Debra Granik, Nicole Holofcener, Marta Kauffman and Gina Prince-Bythewood, it\u2019s only fitting that serving as the 20th anniversary Guest Director is the award-winning Lisa Cholodenko.\u00a0\u00a0 Honored with the Spirit of Independence Award this year are Tom Bernard and Michael Barker of Sony Pictures Classics following which will be a special screening of the surprise hit of 2000, \u201cCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon\u201d.\u00a0 The fest is also screening some upcoming releases of Sony Pictures Classics, including the Centerpiece Gala LOVE IS STRANGE<\/strong> starring Alfred Molina and John Lithgow.<\/p>\n

Leave it to LAFF to have Clint Eastwood make your day on June 19th with the festival\u2019s Closing Night Gala and his much anticipated JERSEY BOYS<\/strong>.\u00a0 Starring\u00a0 Erich Bergen, Michael Lomenda, Vincent Piazza, Christopher Walken and John Lloyd Young reprising his Tony award winning performance as the legendary Frankie Valli, big girls will only be crying for more once they see Eastwood\u2019s telling of the triumphs and tragedies of The Four Seasons.\u00a0 Four of New Jersey\u2019s favorite sons, The Four Seasons helped define the music of a generation and lives on to this day.<\/p>\n

\"LAFF<\/p>\n

Always a fan favorite, the LAFF Summer Showcase boasts some early sneak peeks again this year and none more anticipated than THE BATTERED BASTARDS OF BASEBALL<\/strong>.\u00a0 A documentary based on one chapter in the life of character actor Bing Russell who, in the 1970’s, brought independent baseball back into the limelight with the Minor League Portland Mavericks.\u00a0 A true \u201cRocky\u201d underdog story, THE BATTERED BASTARDS OF BASEBALL<\/strong> shines a light on the independent spirit and energy of Russell and his team, which included his own son, actor Kurt Russell who was both a player and vice-president, and the fight to buck the Major League Baseball system for love of the game.<\/p>\n

THE BATTERED BASTARDS OF BASEBALL steps up to the plate on Sunday, June 15th at 4pm and again on the 18th at the Regal.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And what would Los Angeles Film Festival be without Family Day!\u00a0 This year on Saturday, June 14, Family Day has some every special family-friendly events planned, including a screening of Relativity\u2019s upcoming release, EARTH TO ECHO<\/strong>.\u00a0 Easily one of my favorite \u201cMust See Festival Films\u201d, EARTH TO ECHO<\/strong> is a story of friendship that brings best friends Tuck, Munch and Alex to the aid of a wayward little alien named Echo who is stranded on Earth.\u00a0 The feel good family film of the summer, EARTH TO ECHO<\/strong> melds the beauty, fun and awe of classics like \u201cStand By Me\u201d, \u201cWall-E\u201d and \u201cE.T.\u201d into a film guaranteed to make your heart smile.\u00a0 Personally, I want my own little \u201cEcho.\u201d\u00a0 Just wait until you see him on screen.\u00a0 You\u2019ll want one, too!<\/p>\n

EARTH TO ECHO screens on June 14th at 2:00 p.m. in Theater 1 at the Regal.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"DIPPER,<\/p>\n

Getting Family Day off to a rousing start though is my pal Jason Ritter who, together with Kristen Schaal and series creator\/executive producer Alex Hirsch, who will do a live table reading of a scene from their hit animated Disney Channel show GRAVITY FALLS<\/strong>, not to mention a look at what\u2019s coming up in season two. (There\u2019s those sneak peeks again!)\u00a0 The trio will also do a Q&A with you, the audience, and divulge some of those behind-the-scenes stories we always want to hear about!<\/p>\n

GRAVITY FALLS LIVE! takes place on June 14th at 11:00 a.m. in Theater 10 at the Regal.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As has now become tradition, LAFF 2014 is gonna have you dancing in the streets with a special screening of LA BAMBA<\/strong>.\u00a0 Held at Union Station on Friday, June 13th at 7:30 p.m.<\/strong>, get ready to stroll down memory lane with the cast and filmmakers of LA BAMBA<\/strong> as we celebrate the life and career of Ritchie Valens with this incredible film and Valens\u2019 indelible musical legacy.<\/p>\n

Always popular, be on the lookout for the FREE COMMUNITY SCREENINGS.\u00a0 Not only can you catch LA BAMBA<\/strong> free, but Buster Keaton\u2019s COPS<\/strong> and SHERLOCK JR<\/strong>, the latter two which will be at California Plaza on Friday, Jun 13th starting at 8:30 pm.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0 Now, I know what some of you are asking – Aren\u2019t the Buster Keaton movies \u201csilent movies\u201d?\u00a0 Indeed they are, but in keeping with the true spirit of silent movies, an original score to each film will be performed live by the\u00a0 French garage rockers Magnetix. It\u2019s never too early to start your love of classic films and the comedy of Buster Keaton at LAFF is a great way to do it.\u00a0\u00a0 Two of not only my Keaton faves but those of my dad who introduced me to Buster Keaton and the \u201csilents\u201d at a very young age, with COPS<\/strong> and SHERLOCK JR<\/strong>, kids and adults like will be rolling in the aisles with laughter.<\/p>\n

\"LAFF<\/p>\n

As wonderful as these FREE COMMUNITY SCREENINGS and Family Day events are, however, there is one film that combines the two prongs and tops them all and is, in fact, my #1 Must See Festival Film and Event out of the entire 2014 Los Angeles Film Festival.\u00a0 I AM BIG BIRD.<\/strong>\u00a0 Who doesn\u2019t love Big Bird?\u00a0 Who doesn\u2019t love the heart, the kindness, the joy of our big yellow friend, or the smile in your heart or the smile on a child\u2019s face or sparkle in his\/her eyes on seeing Big Bird?\u00a0 My own heart swelled, my spirit soared and my eyes were wet with tears of joy watching the story of Caroll Spinney, the man inside Big Bird AND Oscar the Grouch.\u00a0 Taking us down memory lane to Spinney\u2019s childhood at the age of 8 when his mom made a puppet theater for him and into the early days of \u201cSesame Street\u201d and the magic of Jim Henson\u2019s visions, we hear from Spinney himself and quickly learn that he\u2019s not just playing Big Bird, he IS Big Bird.\u00a0 A magical delight that takes us around the world with home movies, interviews, some behind the scenes Muppet magic, do not let LAFF go by without seeing I AM BIG BIRD.<\/strong><\/p>\n

To paraphrase a favorite song of generations of kids the world, the doors will open wide to happy people like you when you head on down the street to where the air is sweet – California Plaza at 4th & Grand on Saturday, June 14th at 8:30 pm for I AM BIG BIRD!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instead of a single \u201ccenterpiece gala\u201d, LAFF 2014 once again bodes three – DEAR WHITE PEOPLE<\/strong>, THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY<\/strong>, and one of my \u201cMust See Festival Films\u201d, Ira Sachs\u2019\u00a0 LOVE IS STRANGE<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0 An absolutely charming film, LOVE IS STRANGE<\/strong> is filled with tenderness and sweet moments thanks not only to Sachs\u2019 story but the richly textured and light visual tone employed by cinematographer Christos Voudouris.\u00a0 As Ben and George, partners in life and love, John Lithgow and Alfred Molina do a masterful dance of soft nuance and emotion, facing the challenges of life and love but never losing the love and respect at the heart of the characters\u2019 relationship, the performances themselves and the message to us all about the power of love.\u00a0 A beautiful film indeed.\u00a0 LOVE IS STRANGE<\/strong> screens Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Leon S. Bing Theatre at LACMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since LAFF 2014 is celebrating Los Angeles with the LA Muse films<\/strong>, let\u2019s take a look at some of the highlights\u00a0 in this category.\u00a0 An eclectic line-up, LA Muse boasts:<\/p>\n