Thompson on Hollywood

Focus Forward's 'Short Films, Big Ideas' Competition Hits LAFF; Offers $100K Prize for Grand-Prize Winner

News

Focus Forward first announced its $200K Filmmaker Challenge at Sundance in January, and will be at LA Film Fest starting tomorrow (June 14-24) to encourage festival attendees and emerging talent to get in on the competition as well. "Short Films, Big Ideas" will ultimately be a series of 30 three-minute nonfiction films.

By Beth Hanna
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June 13, 2012 7:37 PM
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Watch: EXCLUSIVE TRAILER of Alex Karpovsky's 'Red Flag,' LAFF Premiere June 15

Festivals

Yet another indie multi-tasker is New York actor Alex Karpovsky, who does not sit down between gigs, of which he has many. His fifth feature "Red Flag"--not to be confused with his psychological thriller "Rubberneck," which debuted at Tribeca in April-- premieres at the LA Film Festival on June 15. (Watch our exclusive trailer below.)

By Anne Thompson
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June 13, 2012 6:45 PM
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LA Film Fest Soft-Launches with Virgin Airlines Commercial 'Departure Date,' Tiffany Sponsors Sundance Fundraiser

Festivals

"I didn't know this job was about fund-raising," said new Los Angeles Film Festival director Stephanie Allain at Monday night's downtown soft-launch party in advance of the real opening night Thursday of Woody Allen's "To Rome with Love." This premiere was for Virgin Australia/Virgina Atlantic/Virgin America commercial "Departure Date."

By Anne Thompson
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June 12, 2012 8:38 PM
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LA Film Fest Announces Jurors, Includes Director Robert Townsend, Actress Rachel Harris, Critic Sheri Linden

Festivals

The Los Angeles Film Festival has announced the jurors for its narrative and documentary competitions. Director Robert Townsend ("Hollywood Shuffle," "The Five Heartbeats"), actress Rachel Harris ("Natural Selection," "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" franchise) and LA Times and Hollywood Reporter film critic Sheri Linden are among the names selected for the festival's jury. Complete list of jurors below.

By Beth Hanna
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June 7, 2012 4:49 PM
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Los Angeles Film Fest Announces Panels & Conversations, Keynote Speaker Chris McGurk

Festivals

The Los Angeles Film Festival (June 14-24), which will open with Woody Allen's "To Rome with Love" and close with Steven Soderbergh's "Magic Mike," has booked Cinedigm's Chairman and CEO Chris McGurk as its keynote speaker. The LAFF also reveals its schedule of Coffee Talks, Poolside Rants, Spotlight on the Craft, panels and conversations.

By Sophia Savage
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May 29, 2012 2:38 PM
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LAFF Announces Guest Director William Friedkin; Artists in Residence Elfman, Voltaggio & Saadiq

Festivals

Continuing to move away from their Film Independent indie branding, The Los Angeles Film Festival has named Hollywood veteran filmmaker William Friedkin as Guest Director for the 2012 Festival. The director of "The Exorcist," "The French Connection" and "To Live and Die in L.A." will screen his latest, indie fest circuit film "Killer Joe."

By Anne Thompson
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May 15, 2012 4:56 PM
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Los Angeles Film Fest Reveals Full Lineup; Will Close With A Lap Dance

Festivals

Film Independent's Los Angeles Film Festival is finalizing its full lineup. From June 14-24, the 18th annual festival will showcase nearly 200 features, shorts and music videos representing over 30 countries at its LA Live venue. Opening the fest is Woody Allen's "To Rome with Love," while Steven Soderbergh's "Magic Mike" will close with a world premiering strip dance--and we can hope, a lap dance from Channing Tatum.

By Sophia Savage
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May 1, 2012 1:43 PM
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Los Angeles Film Festival Books Galas 'Seeking Friend for End of World,' 'Beasts of Southern Wild,' 'Middle of Nowhere'

Festivals

Film Independent's 18th Los Angeles Film Festival, led by new Festival Director Stephanie Allain, has revealed three Gala Screenings for the 2012 Festival. Woody Allen's 'To Rome with Love," which just opened well in Italy, will open the fest on June 14.

By Anne Thompson
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April 23, 2012 1:36 PM
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Film Independent's LA Film Festival Is Accepting Submissions for 2012 Fest

Festivals

Film Independent’s 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival is now accepting submissions. The fest, running June 14-24, is in its 18th year. It will showcase programs including the Filmmaker Retreat, Ford Amphitheater Outdoor Screenings, Poolside Chats, Coffee Talks, a music video section and short films from high school students. Here are highlights from the 2011 festival. Submission details are below and here:    

By Sophia Savage
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November 1, 2011 7:22 AM
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HBO Doc Shows Why DA Needed Exiting Sex Crimes Unit Chief Friel's Division in Strauss-Kahn Case

There's no question that my reaction to the Dominique Strauss-Kahn case was influenced by having seen Lisa Jackson's Sex Crimes Unit, which played at the Los Angeles Film Festival before beginning its run on HBO June 20. Jackson got unprecedented access to the respected Unit of the New York District Attorney's office that specializes in sex crimes. You see how the attorneys work under unit chief Lisa Friel, who unexpectedly announced last week that she will be leaving the division.